The Carbon Footprint of Books: Rethinking Our Reading Habits

The environmental impact of books is a subject that is rarely discussed, yet it plays a crucial role in sustainability conversations. While reading is a fundamental aspect of human culture and intellectual development, the traditional production of books involves a series of processes that generate carbon emissions, use natural resources, and contribute to environmental degradation. …

How agents are navigating rights, platforms, and publishing innovation in 2025

Literary agents have always played a central role in the publishing industry—championing authors, securing publishing deals, and managing rights across regions and languages. But in 2025, the landscape they operate in has transformed. We are no longer in a world of just print and traditional publishers. We’re in a world of multi-format releases, digital-first imprints, …

Educational Licensing in Publishing: Unlocking Value in the Digital Classroom

Why publishers must rethink access, pricing, and distribution in the age of digital learning The way we teach and learn has changed—permanently.Remote classrooms, digital libraries, hybrid learning, and on-demand content access are no longer niche needs—they’re the standard. In this new landscape, educational licensing has emerged as one of the most important growth opportunities for …

Book Rights in the Digital Publishing Era: What You Need to Know

Why managing rights is a strategic necessity in 2025 and beyond In the traditional publishing world, rights management was often seen as a legal necessity—important, but not always top of mind. Today, in the age of ebooks, audiobooks, global markets, and on-demand consumption, book rights have become a central pillar of publishing strategy. Whether you’re …

London Book Fair 2025: A Turning Point for Digital Publishing

Why this global event is shaping the future of rights, formats, and platform ownership Every spring, the publishing world gathers at the London Book Fair to network, negotiate rights, discover trends, and anticipate what’s next. But in 2025, the tone has shifted. What once was a fair primarily focused on print and translation rights has …

Building a Direct-to-Reader Publishing Model in the Middle East

How publishers and authors in the Gulf are taking control of digital distribution The publishing industry in the Middle East is changing fast. As governments invest in education, literacy, and culture, and as readers turn increasingly to digital content, a new model is gaining traction: direct-to-reader publishing. Instead of relying solely on global platforms like …

The Role of Audiobooks in the Gulf’s Digital Content Strategy

Why the UAE and Saudi Arabia are embracing audio to boost literacy and cultural engagement Audiobooks are gaining traction across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, especially in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. As governments and institutions invest heavily in digital transformation, audiobooks are emerging as a key tool for promoting literacy, preserving …

How the Sharjah Book Fair Is Shaping the Future of Arabic Publishing

The role of Sharjah as a cultural hub for publishers, authors, and innovators in the Arab world The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is one of the most important publishing events in the Arab world—and one of the largest book fairs globally. But its influence extends far beyond physical books and trade deals. Sharjah has …

Why Saudi Arabia Is Investing in Literature and Local Publishing

How Vision 2030 is reshaping the Kingdom’s literary future In recent years, Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded its investment in culture and the creative economy—and the book sector is one of its main focus areas. Driven by the country’s Vision 2030 plan, the Kingdom is developing infrastructure, funding, and policies that support local authors, publishers, …

The Rise of Digital Publishing in the UAE: Trends and Opportunities

How the United Arab Emirates is becoming a regional leader in digital book innovation The United Arab Emirates is rapidly positioning itself as a hub for digital publishing in the Arabic-speaking world. With strong government support, growing investment in cultural infrastructure, and a tech-savvy population, the country offers new opportunities for authors, publishers, and educational …