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Dubai-based author, Sara Hamdan’s regional debut novel got snapped up in a major two-book deal with the US publisher Henry Holt, after a massive competitive auction. Her regional first novel “What will people think?” bagged her the biggest deal of her life making it a dream-come-true moment for her and her family.
Emirates Literature Foundation (ELF Dubai), a community supporting literature in the UAE recently posted on Instagram about Sara who is one of its fellow writers in the First Chapter, giving a shoutout to her efforts and achievement in securing a two-book deal with the US publisher ‘Henry Holt Books’ led by Shannon Criss.
ELF community’s goal is to nurture local talent and provide its fellows with a sense of community that supports them on their path toward publication. The success of one writer is like a rising tide, it raises everyone around them and casts a shine on those who helped them on their writing journey.
Do you have a book in you? Put pen to paper and start writing.
About Sara Hamdan & her debut novel
Sara Hamdan based in Dubai, is an award-winning writer and editor. Her work has appeared in various publications like Fast Company, Arab News, and Travel + Leisure. Sara is also a Netflix short story award winner, a former New York Times journalist, and an ex-editor at Google.
In Sara Hamdan’s own words:
“I am so appreciative of the support that I received from First Chapter and would like to thank Emirates Literature Foundation and Seddiqi Holding for believing in me – this is our collective win. From the mentorship to the tribe, I found among my fellows, the program gave me the tools and confidence to think of myself seriously as a writer. As a Palestinian-American, I am so excited to share my story with the world featuring a strong, warm Arab female lead. It’s time!”
Dubai based author & First Chapter ELF Seddiqi Writers’ fellow @SaraHamdan wins major books deal with big 5 US publisher
— Ananke | AnankeWLF (@anankemag) June 15, 2023
Sara Hamdan achieves a regional first in publishing@ELFDubai @EmiratesLitFest https://t.co/Lw88MPLSfV
The novel, “What will people think?” is the heart-warming story of a young woman’s career aspirations to become a stand-up comedian in New York City as she balances the traditions of her Palestinian upbringing with the need to live life – and to love – on her own terms. It has been pitched as The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel meets Crazy Rich Asians. It is scheduled for publication in early 2025.
How it all started?
Sara joined Holt’s elite list of authors after participating in the First Chapter ELF (Emirates Literature Foundation) Seddiqi Writers’ Fellowship. According to Ahlam Bolooki (CEO of the ELF community),
“We are thrilled and proud beyond belief that Sara, one of the first cohorts in the First Chapter program, has achieved this level of success so soon after completing it in February.”
We are so proud to see @SARAHAMDAN our First Chapter @ELFDubai @Seddiqi_uae Writers Fellow get a 2-book deal with US publisher Holt following a highly competitive auction. This level of publishing deal is a first in the region and very rare for debut writers globally. Dream BIG! https://t.co/x5KsVz2JNS
— Ahlam Bolooki (@AhlamBolooki) June 15, 2023
It’s about time we have a story featuring a strong, funny Arab woman. Considering this a win for Dubai and for Arab women altogether.
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