About RAYA
RAYA is a literary agency based between Lebanon and France, specializing in the translation rights of Arabic works.
RAYA was created in 2004 to better represent Arabic literature on the global literary stage. Despite many publishing houses’ interest in publishing Arabic literature, it can be challenging to access. We work to improve access by connecting authors, interested publishers, and engaging titles.
We look specifically for books with something to say: perhaps they tell a captivating story, feature a beautiful voice, or cover an underrepresented historical event. Most of all, we look for works that are boldly personal, sharing something intimate to the writer that then resonates deeply with the reader. RAYA does not take an interest in works built on clichés or formulaic writing, nor does RAYA look for texts that enable or promote exoticization.
Some useful information
This list is represented by several co-agents on different territories.. Check the ‘co-agents‘ tab.
RAYA authors have been published by numerous international publishing houses, including:
Feltrinelli (Italy)
Bompiani (Italy)
Castelvecchi (Italy)
Sindbad, Actes Sud (France)
Buchet-Chastel (France)
Transworld (UK)
Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation (UK, Qatar)
Pegasus (Turkey)
Hanser (Germany)