The Bookseller.com

2nd December 2008

ADIBF launches rights cash-back

15.10.08 Philip Jones

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) is to subsidise rights deals made or concluded at the fair to the tune of $1,000 a deal. The move is aimed at "kick starting" rights trading between between international publishers and their Arabic counterparts.

The three-year initiative kicks off from next year's fair, March 2009, and is available for deals negotiated or concluded at ADIBF, as well as for projects which had previously been mooted but where detailed licensing discussions take place at the fair.

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage already runs a translation intiative with the aim of making available classic as well as high-quality contemporary books in foreign languages to the Arabic speaking masses.

Claudia Kaiser, general manager of KITAB (the joint venture company between the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and the Frankfurt Book Fair), said the cash-back scheme would also encourage international publishers to attend the fair. Last year 159 international publishers went to the event, with Kaiser hoping to see a 10% to 20% increase in 2009. "We can't pay for everything, but we expect the money could cover some deals in their entirety. You have to come to the fair, though, to get the subsidy."

The news is to be announced today (15th October), but Kaiser said that feedback had been positive during the planning stages. "We hope that it is received well, and used appropriately. The good thing is that we'll be able to measure its effect, listen to suggestions, and the figure can be adjusted." Kaiser said that six months before the next event, 65% of the space was already booked up.

There will be no restrictions on the type of book which may be awarded a subsidy, and dealers will be able to make up to ten applications a year. Applications may be for translations to and from the Arabic language (whether print or electronic rights) or to and by Arab Publishing Houses and may also be considered for the licensing of Arabic to Arabic rights from one country in the region to another.

The $1,000 subsidy will be a contribution towards the license fee or royalty advance negotiated between the applicant and the rights holder for the first printing or digital issue of the licensed edition.

The 19th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair takes place from 17th to 22nd March 2009.
Jumaa Al Qubaisi, director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair added: "We are delighted to be supporting the growth in professionalization of the ADIBF and the Arab book trade as a whole by encouraging rights and licensing trade at the fair."

Frankfurt Daily - Day 1

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