The model demonstrates how established relationships, built through years of rights fairs and industry events, can translate into innovative distribution agreements that benefit publishers, authors and readers across multiple territories.

Landmark ASEAN Agreement Delivers Multi-Territory Launch

Singaporean author Ratna Damayanti Taha’s debut novel Mind The Gap has claimed the Epigram Books Fiction Prize (EBFP) 2026, securing unprecedented regional distribution across six Southeast Asian countries.

The manuscript triumphed over 58 submissions from across the region, marking a significant milestone for Singaporean literature.

The victory carries particular weight as Taha’s work becomes the first novel published under Epigram’s groundbreaking regional agreement, signed at the Frankfurt Book Fair in October 2025.

The deal ensures simultaneous publication across Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Myanmar – territories representing a combined market of over 650 million readers.

Regional Publishing Revolution

This multi-territory approach represents a paradigm shift for Singaporean publishing. Traditionally limited to initial print runs of 500-1,000 copies, regional distribution promises substantially larger audiences. Indonesian publisher Elex Media Komputindo has already committed to 1,500 copies per title, demonstrating the deal’s commercial potential.

The coming-of-age narrative follows Nora, a data-driven Malay protagonist navigating Singapore’s expanding MRT network amid evolving social expectations from the 1990s to present day. Taha, a part-time academic communications researcher and mother of four, began drafting sections as early as 2017.

Market Implications

The EBFP, established in 2015 and opened to Southeast Asian submissions in 2020, has become a crucial platform for regional voices. Previous winners including Meihan Boey’s Miss Cassidy trilogy have achieved international success, with rights sold across Britain, the United States, Albania and Italy.

This regional expansion reflects broader publishing trends across ASEAN markets. Cambodia’s maturing book fair model demonstrates successful transition from volume-based to partnership-driven growth, with institutional relationships providing reliable distribution channels.

Similar strategic approaches are emerging throughout Southeast Asia, where libraries and educational institutions increasingly serve as primary distribution points.

Commercial Outlook

The three-to-five-year regional agreement positions Epigram to compete effectively with Western publishers for regional talent whilst addressing the perennial challenge of limited domestic markets. With participating publishers gaining first refusal on translation rights, the deal creates sustainable revenue streams beyond initial publication.

The View From The Beach

This represents a template for collaborative regional publishing that balances commercial viability with cultural impact. The model demonstrates how established relationships, built through years of rights fairs and industry events, can translate into innovative distribution agreements that benefit publishers, authors and readers across multiple territories.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.