The first Tehran Publishing Fellowship Program, held in Tehran from May 12–15, 2025, was a landmark initiative dedicated to children’s and young adult literature in Iran. Coinciding with the Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF), the program aimed to strengthen Iran’s presence in the global publishing ecosystem by creating direct and sustainable connections between Iranian authors and illustrators and international publishers and literary agents.
The international response was remarkable. Ninety-one publishers from 34 countries expressed interest, with 30 international publishers selected for the program. On the Iranian side, 64 publishers registered, and 40 were chosen to take part. Participating countries included Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.
The fellowship was conceived as a collaborative initiative, bringing together a diverse group of institutional and professional partners. Key partners included the Iranian Ministry of Culture, the Translation and Publication Grant Program of Iran, the Iran Cultural Association of Children and Youth Book Publishers, and the Introtema Literary and Translation Agency. Together, they fostered cultural exchange, professional dialogue, and creative development within children’s publishing. Generous support from additional partners and sponsors helped amplify Iranian voices internationally.
The program was open to publishing executives, editors, copyright and literary agency representatives, and professionals from nongovernmental publishing organizations working in children’s and young adult literature. This broad eligibility ensured a dynamic and professionally diverse cohort, encouraging meaningful exchange and long-term collaboration.
Beyond one-on-one meetings, the fellowship featured panels and workshops to deepen industry dialogue. Workshops titled “Stories Without Borders: Iranian Children’s Books on the Global Stage” explored the international potential of Iranian children’s and young adult literature and illustration. Three panels, “From Market to Market,” presented overviews of children’s book markets in Turkey, Kuwait, India, Russia, Brazil, Nepal, China, and Italy. A friendly session allowed Iranian authors and illustrators to present their works directly to international guests, fostering informal dialogue and creative exchange.
Insights from Maryam Ronagh: The Antonym – Translation Quarterly Interview
In the Summer 2025 issue of The Antonym – Translation Quarterly, Maryam Ronagh, the Managing Director of Saba Agency and one of the organizers of this event, shared her vision and reflections on the Tehran Publishing Fellowship Program. Ronagh explained that the initiative was designed as a consistent and accessible platform for international collaboration, bringing global publishing professionals directly to Iran and providing opportunities for meaningful cultural and professional exchange.
She highlighted the strength of Iran’s children’s publishing sector, describing it as one of the country’s most dynamic and innovative fields, with a strong tradition of literary quality and visually striking illustration. Iranian authors and illustrators in this sector regularly receive prestigious international awards, and the market balances original works with translations, serving readers from early childhood through young adulthood.
On international collaboration, Ronagh emphasized the program’s role in expanding global networks, raising awareness of Iran’s translation support programs, and fostering sustainable partnerships. She noted that the inaugural fellowship exceeded expectations, generating tangible results such as early-stage rights discussions and pre-agreements, while increasing the visibility of Iranian publishers on the global stage.
Looking to the future, Ronagh indicated plans to expand the fellowship beyond children’s and young adult literature to include adult fiction and nonfiction, while continuing to invest in the professional development of Iranian publishers. The ultimate goal is to equip Iranian publishers with the confidence, skills, and international fluency needed for long-term engagement in global markets.
For readers interested in global literature, translation, and initiatives that foster cross-cultural exchange, the Summer 2025 issue of The Antonym – Translation Quarterly offers a rich and timely perspective.
The full magazine, including the complete interview and a wide range of translated literary works, is available for purchase here:
https://antonymcollection.com/product/the-antonym-translation-quarterly-summer-2025/
