There was a noticeable increase in the numbers of books written by both men and women at the recently-concluded Riyadh International Book Fair. It does seem that whoever is able to read has become an author. Even those who are unable to read have been bold enough to write books without their hands shaking for a single moment or thinking about the responsibilities that come with being a writer. This does not occur in the West due to the role of publishers. In the West, we find books that are well-written and edited because publishers work hard on editing, designing and marketing them. It is an industry that strives hard in order to generate money to cover publishing costs and ensure the venture is profitable. Meanwhile, Arab publishers receive the cost of printing from writers who simply assume the garb of writers. As a result, the Arab publisher is hardly bothered about revising the text, editing it and printing it to a high standard. He is also hardly concerned about marketing the book and selling it as he has already received his due.
The situation is in sharp contrast with the West where publishers read manuscripts before deciding to publish. As a result, the published work cannot be anything but good. The publisher will edit the work, improve it and then market it.
It is because of this that we find so many mediocre books at the Riyadh International Book Fair. Such books do not contain knowledge and provide no scientific or literary value. There is nothing literary in them, save the shape, paper and jacket. The authors have no online presence except social media accounts that attempt to misguide readers and which are dubbed as marketing.
It is true that anyone who is good at reading and writing has the potential to become a writer. This happens everywhere in the world, but in the West the person will be unable to publish if he or she is a poor writer. It is not customary for someone in the West to pay money just to publish a mediocre book. On the contrary, an accomplished writer receives money for his or her hard work. Writing is a difficult profession. It is not for those who have no occupation, something that occurs in the Arab world and particularly in Gulf countries.
What was strange at the Riyadh International Book Fair was that the book signing ceremonies were mostly for authors of mediocre books as only newly-published books are signed. This is an oversight of those who organized the book fair. Additionally, all books have to be cleared by Arab censorship boards. Therefore, big names that readers were keen to meet were not there.
It is true that the Ministry of Culture and Information should not be the guardian when it comes to writing, publishing and ensuring quality; this is the role of publishers. It is, however, responsible for regulating the signing ceremonies, especially since many hardly-known writers can be seen signing books on self-development, medicine and social media. They then sit alone with a bouquet of flowers and some chocolates after signing a few books for friends and families within a matter of five minutes. The remaining part of the hour is then spent smiling for the cameras.
