Accreditation
The quality of translations is very important to Flanders Literature. After all: no matter how impressive the original book is, the way it is received in another country depends on the quality of the translation.
Together with the Dutch Foundation for Literature, Flanders Literature maintains a database of accredited literary translators. The quality of their work has been favourably assessed by specialists and it is these translators who are recommended to foreign publishers.
Flanders Literature is temporarily suspending spontaneous accreditations – those not linked to specific publishing projects – in order to thoroughly review the procedure. We are re‑examining the underlying principles to better respond to the needs of translators and publishers. In doing so, we aim to develop a more transparent and balanced system that offers sustainable support for high‑quality literary translation. Accreditation will continue to be possible within the framework of grant applications submitted by foreign publishers.
Translation grant
Foreign publishers can apply for a grant to support the translation of a Flemish literary work into another language.
If the publisher has a contract with an accredited translator, Flanders Literature assumes that the translation quality is sufficient for a grant to be awarded.
If the publisher chooses to work with a translator who is not yet accredited, they must include a sample translation with their application, along with the translator’s CV. The quality of this sample translation will be assessed by at least two specialists. The outcome of this assessment is an important factor in the decision on whether a grant will be awarded.
- The sample translation is assessed (anonymously) by one or more experienced literary translators. On average, this takes four to six weeks.
- Accreditation is always granted for a specific genre. If, at a later date, a translator wants to work in a different genre with its own specific requirements, Flanders Literature can request a new sample translation.
- Translators who want to translate the work of a Flemish author should apply to Flanders Literature; translators who choose a work by an author from the Netherlands should apply to the Dutch Foundation for Literature.