Swedish Literature and Drama Translation Grant Program (Non-Nordic Languages)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Swedish Arts Council is inviting applications from professional publishers seeking support to translate Swedish literature and drama into non-Nordic languages. The programme aims to promote the international dissemination of Swedish books by supporting professional publishers with proven publishing experience and established distribution channels outside the Nordic region. The grant supports translation and selected production costs for high-quality Swedish literary works, helping Swedish authors reach new international audiences and language markets. Purpose of the Programme The main purpose of the programme is to facilitate the publication and international distribution of Swedish literature in languages outside the Nordic region.

The programme aims to:

- Promote the international dissemination of Swedish literature. - Increase the availability of Swedish books in non-Nordic languages. - Introduce Swedish authors to new international readers. - Encourage translations into languages with few or no previous translations of Swedish literature. - Support the publication of contemporary Swedish literary works. - Strengthen professional international distribution of Swedish books. What Does the Grant Fund? The programme provides funding for the translation of eligible Swedish literary works into non-Nordic languages.

Funding can cover:

- Translation costs. - Certain production costs for particularly costly publications. The translation grant must correspond to the fee agreed in the signed translation contract between the applicant and translator. Production support can be provided up to a maximum of SEK 20,000 for particularly costly publications, including: - Four-colour illustrated books. - Poetry. - Comics. - Graphic novels. The grant cannot be used to cover copyright costs. Eligible Types of Literature The programme supports a broad range of Swedish literary and dramatic works.

Eligible works include:

- Prose fiction. - Poetry. - Picture books. - Comics. - Graphic novels. - Non-fiction relating to general culture. - Essays. - Drama intended for publication in book form. Supported works must demonstrate high literary quality. Programme Priorities The Swedish Arts Council gives particular priority to projects that can expand the international reach of Swedish literature.

Priority is given to:

- Contemporary Swedish authors. - Languages in which Swedish literature has few or no previous translations. - High-quality Swedish literary works. - Projects that can introduce Swedish literature to new international audiences. This means publishers should clearly explain the international relevance and potential readership of the proposed translated work. Who Can Apply? Applications must be submitted by professional publishers.

Eligible publishers should have:

- Proven publishing experience. - Established professional distribution channels. - A clear plan for distributing the translated work. - The capacity to publish and distribute Swedish literature outside the Nordic region. The programme is therefore intended for professional publishing houses rather than individual authors or translators. Translation Requirements The translation must normally be made directly from Swedish or from a Swedish national minority language. This requirement ensures that the translated edition is based directly on the original Swedish-language work. An exception may apply when no professional translators are available for the target language. In such cases, an alternative translation arrangement may be permitted, but written approval from the rightsholder is required. Applicants should therefore confirm translator availability and ensure that any exception is properly authorized. Translator Payment and Reimbursement The requested translation funding must correspond to the fee agreed in the signed translation contract. The translator must also confirm that they have received the full agreed fee before reimbursement of the grant is processed. Applicants should therefore maintain clear documentation showing: - The signed translation contract. - The agreed translation fee. - Payment of the full translator fee. - Confirmation from the translator that the full fee was received. Production Support In addition to translation costs, the programme can provide limited production support for particularly costly publications. Production support is available up to SEK 20,000. This support is particularly relevant to publications that require higher production expenses, such as: - Four-colour illustrated books. - Poetry books. - Comics. - Graphic novels. Applicants should distinguish eligible production expenses from copyright costs, which are not covered. What Costs Are Not Covered? The grant has specific limitations.

It does not cover:

- Copyright costs. - Costs associated with ineligible types of publications. - Translation arrangements that do not meet the programme’s requirements unless an approved exception applies. Applicants should ensure that the proposed budget clearly separates translation and eligible production expenses from excluded costs. Ineligible Types of Publications The programme does not support a number of specialised, educational, reference or practical publications.

Ineligible works include:

- Specialised scholarly works. - Reference books. - Textbooks. - Sheet music. - Yearbooks. - Books of local interest. - Exhibition catalogues. - Hobby books. - Craft books. - Handbooks. - Cookbooks. - Travel guides. Publishers should confirm that the proposed work falls within one of the eligible literary categories before preparing the application. International Distribution Requirement A clear professional distribution plan is an important part of eligibility. The programme is intended to support the international dissemination of Swedish literature, so applicants should demonstrate how the translated publication will reach readers in the target non-Nordic language market. Professional publisher