Frankfurt:Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) is leveraging its participation in the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany to extend the reach of Qatari publications worldwide. The event provides a platform for the sale of publishing and translation rights in various languages, facilitating entry into new markets.
According to Qatar News Agency, HBKU Press Executive Director Bachar Chebaro emphasized the fair's role as an international forum for negotiating publishing rights. This year marks the fifth time HBKU Press has taken part in the event, which is distinct from traditional book fairs as it focuses on professional meetings and agreements rather than direct sales to the public.
Chebaro explained that HBKU Press's participation follows two main objectives acquiring new titles from Western publishers to offer to Qatari and Arab readers, and promoting works by Qatari authors and illustrators to foreign publishers. This strategy aims to make these works available in multiple languages and expand their readership beyond Arab markets.
He also noted the success of HBKU Press in selling publishing rights for works by Qatari authors to countries like Germany and Turkiye, thereby broadening their audience and facilitating publication in those languages.
The 78th Frankfurt Book Fair runs from October 7 to 11, featuring around 4,000 exhibitors and over 3,800 activities. The event also includes dedicated areas for trading in publishing and translation rights, with the Literary Agents Center hosting 319 agencies from 32 countries.