ACE to fund foreign language scouting trip to Bologna

A new project will take eight editors from UK publishing to the 2019 Bologna Children’s Book Fair to scout for foreign-language books.

The project is funded by Arts Council England and was set up by translator Daniel Hahn (pictured), who said: “Over the last few years, many great UK children’s publishers have expressed an eagerness to acquire more work in translation for our market. Following a number of successful introductory schemes – in particular BookTrust’s ‘In Other Words’ programme – we’re keen to move on to the next step in helping publishers find their way into this exciting new field."

Any editor, junior or senior, can apply, as long as they work in children’s and YA publishing and wouldn’t otherwise be going to Bologna in 2019. The only stipulation is that they don’t already have extensive experience publishing work in translation but have an interest in doing so.

The successful applicants will have their flights and hotel paid for and will be paid a daily subsistence rate. On their return, they will be able to access a small fund to commission sample translations of work they found at the fair.

The project is being supported by partners such as Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Book Trust, The British Council and the magazine Words Without Borders, which, after the trip, will produce a children’s literature special. In addition, BookTrust will produce a set of resources to help non-English publishers pitch to UK editors, as well as a guide to help UK editors spot international excellence.

To apply to take part in the initiative, editors must submit an expression of interest of no more than 400 words outlining, why they would like to be a part of the scheme, how they might benefit from it and what sort of work they might be looking for at the fair, by emailing danielhahn02@gmail.com by Monday 19th November.