Literary Translation Database

Literary Translator Charlie Coombe has set up a literary translation database covering publications, journals, review blogs, awards, contests, events, residencies, grants, funding, organisations and unions. It is a Google Doc that you can update with anything you believe other literary translators may find useful.

Cambridge Conversations in Translation

Alternate Mondays, 14:00–16:00 during term-time
Seminar room SG1, Alison Richard Building
For more information on Cambridge Conversations.

Emerging Translators Network

The Emerging Translators Network is a forum and support network for early-career literary translators working into English (primarily) and focused essentially on the UK. ETN provides an email-based discussion group, where you can ask questions, seek and give advice, exchange tips and resources, post details of events and opportunities or even pass on work. Occasional meetings, socials, events and workshops are held in London throughout the year. Members outside London also organize meetings in their own areas. It’s free to join, but prospective members should demonstrate a genuine interest in developing a career in literary translation.

Free Word Centre

The Free Word Centre is an international organisation dedicated to literature, literacy and free expression. They host public events all year round, exploring issues in contemporary politics, literature and culture. Among their programme of events are author talks, panel discussions, film screenings, exhibitions, workshops and conferences. 

In Other Words

The journal for practising translators and for anyone interested in them and the world in which they work. Previously published by BCLT, In Other Words is now published by The National Centre for Writing.

Subscribe to 'In Other Words'.

Literature Across Frontiers

Literature Across Frontiers is a European platform for literary exchange, translation and policy debate. Surveys of national organisations and publishers supporting literary translation can be downloaded from the LAF website. LAF also publishes data and statistics on literary translations in the UK and Ireland. You can also download the list of publishers in the UK and Ireland who publish translations.

PEN Translates

PEN Translates was launched in 2012, with support from Arts Council England, to encourage UK publishers to acquire more books from other languages. Their awards help UK publishers to meet the costs of translating new works into English – whilst ensuring translators are acknowledged and paid properly for their work.

PEN Translates will fund up to 75% of translation costs for selected projects. When a publisher’s annual turnover is less than £500,000 they will consider supporting up to 100% of translation costs.

The PETRA-E Network 

The PETRA-E Network is a European network of institutions dedicated to the education and training of literary translators.

RECIT

BCLT is a member of RECIT, the network for European literary translation houses.

The Translators' Association

The Translators Association is the UK’s professional association for literary translators. The TA is a source of expert advice and information, including details about payment rates for literary translation. It is the experience of the Society of Authors, when reviewing contracts, that UK publishers are prepared to pay in the region of £90 per 1,000 words.

Find out more at the Translators Association website

Translators in Schools

Translators in Schools is an ongoing training scheme. The programme includes a training day for multi-lingual teachers and a three-stage course for translators and bi-lingual teaching assistants.