Onshur helps 25 aspiring publishers meet goals

The Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) has concluded its Launch Track, one of the initiative’s three core tracks established by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), to equip aspiring publishers with the practical knowledge and skills needed to establish, develop and grow their publishing businesses.

The track covered approximately 75 topics spanning the key aspects of establishing and managing a publishing business, from content selection, rights management and production to pricing, distribution and financial planning. It brought together 25 participants selected from 122 applicants, who developed their publishing concepts and gained practical experience in turning them into viable business models.

Held across four weeks, the programme combined specialised sessions, practical training and field visits, with contributions from experts and industry professionals across intellectual property rights, editing, design, printing, distribution, financial management and digital publishing.

Building knowledge for sustainable businesses

Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at the Sharjah Book Authority, said: "Publishing is undergoing significant changes worldwide. Establishing a publishing business today requires an understanding of the industry, the ability to assess market conditions and the flexibility to adapt to change. Guided by the vision and directives of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, Onshur works to prepare aspiring publishers to establish businesses with the potential for long-term growth.

"The Launch Track therefore focused on preparing participants for the practical demands of entering the publishing industry, enabling them to make informed decisions and identify the resources and plans needed to develop their businesses sustainably."

From publishing concepts to production

The track introduced participants to the essential steps involved in establishing a publishing business, from defining a publishing house’s area of specialisation and selecting titles to developing a publishing list and understanding the legal aspects of rights and contracts. Participants also explored printing and production options, learning how to select the most suitable model based on the nature and cost of each publication. A field visit to Lightning Source Sharjah provided first-hand insight into the production environment and printing solutions available to publishers.

The training extended beyond book production to cover developing a digital presence, using artificial intelligence tools for selected editorial and commercial tasks, and reaching readers through bookshops, book fairs and online platforms. Participants also learned about licensing requirements and book permits. The track included a visit to Sharjah Publishing City, where participants explored the facilities and services available to support publishers in setting up and operating their businesses.

Managing finances and presenting business proposals

The final day of the programme focused on financial management from the very beginning, with sessions covering revenues, expenses, invoicing, bank accounts, value-added tax (VAT), corporate tax and accounting software. Participants also explored modern digital publishing models, including e-books and audiobooks, digital publishing platforms, revenue management and adapting to changing reader behaviour in digital environments.

Participants learned how to calculate editorial and creative production costs, analyse profit margins, determine trade and distribution discounts, apply cost-based pricing, compare book prices in the market and develop a financial plan from the outset.

The track concluded with training on developing and delivering project pitches, explaining their value propositions and business models, and responding to questions from judging panels and decision-makers.

The Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) continues to deliver its programmes through three core tracks: Launch, Scale and Disrupt. Each supports a different stage of publishing business development, from establishing new ventures and helping existing publishing houses grow and expand, to advancing innovative solutions and business models within the industry.