Deadline: 01-Sep-2026
The Emerging Authors – Frankfurt Networks Programme is a mentoring initiative that supports early-career Swiss FINTA authors by providing professional development, mentorship, and international networking opportunities during the Frankfurt Book Fair. Selected participants receive funding for travel, accommodation, daily allowances, and book fair passes while engaging with the Swiss and global publishing industry.
Emerging Authors – Frankfurt Networks Programme
What is the Emerging Authors – Frankfurt Networks Programme?
The Emerging Authors – Frankfurt Networks Programme is a professional mentoring initiative organized during the Frankfurt Book Fair in collaboration with the Swiss authors’ and translators’ association (A*dS).
The programme is designed to help emerging Swiss literary authors build international connections, gain industry knowledge, and expand their professional networks through participation in one of the world’s leading publishing events.
It supports writers across different literary genres and languages while encouraging diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities within the literary sector.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Support the professional development of emerging literary authors.
- Provide mentoring by experienced publishing professionals.
- Build international publishing and literary networks.
- Increase the visibility of Swiss literature.
- Encourage linguistic and regional diversity.
- Promote greater participation of FINTA authors in the literary sector.
- Strengthen engagement with the Swiss and international publishing community.
Priority Areas
Mentoring Emerging Authors
Participants receive professional mentoring to strengthen their literary careers and better understand the publishing industry.
International Networking
The programme enables participants to connect with:
- Publishers
- Literary agents
- Translators
- Editors
- Festival organizers
- Cultural institutions
- International authors
Literary Diversity
Applications are welcomed from authors working across:
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- Poetry
- Literary prose
- Other literary genres
The programme values linguistic, cultural, and regional diversity.
Support for FINTA Authors
A key priority is increasing participation by FINTA authors, including:
- Women
- Intersex individuals
- Non-binary people
- Transgender people
- Agender people
Funding and Benefits
Selected participants receive financial support covering participation in the programme.
Support Includes
- Hotel accommodation
- Travel expenses
- Daily allowances (per diems)
- Frankfurt Book Fair passes
- Participation in mentoring activities
- Professional networking opportunities
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be early-career professional literary authors.
- Identify as FINTA.
- Have completed artistic training or publicly presented their literary work for the first time within the past five years.
Extensions beyond the five-year period may be considered for justified interruptions such as:
- Caregiving responsibilities
- Other documented circumstances
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should also:
- Demonstrate a clear connection to Switzerland.
- Show national relevance within the Swiss literary sector.
- Obtain co-funding from other sources where applicable.
- Ensure fair working conditions throughout participation.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Motivation and commitment.
- Literary and professional potential.
- Linguistic diversity.
- Regional diversity.
- Active participation in the Swiss cultural scene.
- German and/or English language proficiency.
- Overall suitability for the mentoring programme.
Why This Programme Matters
Early-career authors often face challenges in accessing international publishing networks and professional mentoring.
This programme helps participants:
- Build international literary connections.
- Learn about the publishing industry.
- Increase professional visibility.
- Expand career opportunities.
- Promote inclusive representation within literature.
- Strengthen Switzerland’s literary presence internationally.
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm that you:
- Identify as a FINTA author.
- Meet the early-career eligibility requirements.
- Have a strong connection to Switzerland.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
Complete the required application materials and demonstrate your motivation for participating.
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline
Ensure all required documents are complete and submitted on time.
Step 4: Selection Process
Applications are reviewed according to the published evaluation criteria.
Step 5: Participate in the Programme
Selected participants attend the Frankfurt Book Fair, take part in mentoring sessions, and engage with publishing professionals from around the world.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly explain their motivation.
- Highlight their literary achievements.
- Demonstrate engagement with the Swiss literary community.
- Show how participation will support their professional development.
- Submit a complete application before the deadline.
- Emphasize their interest in international collaboration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Missing the application deadline.
- Providing unclear motivation statements.
- Failing to demonstrate a connection to Switzerland.
- Ignoring programme eligibility requirements.
- Not explaining justified career interruptions where applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Emerging Authors – Frankfurt Networks Programme?
It is a mentoring and networking programme that supports emerging Swiss FINTA authors through professional development opportunities during the Frankfurt Book Fair.
2. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are early-career professional literary authors who identify as FINTA and have completed their artistic training or publicly presented their work for the first time within the last five years, subject to eligible extensions.
3. What financial support is provided?
Selected participants receive funding for hotel accommodation, travel expenses, daily allowances, and Frankfurt Book Fair passes.
4. What types of authors are eligible?
The programme welcomes literary authors across all languages and genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and other literary forms.
5. What are the main selection criteria?
Selection is based on motivation, linguistic and regional diversity, participation in the Swiss cultural scene, and proficiency in German and/or English.
6. Why is the programme focused on FINTA authors?
The initiative seeks to improve representation and strengthen opportunities for FINTA authors within the Swiss and international literary and publishing sectors.
7. Why is participating in the Frankfurt Book Fair valuable?
The Frankfurt Book Fair is one of the world’s leading publishing events, offering participants opportunities to build international networks, engage with publishers and literary professionals, and gain valuable insights into the global publishing industry.
Conclusion
The Emerging Authors – Frankfurt Networks Programme provides an outstanding opportunity for early-career Swiss FINTA authors to develop their literary careers through mentorship, international networking, and participation in the Frankfurt Book Fair. By supporting diversity, professional growth, and engagement with the global publishing community, the programme helps emerging writers expand their visibility, strengthen industry connections, and advance their careers on an international stage.
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