The rendezvous of aspiring writers
Aspirant and young writers long for February. This is the month when they have the opportunity to reach a large audience at the annual Amar Ekushey Grantha Mela.
Although the fair is dominated by established writers, a number of budding writers are also introduced at the fair each year.
But finding a publisher willing to publish works of an unknown writer is quite challenging.
“Last year I could not publish my rhyme book for children as I couldn't find any publisher. But this year, I've managed it through an acquaintance,” aspirant writer Rocky Gauri said while sharing his experience.
“But in exchange for publishing my book, I had to pay them,” said Rocky, who also works at a private firm.
Publishers have their reasons too. They find it risky to invest in a writer whose works are unknown to the readers. Besides, according to many publishers, the quality of writing by most new writers is not up to the mark.
“We don't know whether the writer's work is good enough. Although sometimes we go through their scripts, we find those unsatisfactory in terms of quality, said Razia Rahman of Jagriti Publication. “It is, however, essential to promote young enthusiastic writers.”
She advised young writers to write in literary magazines or newspapers to catch the attention of publishers looking for a breath of fresh air.
Even after catching a publisher's attention with quality work, an aspiring writer oftentimes has to put in money for the publishing of a book -- a burden that many promising writers cannot afford.
“Popular writers get publishers easily..., but the case is totally opposite for young writers,” said Tokib Towfiq, a young writer, whose book Epileptic Haidar has been published this year from Nalonda Publication.
Pencil Foundation, a Facebook-based platform promoting art and literary works by fresh talents, has come forward with an endeavour to help new writers publish their books.
Ibne Firoz, its general secretary, said, “We formed Pencil Foundation as we felt that the works of young artists and writers need to be published.”
At this year's book fair, the foundation in association with Jagriti Publication is publishing books written by eight fresh writers who were selected through a competition, Firoz said. The country's largest book fair could attract more aspirant writers if the Bangla Academy also organised similar competitions. Arranging literary dialogues like the ones arranged at the Dhaka Lit Fest could also help, he added.
After visiting different stalls and pavilions, it was evident that most visitors were searching for books that were either by popular writers or received good review ratings on different websites.
One such visitor was Priyanka Dey, a student at Dhaka University, who was going from stall to stall with her friends yesterday. “I prefer renowned writers as their write-ups are reliable and well furnished. However, I try new writers' books sometimes too.”
Shobdoshoily Publication this year brought out books written by several young writers. These include MuktiJuddho O Juddhaporadh edited by Arif Rahman, Ekjon Maya Ojoshro by Jesmine Choudhury and Samaj o Sabhyata by Asif Ajhar.
Jalal Ahmed, member secretary of the book fair arrangement committee, said, “I personally think Bangla Academy should revive its new writers project under which quality manuscripts used to be published without any charging any cost to the writers.”
The Daily Star Books at its stall is displaying Genocide by Inam Ahmed and Shakhawat Liton, Challenging Injustice is South Asia by Rehman Sobhan, Kaler Porikkha by Tamijuddin Khan, Demons by Nesar Nadim, Kishor Muktijoddha by Mostafa Hossain and Humorously Yours and Counting by Naveed Mahbub.
Upcoming books next week are Sona Jhora Rod by Tahmima Anam, Sangrami Nari 52 O Ektattor edited by Bashar Khan, Bangalee Musolman er Buddhibrittik Bibhrom O Bishwashinota by Syed Abul Maksud.
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