Translation Grants for Swedish Literature and Drama in Nordic Languages

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Swedish Arts Council has opened applications to support professional publishing houses in the Nordic countries that want to translate Swedish literature and drama into other Nordic languages. The programme is designed to increase the international presence of Swedish literary works within the Nordic region and encourage wider discussion around translated literature. Funding supports the translation of a broad range of Swedish literary works, including fiction, poetry, children’s literature, comics, graphic novels, essays, cultural non-fiction and drama intended for publication in book form. Purpose of the Programme The programme aims to strengthen the circulation and visibility of Swedish literature across the Nordic countries.

The main objectives are to:

- Stimulate broader discussion about translated literature. - Increase the availability of Swedish literature in other Nordic languages. - Introduce Swedish authors to readers in new language markets. - Support children’s and young adult literature. - Encourage translations into lesser-used Nordic languages. - Promote both contemporary Swedish literature and Swedish classics. What Does the Grant Fund?

The grant can support either:

- Translation costs alone; or - Translation costs together with certain production costs for the translated edition. For particularly costly publications, production support of up to SEK 20,000 may be available. This additional production support is particularly relevant to publications such as: - Four-colour illustrated books. - Poetry books. - Comics. - Graphic novels. The amount requested for translation must correspond to the fee agreed in the signed contract between the applicant and translator. Translator Payment Requirement A key condition of the programme is that the translator must receive the full agreed translation fee before the grant can be disbursed. Applicants should therefore have a clear, signed translation agreement specifying the translator’s fee and retain appropriate payment documentation. The grant does not cover copyright costs. Eligible Types of Literature The programme supports translations of a wide range of Swedish literary and dramatic works.

Eligible categories include:

- Prose fiction. - Poetry. - Picture books. - Comics. - Graphic novels. - Literature for adults. - Literature for children. - Literature for young adults. - General cultural non-fiction. - Essays. - Drama intended for publication in book form. This broad scope allows publishers to apply for support for both literary and illustrated works, including publications aimed at younger readers. Works That Are Not Eligible The programme does not provide support for several specialised or commercially focused categories.

Ineligible works include:

- Specialised scholarly works. - Reference books. - Study materials. - Textbooks. - Festschrifts. - Homage volumes. - Sheet music. - Yearbooks. - Books of local interest. - Exhibition catalogues. - Hobby books. - Craft books. - Handbooks. - Cookbooks. - Travel guides. Publishers should carefully check the nature and purpose of the proposed publication before preparing an application. Programme Priorities Although a broad range of literature can be supported, the programme gives particular priority to certain types of translation projects.

Priority is given to:

- Introducing authors in new languages. - Literature for children and young adults. - Works translated into lesser-used languages. - Contemporary Swedish literature. - Swedish literary classics. These priorities reflect the programme’s objective of expanding the readership and linguistic reach of Swedish literature across the Nordic region. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants are professional publishing houses in the Nordic countries.

Applicants should have:

- A developed plan for distribution of the translated publication. - A record of publishing quality literature. - Professional distribution channels. The programme is therefore intended for established professional publishers with the capacity to publish and distribute the translated work. Who Cannot Apply? Translators and authors are not eligible to apply directly for this funding. The application must come from an eligible professional publishing house in a Nordic country. Translators participate through their contractual relationship with the publisher or applicant rather than acting as the grant applicant themselves. Translation Language Requirements The translation must normally be made directly from Swedish or from a Swedish national minority language. This requirement helps ensure that the translated edition is based directly on the original Swedish-language or national-minority-language work. An exception may be possible for languages where professional translators are not available. In such cases, an alternative translation arrangement may be permitted subject to the programme’s approval. Applicants considering this exception should ensure that the necessary approval is obtained before relying on an indirect translation route. Special Rule for Swedish Works Originally Published in Finland Applications involving works originally published in Swedish in Finland are handled separately. These applications are managed by FILI rather than through this Swedish Arts Council programme. Publishers should therefore determine whether their proposed work falls within this category before submitting an application to the Swedish Arts Council. Distribution and Publishing Capacity A strong application should demonstrate that the publisher has a realistic plan for distributing the translated work. Professional distribution channels are important because the programme is intended not simply to fund translations but to increase the availability and readership of Swedish literature in other Nordic languages. Applicants should therefore be prepared to demonstrate their publishing experience, quality record and distribution capacity. How to Prepare an Applicatio