Doha: Secretary-General of the Arab Publishers Association (APA), Bachar Chebaro, has highlighted the ongoing distribution crisis facing printed books in the Arab world as the primary challenge for the publishing industry.
According to Qatar News Agency, Chebaro pointed out the absence of major regional distribution companies, which has forced publishers to depend significantly on book fairs as a direct sales platform to readers. This reliance has weakened the bookstore market and dampened sales momentum after such events conclude.
Speaking at the 34th Doha International Book Fair (DIBF), Chebaro noted that while fairs attract large crowds, their essential role is to showcase new releases rather than sell books. The lack of unified Arab distribution systems has turned these fairs into crucial sales channels. Chebaro proposed a joint publishing model among the Levant, Maghreb, and Gulf states to share costs and reduce print volumes, addressing storage issues and low returns.
Chebaro suggested print-on-demand as a vital solution, allowing readers to request and receive printed versions through postal services or local sales points. He emphasized the need for unified online platforms in Arab nations to facilitate access to printed books without traditional distribution.
The future of publishing, according to Chebaro, depends on content rather than just printed books. He advocated for adaptable content that can be repurposed into various formats, including digital, audio, and even theatrical productions, stressing the importance of securing content rights for future flexibility. He also noted the trend of publishing abridged or interactive editions for children, urging Arab publishers to engage creatively with this development.
Chebaro highlighted the collaboration between the APA and the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, noting the significant role of Qatari representation in the APA's board of directors, particularly through Vice-President Ibrahim Abdul Rahim Al Sayed.
On digital publishing, Chebaro revealed that digital sales account for only about 10% of printed book sales, even under optimal conditions, illustrating the sector's global underdevelopment outside of the US. Nonetheless, some Arab companies are marketing digital books and subscription platforms, a trend that Chebaro believes deserves support to minimize digital piracy's impact on publisher revenues.
Chebaro stressed the importance of author rights, with the APA offering model contracts and advising emerging authors. He called for transparency and collaboration between publishers and authors to tackle industry challenges.
Addressing publishing in conflict zones, Chebaro acknowledged significant obstacles in regions like Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Lebanon, but reaffirmed efforts to provide support, including waiving membership fees for Palestinian publishers and planning initiatives to restock Palestinian libraries once peace is restored.
Chebaro also discussed AI's growing role in publishing, particularly for children's books and image generation, but stressed the need for thorough editing of Arabic content. He recommended transparency regarding AI use in publishing, noting ongoing legal reviews by experts.