At the 2023 Book Fair in Frankfurt, I met Sherif Bakr, General Manager of the Egyptian publishing house Al Arabi. Bakr is a frequent speaker and attendee of the fair. He is also a fierce believer in stories and travels the world not only to find hidden gems but to connect with and learn from the international literary community. On a panel discussing the responsibility and privilege of small independent publishers followed by a discussion he impressed with his genuine desire for authentic dialogue about books and stories that tackle diverse topics.
Sherif Bakr studied in the English school in Heliopolis Cairo and graduated from the faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University, majoring in Economics and minoring in Computer Science. In 1997, he assumed leadership of the family business, Al Arabi Publishing and Distributing, where he had been training since his youth during summer breaks. His roles encompassed various aspects of publishing, ranging from warehouse management to accounting, from sales and marketing to editorial responsibilities and negotiating foreign rights.
“I’m passionate about introducing unconventional ideas that challenge existing norms.”
I asked Bakr about the importance of small independent publishers and the responsibilities they bear as gatekeepers and what kind of projects are important to pursue. He told me that he feels that in the global landscape, particularly in his region, and perhaps notably in the United States, there’s often a prevailing notion that the publishing industry is reserved for those with financial means or established best-selling authors. However he believes there’s a vital need for diverse voices and fresh perspectives beyond the mainstream. “Simply following the current trends doesn’t foster innovation or generate new ideas; it merely perpetuates the status quo,” he said, “While I do appreciate mainstream literature and keep abreast of industry developments from a business standpoint, I’m also passionate about introducing unconventional ideas that challenge existing norms. This approach often leads to discovering out-of-the-box solutions applicable in various contexts. Admittedly, the challenge lies in the delayed gratification associated with such endeavors. It takes time for people to grasp and embrace these unconventional ideas, and by the time they gain acceptance, they often become mainstream and are quickly adopted by larger publishers.”
He added that he frequently meets with other small independent publishers at events, book fairs, and during fellowship programs stressing that this exchange is inspiring because they learn from each other’s unique approaches to their work. “This collaboration is one of the most valuable aspects of participating in fellowships and attending international book fairs,” he said. “Sitting together with fellow publishers, sharing experiences, discussing strategies, and discovering the successes of others can be incredibly enlightening and enriching.”
Navigating the intricate political and cultural landscape of the Arab world is undoubtedly challenging. To gain insights into issues like censorship or cultural sensitivities within the content he publishes, I inquired about Bakr’s approach. How does he collaborate with authors, editors, and stakeholders from diverse regions?
“Regrettably, regions like ours often find ourselves overlooked or subject to stereotypical perceptions, if acknowledged at all.”
Bakr explained that international publishers exhibit a broad awareness of global affairs, actively engaging with political, economic, and cultural developments worldwide. He remarked that many of these publishers, predominantly based in the U.S., tend to focus solely on their immediate industry surroundings or a select few partners. “Regrettably, regions like ours often find ourselves overlooked or subject to stereotypical perceptions, if acknowledged at all,” he said. “We’re often painted with a broad brush, confined to a single, oversimplified category. It’s a challenge to shift perspectives and bring them into a space where they can understand our nuanced realities. Our task is to bridge this gap, offering clarity and insight into our unique experiences and perspectives.”
Bakr pointed out that there is a disheartening reality of financial viability. “To feel reduced to a financial figure doesn’t reflect the immense effort invested,” he said. “It undermines the very essence of our work and its purpose.” However, he acknowledges the encouraging support from those who understand and value their efforts and offering assistance with their authors, books, resources, and expertise. Their genuine question—”How can we help you with this?”—embodies a spirit of collaboration and solidarity that renews hope and motivation.
Bakr underscored the significance of finding the right match between a book and its publisher, transcending mere financial considerations. “When the alignment isn’t right—if the right book ends up with the wrong publisher—it poses a problem,” he says. “Similarly, even when the publisher is the right fit, lacking essential resources or capabilities can present obstacles. However, despite these challenges, we persist in our daily efforts, striving for positive change wherever possible.”
I asked Bakr about unsung heroes and stories that he thinks should find a broader international, and more specifically, U.S. audience. Bakr was treading this question carefully because he was conscious of not falling “into narrow-mindedness or judgment” acknowledging that generalizations ought to be avoided. However, he remarked that during his travels to the U.S., he noticed a prevalent focus on the domestic sphere, sometimes even down to specific states or cities. “This localized perspective makes sense on a practical level—why worry about people in distant regions unless it directly impacts daily life?” he says. “And this mindset is not unique to the U.S.; it’s a widespread phenomenon. For instance, there’s the perception that a significant portion of American readership primarily consumes English-language content, with only a small percentage devoted to translated works from other cultures. Similarly, in the Arab world, limited exposure to diverse narratives was partly due to translation constraints and dominance of mainstream literature.”
In a LitHub article in 2018 Gabriella Page-Fort explored this very question “Why Do Americans Read so Few Books in Translation?” and delivered the answer, “People tell me Americans are not interested in other cultures; that we have plenty of great books in English to keep us busy, and that our privileged position creates cultural blindness. Publishers in the U.S. resist works in translation because it takes time, money, and connections far more complex than publishing local writers, or because American editors are monolingual, unlike editors in other countries.” Six years and a global pandemic later, with cultural wars across the globe, this notion seems to hold today.
“Our shared history may be fraught with challenges. But it’s essential to recognize that not all Americans or Arabs fit into predefined molds.”
Bakr told me that he’s striving to challenge these limitations, gradually opening up avenues for a more diverse literary landscape. He shared that this shift has been met with increased acceptance and understanding among readers and publishers alike. “Encouragingly, others have joined this endeavor, sometimes surpassing my efforts, which drives me to push further,” he said. Bakr emphasized that breaking stereotypes, particularly regarding America’s history and politics, is crucial for fostering greater acceptance and understanding between cultures, “Our shared history may be fraught with challenges,” he said. “But it’s essential to recognize that not all Americans or Arabs fit into predefined molds. Embracing diversity and expanding knowledge can help mitigate prejudices and build bridges between ethnicities.”
According to Bakr while there are numerous obstacles to contend with, there’s also a growing interest in Arab culture globally. Yet, there’s a gap between this interest and the availability of literature that truly satisfies it, creating a need to offer a diverse range of narratives and perspectives.
Bakr explained that navigating the vast array of obstacles—linguistic, cultural, economic, and political—requires a nuanced approach. “With a population of over 436 million, the Arab world is a significant force akin to China or India, deserving of attention from global stakeholders. This is a prime moment for mutual learning and exchange, as the world increasingly shows interest in Arab culture. However, cultivating meaningful connections requires effort and understanding from both sides.
In closing Bakr shared successes, like those of Omani author Jokha Alharthi who won the prestigious Man Booker International Prize for “Celestial Bodies,” demonstrate the growth potential. “By capitalizing on opportunities, such as engaging with global publishing communities through newsletters, podcasts, and book fairs, we can amplify Arab voices and narratives. It’s about actively seeking understanding and forging connections.”