To kick off the Society of Authors’ 2025 events calendar, and to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Scott Moncrieff prize in the run-up to our annual Translation Prizes, the SoA is launching a special French Week of events.
The Scott Moncrieff Prize is an annual award for translations into English of full-length French works of literary merit and general interest, and has celebrated translators such as Frank Wynne, Natasha Lehrer and Barbara Bray over the years.
To mark the week, we have commissioned original artwork from French/Senegalese illustrator, Moka Celess.
- #SoAatHome French Week Industry Insider: 60 Years of the Scott Moncrieff: Celebrating Francophone African Writing
28 January 2025 / 14:30 / online
Join us for a panel discussion with Sarah Ardizzone (Chair); Allison Charette; Ray Ndebi; Edwige Dro and Ruth Bush celebrating francophone African writing - SoA In-person – Open house tour of The Institut français du Royaume-Uni
29 January 2025 / 11:00
The 45 minute (approx.) tour will enable visitors to discover the Institut’s history and gorgeous Art Deco architecture, and the collections of the Médiathèque. - #SoAatHome Afternoon Tea with Vineet Lal; hosted by Tracy Chevalier
30 January 2025 / 14:30 / online
Get to know French Translator and previous Co-Chair of the SoA’s Translators Association, Vineet Lal who will be in conversation with American-British Novelist, Tracy Chevalier. - #SoAatHomeFeel Good Friday – Draw-along with Sandrine Kao
14 February 2025 / 11:00 / online | Join French illustrator, Sandrine Kao as she leads this special love themed draw along session as part of our French Week 2025.
Instutit français, sponsors of the Scott Moncrieff prize, said:
‘Literary translation is a bridge that connects us to the rich tapestry of other cultures and thought. Celebrating 60 years of the Scott Moncrieff Prize is a tribute to the translators who bring the beauty, complexity, and diversity of French literature to the world, enriching our global literary heritage. The Institut français in the UK is proud to sponsor such an important prize.’
Commenting on the upcoming programme, the SoA’s Head of Events, Sophia A Jackson, said:
‘I’m delighted that we are programming our second themed week of events as part of our celebration of the Translation Prizes. Highlighting the 60th anniversary of the Scott Moncrieff prize is a brilliant opportunity to work with French writers, illustrators and translators from around the world and tap into the breadth of talented creatives out there.’
We announced the shortlists for our Translation Prizes on 2 December. The winners of the eight prizes will be celebrated at the British Library Knowledge Centre on 12 February 2025, and livestreamed for viewers at home.
Translation Prizes 2024 – Online Fundraising Bookshop
Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store, featuring titles shortlisted for this year’s Translation Prizes. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links, a percentage will go to the Drusilla Harvey Access Fund, giving authors support for travel, subsistence, childcare or access needs for events, residencies, and retreats.
#SoAatHome 2025 Spring / Summer programme
Other events in the first half of 2025 will include How to make and use book trailers; Dealing with dialogue and dishonesty; and How to deal with knockbacks and rejections, which will be available to RSVP through our events page in a few weeks. We also look forward to seeing you in person at London Book Fair in March.