In this uncertain time in which authors, illustrators, translators and publishers face major challenges, the Dutch Foundation for Literature is aiming to give as much support as possible to our partners.
For translators from Dutch
In order to help translators to find new projects, the Dutch Foundation for Literature is making a budget of EUR 100,000 available for accredited translators from Dutch. Translators can put forward a proposal for a 3000-word translated excerpt of a Dutch book (literary fiction, literary non-fiction, children’s and YA books, poetry and graphic novels). The fixed fee is EUR 500 per excerpt. For shorter texts (graphic novels and picture books), the translator can create a presentation.The translator, in consultation with the Dutch Foundation for Literature and the publisher/agent of the Dutch book, will endeavour to find a publisher for the translation. This will have a two-pronged effect: encouraging the publication of new translations and providing assignments for translators. All translators will be contacted by email and the list of selected books will be posted on the Foundation’s website. The deadline for the submission of applications is 15 June 2020.
For foreign publishers
Additional subsidy for production costs
Between now and the end of 2020, the Dutch Foundation for Literature will offer foreign publishers who apply for a translation subsidy the opportunity to request an additional subsidy for production costs. This is an amount of EUR 750 (minimum) and EUR 1500 (maximum) per title (for poetry collections, an amount of EUR 1000 per title applies). This is available for all genres: fiction, non-fiction, children’s and YA literature, poetry and graphic novels. N.B. Publishers of illustrated books and poetry, who already receive a grant for production costs, are also eligible for this additional subsidy for production costs.
The usual opportunities for translation subsidies are, of course, still available:
- For literary fiction, non-fiction, children’s and YA books, illustrated books and poetry, the Dutch Foundation for Literature covers up to 70% of translation costs (and up to 100% in the case of classics).
- For illustrated books (graphic novels and picture books) and poetry, production costs are also supported.
Applications are assessed every two months – for further details, see http://www.letterenfonds.nl/en/translation-subsidy
For the promotion of translations
Sadly, it is currently not possible for authors to travel abroad for promotional visits. However, the Dutch Foundation for Literature is ready to offer financial and other support to publishers and international festivals for the promotion of recent translations. We would therefore like to invite publishers, festivals and literary organisations to submit alternative (e.g. online) promotional plans to the Foundation.