In an impressive achievement for the Arab publishing industry, the Dar Al Saqi publishing house from Lebanon has been shortlisted for the category of “Inclusivity in Publishing” at the London Book Fair International Excellence Awards 2018.
“Inclusivity in Publishing” is one of 17 categories, which together make the London Book Fair International Excellence in Publishing Awards. They include international publishing, bookselling, academic and scholarly publishing, children’s publishing, literary translation and digital innovation. A record number of shortlisted candidates from 27 countries are represented this year across the categories. The winners of each category will be announced on Tuesday, April 10.
“We are thrilled to announce that Dar Al Saqi has been shortlisted for the 2018 Inclusivity in Publishing Award at the London Book Fair. Huge congratulations to our fellow shortlisted publishers: Cassava Republic, HarperCollins and Penguin Random House,” Dar Al Saqi said in a statement.
“Our aim at Saqi has always been to publish works that help demolish cultural barriers and encourage conversations. Saqi is open to controversial and challenging ideas, creating opportunities for dissident voices to speak for themselves. Excellent work is being done across the industry by all – but there is plenty more change that needs to be enacted. This prize serves as a reminder of that,” the Lebanese publisher added.
In celebration of its achievement, Dar Al Saqi is offering a 40% discount for The Things I Would Tell You: British Muslim Women Write (a Guardian Book of the Year), Don’t Panic, I’m Islamic (a Sunday Times Humour Book of the Year) and Calligraphies of Love by Hassan Massoudy for customers who buy from Saqi Books. Interested people need to enter the discount code Award 40 at the checkout to claim the discount.