Pakistan’s Budding Writers Struggle to Find Publishers
APP
Islamabad: Pakistan boasts a rich tapestry of literary talent, but emerging authors face an uphill battle in securing publishers for their work.
Despite a growing appetite for literature, the country’s publishing industry remains reluctant to invest in new voices, leaving aspiring writers disheartened and unsupported.
Speaking to APP on Sunday, renowned folklorist, writer, and creative founder of Lok Virsa, Uxi Mufti, shed light on the pressing challenges within Pakistan’s literary ecosystem.
“Established publishing houses favour well-known authors, while smaller publishers often require writers to bear the costs of printing their books,” Mufti remarked, describing a grim scenario for new authors.
In the traditional publishing model, writers earn royalties for their work, providing them both recognition and financial incentives. However, Mufti noted that this structure is increasingly being replaced by pay-to-publish schemes.
“Aspiring writers are asked to pay for publication, with no assurance that their work will reach a broader audience,” he explained.
The challenges don’t end there. While Urdu literature enjoys considerable demand overseas—especially in India—the profits rarely benefit the writers. “Books purchased in Pakistan are often resold abroad at inflated prices, with no royalties provided to the original authors or publishers,” Mufti said, lamenting the lack of a system to protect writers’ rights in international markets.
Highlighting the role of government institutions, Mufti pointed out that organizations such as the Academy of Letters, the National Book Foundation, and the National Language Promotion Department (NLDP) were initially established to cultivate a robust culture of reading and writing.
“Regrettably, these institutions have lost sight of their primary objectives. Instead of supporting publishers, they are now publishing books themselves, which further weakens the private publishing sector,” he criticized.
Mufti emphasized the need for a strategic shift in government policy. “State institutions should focus on empowering publishers and creating opportunities for writers. A thriving publishing industry is key to fostering literary growth,” he asserted.
On a brighter note, Mufti praised the role of literature festivals, such as the Oxford Literary Festival and the Islamabad Literature Festival, in promoting literary culture. These events not only showcase dozens of literary works but also generate substantial book sales.
“The vibrant engagement at these festivals reflects a growing appetite for literature and highlights the presence of both writers and readers in our society,” he concluded.
To create a sustainable literary ecosystem, Mufti called for collective efforts from both the private and public sectors.
By addressing the systemic challenges in the publishing industry, Pakistan can pave the way for its budding writers to thrive and ensure that its literary heritage continues to flourish on both national and international platforms.
The feature story was released by APP.
All the information provided in this report is the sole responsibility of the reporter.
