New Prize for Translated Poetry Aims to Foster Global Literary Voices

A new biennial poetry prize dedicated to translated works is set to be launched, targeting the burgeoning interest in international literature. The Poetry in Translation prize, a collaborative initiative between Fitzcarraldo Editions, Giramondo Publishing, and New Directions, will award a total of $5,000 to be divided equally between the original poet and the translator. The announcement of this prize comes at a time when the popularity of translated fiction is experiencing a significant upswing in the UK market.

The prize is open for submissions starting July 15, 2025, and will accept entries until August 15, 2025. A shortlist of candidates will be revealed later this year, with the winning collection set to be published in early 2027. According to Rachael Allen, poetry editor at Fitzcarraldo Editions, the initiative aims to broaden the exposure of poetry written in languages other than English, thereby fostering a more diverse literary landscape. “We wanted to open our doors to new poetry in translation to give space and gain exposure to poetries we may not be aware of,” stated Allen.

The initiative arises amidst a reported increase in sales of translated fiction, a trend that has led publishers to reconsider their poetry lists. Joely Day, also a poetry editor at Fitzcarraldo, emphasized the importance of translation in expanding reading horizons. “The space the work of translators has opened up in the reading lives of English speakers through the success of fiction in translation will also extend to poetry,” she remarked.

Both Fitzcarraldo Editions and Giramondo Publishing have a history of prioritizing translated works. Fitzcarraldo has published notable titles by Nobel laureates such as Olga Tokarczuk and Annie Ernaux, maintaining a balance between English-language and translated literature. This prize seeks to replicate that success in poetry, aiming to uncover innovative and distinctive voices from around the globe.

The award invites submissions from living poets, regardless of their nationality, provided their original works are composed in languages other than English. The prize aims to discover poetry that is not only formally innovative but also possesses a strong and distinct voice that can energize and move audiences. Nick Tapper, associate publisher at Giramondo, highlighted the award’s purpose of bringing diverse global perspectives into English literature. “Its global outlook will bring new readers to poets whose work deserves wide and sustained attention,” Tapper noted.

The Poetry in Translation prize represents a significant step towards recognizing the essential role of translators in the literary world, providing a platform for both poets and translators alike. With the launch of this prize, the three participating publishers hope to inspire a new generation of translators, encouraging them to engage with poetry and bridging the gap between different linguistic and cultural landscapes. As the prize progresses, it promises to reshape the narrative around translated poetry and its place in contemporary literature.