Request for Proposals: Literary Translation Grant Program (Switzerland)

The Literary Translation Grant Program supports professional translators working on literary translations with a clear connection to Switzerland. The program provides translation fees of CHF 60 per standard prose page and CHF 120 per poem, with annual funding of up to CHF 25,000 per translator to promote the international circulation of Swiss literature and ensure fair compensation for translators.

Literary Translation Grant Program

The Literary Translation Grant Program provides financial support to experienced literary translators undertaking translation projects that contribute to the promotion of Swiss literature and culture.

The program helps translators receive fair remuneration while encouraging the publication of high-quality literary works connected to Switzerland in different languages and international markets.

About the Programme

The grant supports literary translation projects that:

• Have a clear connection to Switzerland.
• Demonstrate national cultural significance.
• Promote Swiss literature to wider audiences.
• Ensure fair working conditions for translators.
• Receive complementary funding from public or private sources.

The initiative recognizes the important role translators play in making Swiss literary works accessible across languages and cultures.

Funding Details

The program offers the following support:

• CHF 60 per standard prose page (1,800 characters)
• CHF 120 per poem translated
• Maximum annual funding: CHF 25,000 per translator

If the translated work is published by a publishing house outside Switzerland, the program may also cover the difference between the publisher’s translation fee and the standard Swiss translation rate.

Programme Objectives

The Literary Translation Grant Program aims to:

• Promote high-quality literary translation.
• Increase the international visibility of Swiss literature.
• Support professional literary translators.
• Encourage multilingual cultural exchange.
• Ensure fair compensation for translation work.
• Strengthen the publication of Swiss literary works internationally.

Focus Areas

The programme supports:

• Literary translation
• Swiss literature
• International publishing
• Cultural exchange
• Professional translation
• Literary arts
• Fair remuneration for translators
• Cross-cultural communication

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be professional literary translators.
• Have previously completed at least one literary translation in the same language combination.
• Demonstrate high-quality translation skills through the submitted sample.
• Translate a work that has a clear connection to Switzerland.
• Ensure the project is of nationwide importance.
• Demonstrate that the project receives adequate co-funding from public or private sources.
• Guarantee fair working conditions throughout the project.

Eligible Projects

Projects should:

• Translate literary works connected to Switzerland.
• Be intended for publication.
• Demonstrate cultural significance.
• Meet professional literary translation standards.
• Include appropriate financial support from additional funding sources.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Project description
• Translator’s CV
• Publication date and publication location
• Twenty proofread pages of the translation
• Corresponding pages from the original text
• Signed translation agreement
• Translation fee agreement

The translation agreement must be written in, or officially translated into:

• German
• French
• Italian
• English

Applicants must also provide:

• Project budget
• Requested funding amount
• Justification for the funding request

Why This Grant Matters

Literary translation enables stories, ideas, and cultural perspectives to reach readers across languages and borders.

This grant helps preserve translation quality by ensuring translators receive fair compensation while increasing international access to Swiss literature and supporting cultural exchange through publishing.

How to Apply

Follow these steps:

1. Confirm that your translation project has a clear connection to Switzerland.
2. Ensure you meet the professional translation experience requirement.
3. Obtain a signed translation agreement with the publisher.
4. Prepare twenty proofread pages of your translation.
5. Include the corresponding pages from the original work.
6. Prepare a detailed project budget.
7. Explain the amount of funding requested and why it is needed.
8. Submit all required documentation according to the program guidelines.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances:

• Submit a polished, carefully proofread translation sample.
• Clearly demonstrate the Swiss relevance of the literary work.
• Explain the cultural importance of the publication.
• Present a realistic project budget.
• Provide strong evidence of previous literary translation experience.
• Ensure all required documents are complete and professionally prepared.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Submitting incomplete application materials.
• Providing an unproofread translation sample.
• Failing to demonstrate the project’s Swiss connection.
• Omitting proof of previous translation experience.
• Missing the signed translation agreement.
• Submitting documents in unsupported languages without translation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Literary Translation Grant Program?

Professional literary translators who have previously completed a literary translation in the same language combination.

How much funding is available?

The program provides:

• CHF 60 per standard prose page
• CHF 120 per poem
• Up to CHF 25,000 per translator per year

Can projects published outside Switzerland receive support?

Yes. If the publisher is based outside Switzerland, the program may cover the difference between the publisher’s translation fee and the standard Swiss translation rate.

What types of literary works are eligible?

Eligible projects must involve literary works with a clear connection to Switzerland and demonstrate nationwide cultural importance.

Is previous translation experience required?

Yes. Applicants must have already completed at least one literary translation in the same language combination.

What documents must be submitted?

Applicants must provide a project description, CV, publication details, translation sample, original text sample, signed translation agreement, budget, and funding justification.

What languages are accepted for the translation agreement?

The agreement must be written in or translated into German, French, Italian, or English.

Conclusion

The Literary Translation Grant Program offers valuable financial support for professional translators working to bring Swiss literature to new audiences. By providing fair remuneration, encouraging high-quality translations, and promoting international publication, the program strengthens cultural exchange while ensuring that literary translators receive the recognition and support their work deserves.