Grants for Translation of Swedish Literature and Drama (Non-Nordic Languages)

Funding Information

• A maximum sum of SEK 20 000 can be granted as production support, but only for fully illustrated four colour picture books, non-fiction or comics and graphic novels. Non- or partly illustrated books or books with black and white illustrations (except in some cases, such as comics) are not eligible for production support. The grant cannot cover copyright costs.
• The sum you apply for should correspond to the fee you have agreed to in the signed translation contract with the translator.
• This full fee needs to be paid to the translator, regardless of the amount that the Swedish Arts Council has granted. The translator needs to confirm having received the full amount before a reimbursement of the grant can take place.

For What can you receive a Grant?

• The grant covers either translation costs or both translation- and some production costs for translated editions of Swedish works. Swedish works includes literature written in Swedish or any of the national minority languages in Sweden, and originally published in Sweden.
• A condition for the grant is that the translation is done directly from Swedish or any of the national minority languages and not via any third language. Exceptions may be granted for languages where there are no professional translators directly from Swedish or the national minority languages. This requires a written approval from the rightsholder that clearly states which edition shall be used for the translation.
• The grant applies to translation of:
  • prose fiction, poetry, picture books, comics and graphic novels for adults, children and young adults
  • non-fiction in the area of general culture
  • essays
  • drama for publication in book form
• The support scheme does not apply to translation of:
  • specialised scholarly works, reference books, study materials, textbooks, Festschrifts, homage volumes,
  • publishing of sheet music,
  • yearbooks, books of local interest, exhibition catalogues,
  • hobby books, craft books, handbooks, cookbooks, and travel guides
• Irrespective of genre, the work for which a subsidy is being applied must be of high literary quality. The grant is meant to support translation of contemporary works, but support could also be given to classics. Priority will be given to introduction of the work of contemporary Swedish authors into languages where there are no or few previous translations of that author’s work or other Swedish literature.

Eligibility Criteria

• In order to apply for this grant you must be a professional publisher who wants to publish a Swedish book translated into a non-Nordic language. You must have a plan for a professional distribution of the translation in question.
• Any publishing house applying for this grant must have both well-documented experience of publishing quality literature as well as professional distribution channels.
• Neither translators nor authors may apply for translation- or production subsidies through this support scheme.

For more information, visit Swedish Arts Council.