In a significant move to foster the growth of the publishing industry, the Sharjah Book Authority hosted the second day of the “Launch 2026” initiative on Sunday. This initiative is part of the Sharjah Sustainability Publishing Fund, known as “Publish,” and is designed to support new publishers by providing a comprehensive programme that equips them with essential skills and knowledge needed to successfully navigate the sector.
Iman Bin Sheiba, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at the Sharjah Book Authority, emphasised that the programme condenses years of knowledge and experience for participants. It covers the critical aspects of establishing and managing a publishing house, from defining its literary and visual identity to addressing cost management, legal considerations, and effective marketing strategies, including participation in book fairs.
Bin Sheiba elaborated that the “Launch 2026” programme combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications. Participants benefit from field visits to various facilities, including “Lightning Source Sharjah,” a print-on-demand company, along with several publishing facilities in the city. These experiences allow attendees to explore the available services and resources, which they can leverage to develop their publishing projects.
Moreover, Bin Sheiba highlighted that “Launch 2026” is a key component of the professional development programmes under the Sharjah Sustainability Publishing Fund, aimed at empowering publishers with tools, resources, and knowledge that are essential for the growth and sustainability of their projects.