Sharjah Literary Agency Partners With Onshur Fund To Empower Emerging Publishers

If you are emerging publisher in Sharjah, there's good news for you. The Sharjah Literary Agency (SLA) and the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) have formed a strategic alliance to support new publishers and broaden their international presence. The collaboration aims to provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from acquiring publishing rights to successful book publication.

Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the fund represents an AED10 million investment. It reflects His Highness's commitment to a knowledge-driven economy and the influential role of books in shaping cultures and preserving heritage.

Tamer Said, Director of SLA, stated, "By serving as literary agents for Onshur graduates through our partnership, we will help these publishers secure translation rights and also provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from acquiring publishing rights to the successful publication of their book." He further mentioned that this joint effort has enabled two Onshur graduates to secure translation rights for five books and assisted ten graduates in translating ten new works.

Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at SBA, explained that while they offer extensive training for publishers to thrive in the market, translation rights often require specialised expertise and global connections within the publishing industry. "This collaboration with SLA will offer our Onshur graduates the additional support they need, particularly those aspiring to enter the translation rights sector of the book industry," she said.

Onshur is led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Book Authority. It was launched in 2024 as a strategic response to evolving needs within the publishing industry. The fund operates through three core tracks: Launch, Scale, and Disrupt. Each track is designed to support publishers at different stages of their journey.

This partnership between SLA and Onshur signifies a significant step towards empowering emerging publishers by providing them with essential resources and expertise. By facilitating access to translation rights and offering comprehensive support, this collaboration aims to enhance global reach for new voices in the publishing world.

With inputs from WAM