Translation Prize: Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be an SoA member to enter the prizes?

No, you do not have to be a member. All writers and translators are welcome to enter.

Is there a fee to enter?

No, none of our prizes have an entry fee.

Can I enter multiple prizes?

Yes, as long as you follow the eligibility criteria for each individual translation prize.

When will I hear about the results of the prize?

The Translation Prizes close for submissions in March and then the judging process begins. This will usually be concluded in the autumn at which point we will contact all shortlisted translators either directly or via their publishers.

If my publisher has entered my book, will I be notified?

The Society of Authors will only ever contact the person who has completed the  online form and entered their contact details.

Many publishers have a policy where they do not discuss prize entries with their translators to avoid any potential disappointment and as such we are unable to discuss entry to our prizes with anyone who is not the person submitting, even if it is your book.

Is there a limit to the number of entries a publisher can make to any of the prizes?

Publishers can submit two books per imprint with the exception of the Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation which has no limit on the number of entries per imprint and those prizes which call in titles rather than accepting submissions. In all cases, if judges request reading copies of books once the judging process has begun, this does not impact the overall number of submissions allowed.

Where should books be sent to?

All entries, including the original texts, must be sent to:

The Society of Authors
24 Bedford Row
London
WC1R 4EH

Please do not send them to any other address.

The original text is only available in an electronic format, am I eligible for any prizes?

Yes. Although we do ask that publishers try to source the hard copy as judges do prefer this when reading. We are aware that this can sometimes be difficult for older texts and so will accept the submission as an electronic format.

Please let us know asap if your submission of the original text will be electronic only.

What happens if I am unable to source the original?

As these are prizes for translation, some of the judging panel read in both the source language and in English. Entries where the source language text is not provided are considered ineligible.

I’ve entered a prize that is about to close, do books need to arrive with you before the deadline for submissions?

There is a short grace period after the prize has closed for books to arrive to allow for any postage mishaps or books that are entered in the final days of the prize submission period.

Please note that the online form must be completed before the closing date for the prize in order for your entry to be considered.

My publisher is based outside of the UK, is my work still eligible?

We can accept English works that are widely distributed in the UK, if in doubt please do get in touch.

I would prefer not to use the online form, can I enter by email or by post?

Yes. Please contact us at prizes@societyofauthors.org or on 020 3880 2230 and we can send you an entry form that we will add to our system manually.