The Business of Stories: How Publishers Navigate Rights, Markets and the Future of Books

On the opening day of the 16th Sharjah International Publishers Conference, more than 1,400 publishers gathered to explore the intricate mechanics of literary commerce, from translation rights to screen adaptation, charting new pathways for books to reach global audiences.

The mechanics of modern publishing extend far beyond the printed page. As the publishing world converges in Sharjah, conversations that once belonged to quiet editorial offices now unfold across thirty simultaneous roundtables, each examining a different facet of how books generate value in an increasingly interconnected marketplace.

On the opening day of the 16th Sharjah International Publishers Conference, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, publishers explored the translation of intellectual property across media and geography. Paola Francesca Corsini, a dramatic rights specialist, examined how books transition into film and television, while rights specialists from Finland, Bulgaria and beyond discussed the mechanics of selling translation rights from smaller markets to international publishers. The conversations reflected a fundamental shift in how the industry thinks about books: not as isolated products, but as stories that can be adapted, translated and reimagined across formats and cultures.

The conference addressed the practical dimensions of this shift. Market focused roundtables examined rights trading opportunities in Japan, China, Latin America and Spain, with particular attention to China’s expanding online literature and audiobook economy. Sessions explored how Arabic literature and books written in less widely spoken languages can reach new audiences internationally, a concern central to publishers working between Arab and international markets. As we reported in our coverage of Sharjah and Chinese publishers forging educational partnerships, such conversations form part of a broader effort to strengthen cultural exchange across regions.

Technology featured prominently throughout the day’s discussions. Publishers examined digital channels for reaching readers and bookshops, explored practical applications of artificial intelligence in editing and audiobook production, and addressed the challenges posed by online piracy. Conversations also turned to hybrid publishing models and the evolving relationship between publishers and platforms including Amazon and Noon, reflecting the realities of distribution in the digital age.

An interactive roundtable led by Dr Latifa Al Haj of Bumelha Publishing and Distribution in the UAE examined how publishers assess titles before acquiring translation rights, a question that sits at the heart of editorial decision making. Other sessions addressed leadership through change, affordable bilingual children’s books, co editions between publishing houses, and the expanding universe of comics and graphic novel rights, including independent work beyond established genres.

The conference continues with matchmaking meetings between publishers and boardroom sessions connecting participants with senior publishing and technology executives, underscoring the event’s position as both a marketplace and a forum for shaping the industry’s future. Seven of the opening day’s roundtables were conducted in Arabic, reflecting the conference’s commitment to serving the Arabic speaking publishing community.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The conference represents a significant moment for the wider publishing ecosystem across the Emirates. More than 1,400 publishers gathering to examine rights, distribution and technology signals the region’s growing importance as a hub for literary commerce and cultural exchange. The focus on connecting Arab publishers with international markets underscores the role that Sharjah and the broader UAE play in amplifying Arabic voices and literature on a global stage.

For Abu Dhabi’s publishing professionals and creative economy more broadly, these conversations create pathways for collaboration and learning. As the publishing industry evolves, the frameworks being discussed here for managing rights, adapting content across media and reaching new audiences will shape how stories and ideas flow between the Emirates and the world.

Source: WAM