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Albertine Grants

Eligibility & Guidelines

Eligibility

The Albertine Translation Fund & Prizes prioritizes books that were published in France within the past 10 years. However, each funding cycle may include one grant for a classic work of French or Francophone literature—a title that has been previously overlooked or needs a new translation.

Authors, agents, translators, French and American publishers may apply for the Albertine Translation Fund and Prizes.

Please refer to the charts below for more information:

Who can apply?What kind of publication?What kind of financial support?What will be considered?
Authors;
American publishers; French publishers; Literary agents; Translators		Unpublished translations only; Works published in France within the past 10 years; Acquisition of Rights contract fully executed OR contracts to be negotiated;
No print-on-demand or e-publication		$2,000 covering publication costs + up to $5,000 (50% of translation costs). Translators who receive the Grand Prize (2 winners each year) will receive an additional $5,000. Quality of the original book and its importance in the contemporary French and francophone intellectual and literary landscape; Quality of the translation; Plan for promotion & marketing;
Potential and relevance for the American book market;

Guidelines

In addition to filling out the form and uploading the required documents on our platform, you will be asked to provide two physical copies as well as a FULL PDF version of the original book (in French).

Copies of the book should be mailed to:

Books & Ideas Department
Albertine Translation Fund, attn: Laure Poupard
Cultural Services of the French Embassy / Villa Albertine
972 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10075, USA

The Full PDF of the book should be sent to translation@villa-albertine.org

Please review the two scenarios below and identify which one applies to you.
Ensure you have all the required documents on hand before you begin filling out the application form.

You can only upload .doc / .docx / .pdf / .xls / .xlsx files.
The maximum file size is 5mb, except for English and French excerpts (max. 10mb).

I am an American publisher seeking to apply for the Albertine Translation Fund and Prizes. I DO HAVE fully executed copies of the Acquisition of rights contract. I must provide:

1 – Author’s biography / bibliography

2 – Excerpt in English
A 10–12-page, double-spaced sample of the translation. The author of the translation sample must be the intended translator for the publication of this book. The sample should NOT mention the name of the translator, who must remain anonymous to the jury members who will read the excerpt.

3 – Excerpt in French
The application must include a scanned version of the corresponding sample in French.

4 – Translator’s biography
Please provide a short paragraph, no need for a resume (400 characters max). The name of the translator should be included in this section, which will not be visible to jury members.

5 – Translator / publisher contract
A signed copy of the contract between the translator and the American publisher.

6 – Acquisition of rights contract
A signed copy of the contract between the French publisher and the American publisher.

7 – Provisional budget sheet (see sample provided)

8 – Two physical copies of the original French book and a digital copy of the full original book in French (PDF)

I am an author, translator, literary agent, French publisher or an American Publisher seeking to apply for an Albertine Translation grant, BUT I DON’T YET HAVE a fully executed acquisition of rights contract. I must provide:

1 – Author’s biography / bibliography

2 – Excerpt in English
10–12-page, double-spaced sample of the translation. The author of the translation sample must be the intended translator for the publication of this book. The sample should not mention the name of the translator.

3 – Excerpt in French
The application must include a scanned version of the corresponding sample in French.

4 – Translator’s biography
Please provide a short paragraph, no need for a resume (400 characters max)

5 – Copyright letter
A letter from the copyright holder stating that English-language rights to the book are available.

7 – Two physical copies of the original French book and a digital copy of the full original book in French (PDF)

Logo

The Albertine Translation logo must be included on the front or back cover of the book.

AI / EPS / JPG / PNG

Calendar & Application

NEXT CALL FOR APPLICATION: OPENING JUNE 5 AND CLOSING SEPTEMBER 3, 2025

Contact

Books & Ideas Department
translation@villa-albertine.org