From Rights to Revenue: International Trends and Commercial Distribution Strategies
Literature as a Cultural Bridge
Literature has always crossed borders more easily than people or politics. This session explores how stories, poems, and narratives serve as bridges between cultures, enabling readers to step into worlds beyond their own. Writers, agents, and publishers will discuss the power of literature to foster empathy, mutual understanding, and dialogue across divides of language, geography, […]
Editors in the Age of AI
Editing has always been at the heart of publishing, shaping manuscripts into the books that reach readers. But what happens when new technologies challenge this role? Our panel examines whether artificial intelligence could one day replace the editor, presenting the case for AI in the editor’s office and questioning what this means for the future […]
From the Page to the Screen, and Screen to Page
Why do some books leap so naturally onto the screen while others struggle? And increasingly, the journey goes both ways, with hit films and series inspiring bestselling books of their own. This session unpacks the creative possibilities and practical challenges of adaptation in both directions, exploring how narratives are reshaped as they cross mediums—and the […]
In between Market and Culture
How does the Arab publisher balance between cultural mission and market demands? This session explores the ongoing dilemma between the ambition to produce enriching literature and thought, and the economic pressures imposed by costs, distribution, and the shifting tastes of readers. A candid conversation on challenges and possible solutions for building a sustainable and influential […]
Literary Agents in the Arab World
The literary agent has long played a central role in the global publishing industry, yet this role is still emerging in the Arab world. This session explores how agents are beginning to support authors, connect them with publishers, and open new markets for them. With both agents and publishers participating, the discussion sheds light on […]
Bringing Books Closer to Readers: Beyond the Cover
How does the essence of a book reflect on its cover? How can imagery, color, and typography serve as a visual invitation to readers? In this interactive workshop with creative designer Hassan Al Mohtaseb, participants will discover the secrets behind designing book covers that combine beauty with meaning. The session explores elements of visual design, […]
Disruption, Innovation & Adaptation: The Next Decade of Publishing
From AI-driven translation to rights management, and from immersive storytelling to the rise of audio, technology is reshaping every aspect of publishing. This session examines how the industry is adapting to disruption while exploring new opportunities in distribution, client analytics, and direct-to-consumer ecosystems. We will hear about Giunti Editore’s evolving partnership model and its adoption […]
Academic Publishing: University Presses, the Spaces they Currently Hold and the Outlook For the Future
University presses have long stood at the intersection of scholarship, publishing innovation, and cultural dissemination. In an era of rapid digital transformation, open access mandates, and shifting research evaluation frameworks, the roles and relevance of university presses are being redefined. This session highlights the unique spaces they hold in today’s publishing landscape, from advancing scholarship […]
Lost in Translation: Recognising the Skills of Translators
Behind every powerful work of literature in translation stands a translator whose craft, expertise, and vision shape how stories travel across languages and cultures. Yet within the literary ecosystem, translators are too often under-recognised, under-supported, and underpaid. At a time when AI tools are both reshaping and threatening aspects of the field, this panel explores […]