Registration deadline: February 22, 2011
Application deadline: April 1, 2011

This category is exempt from the Council's three-request limit.

Support for translators' fees is available for the completion of literary translations into English. Accuracy and literary quality of the translation are paramount criteria in this category. Grants in this category range from $2,500 to $10,000. Preference is given to work that has a commitment for publication from a New York State literary publisher or of public performance by a New York State theatre or literary presenter. Priority is given to translators who are New York State residents. Completed projects are ineligible for funding.

Individuals cannot directly apply for Council funding; each literary translation request is sponsored by a nonprofit organization. Fiscal sponsors of literary translation applications may take a fee of no more than 5% of the grant, provided they are presenting a public program featuring the funded translator. Literature recommends that potential applicants see a model translator's contract and a copy of "Handbook for Literary Translators " compiled by PEN Translation Committee, 588 Broadway (Suite 303), New York, NY 10012, (212) 334-1660. See www.pen.org/page.php/prmID/322.

Organizations intending to apply in this category are strongly advised to consult with staff well before the registration deadline.

Application Instructions

Application Narrative Questions

Artistic/Programmatic

1. Work to be Translated/Permissions
Give the title, author and genre of the work to be translated into English. Note the original language (specifying dialect) from which the translation is being made. Indicate whether rights to the work have been secured, or when they will be secured.

2. Translator and Fee
Identify the translator/s and briefly summarize their professional credentials. Note whether the translator has received previous support from NYSCA. Specify the translator's fee and how has it has been calculated.

3. Translator's Statement
Provide a statement from the proposed translator describing the translation project and her/his interest in the work. Detail the translator's artistic concerns and intentions relating to the proposed project. Discuss the need for the translation, the relevant publication history of the work, and the literary context of the work in its original and any other English translations. Note the current stage of the project (first draft, second draft, etc.), and the proposed completion date.

Managerial/Fiscal

4. Publication/Public Programs
If the translation project has special relevance to the public service mission of the sponsoring organization, please discuss here. Describe any plans for publication and/or public readings presenting the translator/ translation to New York State readers/audiences.

5. Marketing
Detail plans for promoting the completed publication of the translation and/or the public program featuring the translator to NYS readers/audiences, as applicable.

Service to the Public

6. Support Materials
Please list all of the support materials you are submitting. These materials are critical to your application's assessment.

Support Materials

6. Support Materials
Please list all of the support materials and/or work samples you are submitting. These materials are critical to your application's assessment.

Support Material

Support material must be postmarked, hand-delivered, or made available online by the application deadline. Please direct them to your appropriate contact at: NYSCA, 175 Varick Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10014 or rzukerman@nysca.org or cleahy@nysca.org.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Refer to the Instructions for Work Samples and Support Materials prior to submission.

NYSCA encourages the submission of Web-based Work Samples and Support Material whenever possible.

1. 10-page excerpts (15 pages for play scripts) in English and in the original language, from the proposed translation-in-progress (20 pages total, 30 pages for play scripts). Please match the English translation and corresponding original on facing pages, and note the title and author/translator names on each page. Manuscripts may be sent electronically (PDF format preferred) to lit@nysca.org provided the diacritical marks from the original language are preserved.

2. Copy of the letter granting rights to the translator.

3. Résumé of the proposed translator.