Frequently asked questions
How can I find out whether my nominated work has been shortlisted
The Award does not publish a shortlist.
What should I write in the statement explaining the reasons for applying or nominating a work
Explain why the translation merits consideration for the Award. For example, you may discuss the book’s scholarly or intellectual importance in both the source and target cultures, its history, its influence, and other relevant considerations.
Will I be notified when the package sent to the Award is received
A confirmation is sent by email to all applicants once the initial processing of submissions has been completed.
Will the winners be announced on your social media pages
Yes. The Award announces its winners across all of its official social media accounts.
One of the conditions states that eligible translations are currently limited to the humanities and social sciences. What does this mean
It includes books in the humanities and social sciences, such as sociology, religion, politics, and related fields. It does not include fields such as physics, mathematics, and the natural sciences.
Do you accept translations of manuscript works
Yes, if the manuscript is a heritage or classical work and the translation includes the scholarly editing or critical preparation of that work. However, a translation of an unpublished contemporary book is not eligible; the original of a contemporary work must have been published.
Do you accept translations of unpublished letters or documents held in government archives, museums, or similar institutions
Yes, provided that copies or images of the translated documents are submitted together with the translation.
Must the original book have been written by the applicant
No. The original work does not need to have been written by the applicant. The submitted translation, however, must be the applicant’s own translation.
Can a translation of a work in computer science be nominated
No. Eligible translations are currently limited to the humanities and social sciences.
Is the Award held every year
Yes. The Award is held annually. Different languages are selected for each edition, while translation from and into English remains a permanent category.
Can I apply for the Award
Yes. Anyone who meets the applicable eligibility conditions may apply.
When do applications and nominations open and close
Applications usually open in early January and close at the end of March. Prospective applicants and nominators are advised to review the conditions carefully, as the rules vary between Award categories.
