Beginning in the fall of 2009, Dalkey Archive Press at the University of Illinois will be offering a unique opportunity for young translators working from world languages into English to gain experience in translation and publishing. This program is in response to the need to create the means for translators to take the next major step in their careers.

During the fellowship year, translators will:

• Complete their first book-length translation that will then be published by Dalkey Archive Press
• Help to edit translations from other translators and see how editors respond to issues of translation so that they will learn how best to work with editors in the future
• Work closely with translators who are submitting manuscripts to Dalkey Archive
• Identify works that Dalkey Archive should consider publishing
• Learn how to work with translators, agents, and other publishers
• Work first-hand with funding agencies to secure grants for translations and thereby establish relationships with the funders that translators need to know
• Establish contacts with editors at other publishing houses in order to have the means to submit work to them in the future
• Learn how to write reader reports and learn through experience how to write cover letters to publishers

Application Process:

Those interested in applying should submit the following by January 1, 2009:

• A letter explaining interest in the fellowship, career plans, and previous translation work, and a detailed description of literary background (areas of interest, favorite authors, aesthetic interests, and familiarity with works published by Dalkey Archive Press)
• A complete resumé, including a clear indication of skill levels in languages
• A minimum of three translation samples of fiction work from the language or languages of specialization

Applications should be submitted by e-mail to: John O’Brien, Publisher of Dalkey Archive Press, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Awards will be announced April, 2009. Fellowships will include an $18,000 stipend and medical benefits. Funding for this pilot program has been provided by an international consortium of agencies as a result of priorities established by Arts Council England to identify the best means for supporting young translators and developing a new generation of translators. In conjunction with Dalkey Archive Press, this program will be expanded upon in years to come.