Celebrating Global Voices: A New Prize for Poetry in Translation
A notable new initiative is set to launch next month, offering recognition and support for poetry reaching English-language audiences through translation. The biennial Poetry in translation prize, a collaborative effort between leading publishers Fitzcarraldo Editions, Giramondo Publishing, and New Directions, aims to spotlight the artistry of both poets and their translators.
Bridging Linguistic Divides with a $5,000 Award
the prize will award a total of $5,000 (approximately £3,700) – split equally between the poet and the translator of the winning collection. This financial boost acknowledges the crucial, frequently enough undervalued, role translators play in expanding literary horizons. The winning work will benefit from a broad distribution network,published by Fitzcarraldo Editions in the UK and Ireland,Giramondo in Australia and New Zealand,and New Directions across North America.
A Growing Appetite for translated Literature
This launch arrives at a time of increasing interest in translated works. Recent statistics demonstrate a surge in translated fiction sales within the UK, with a 2023 report from the Publishers Association showing a 15% increase in translated titles sold compared to the previous year. Joely Day, of Fitzcarraldo Editions, suggests this trend will naturally extend to poetry, stating that “the opportunities created by translators in the reading habits of english speakers, fueled by the success of translated fiction, will also positively impact poetry.”
Championing Diversity in Poetic Expression
The three publishing houses involved have a strong track record of championing translated literature. Fitzcarraldo, for example, has published acclaimed translated works by Nobel laureates such as Olga Tokarczuk, Jon Fosse, and Annie Ernaux. “We’ve consistently strived for a balanced publishing list, offering an equal platform to both English-language and translated authors,” explains day. “Many of our most celebrated titles have been works originally written in other languages, and we are eager to replicate this diversity within our poetry selections. This prize is a vital step towards achieving that goal.”
Nick Tapper,associate publisher at Giramondo,echoes this sentiment,emphasizing the prize’s commitment to uncovering hidden literary gems: “This prize is designed to open doors to poetry from around the world,bringing attention to voices that deserve a wider readership and highlighting the essential contribution of translation to our literary landscape.”
This new prize promises to be a landmark event, fostering a greater appreciation for global poetic traditions and the skilled individuals who make them accessible to English-speaking readers.