The Icelandic Literature Center has opened its autumn round of grants supporting translations of Icelandic books into other languages, with applications due by September 15.
Foreign publishers can seek support for prose, poetry, drama, general-interest non-fiction, comics and children’s books after securing publication rights and a contract with a translator.
What’s the Story?
- Applications for translation grants from Icelandic close September 15.
- Foreign publishers must already hold the rights and have a translator under contract.
- Children’s and YA translations receive special emphasis in 2026, with grants covering up to 70% of translation costs to a maximum ISK 500,000.
Extra support for children’s books in 2026
The main translation fund is designed to promote Icelandic literature abroad. The Center says grants normally cover a proportion of the translator’s agreed fee, with applications assessed on the quality of the work and the translator’s qualifications.
For 2026, children’s and young adult literature receives additional support. Eligible projects can receive up to 70% of translation costs, capped at ISK 500,000, and illustrated children’s books may also qualify for partial support toward printing costs.
The Center is simultaneously accepting applications for Nordic translation grants, sample translation grants and travel support for Icelandic authors. Its online application portal lists September 15 at 23:59 as the closing time for the current round.
Translation support has long been central to the international reach of Icelandic writing. Iceland Review previously examined the Center’s role in Getting the Word Out and reported on earlier international translation-grant allocations.
The current application forms and requirements are available from the Icelandic Literature Center.
Original source: Icelandic Literature Center
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