PortuguesetoEnglish Literary Translation Open Call

We are pleased to announce a new open call for translators interested in bringing contemporary Portuguese-language literature to Englishspeaking readers. This initiative seeks to uncover fresh voices, expand cultural exchange, and enrich the global literary landscape.

Why Translate Portuguese Literature?

Portuguesespeaking countriesfrom Brazil and Portugal to Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and beyondproduce a vibrant array of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Their works tackle universal themesmigration, identity, love, and resistancewhile offering distinct cultural perspectives rooted in histories of colonisation, diaspora, and rapid social change. Translating these texts into English does three things:

• Amplifies underrepresented writers. Many acclaimed Portugueselanguage authors remain virtually unknown outside their home markets.
• Fosters crosscultural dialogue. Readers gain insight into societies that shape global affairs, from Brazils urban megacities to the lyrical landscapes of Lusophone Africa.
• Enriches the English literary canon. Introducing new narrative techniques, rhythmical poetics, and storytelling traditions broadens the possibilities for Englishlanguage writers and readers alike.

What We Are Looking For

The call is open to translators at any stage of their career, though preference will be given to those with a track record of literary work (published translations, anthology contributions, or academic projects). Submissions may include any of the following:

• A short story (2,5004,000 words) originally published in Portuguese within the last five years.
• A poem or sequence (up to 50 lines total) that showcases the translators handling of rhythm, sound, and imagery.
• An excerpt from a novel (3,0005,000 words) that demonstrates narrative voice and character development.

All source texts must be contemporary (published after 2015) and not previously translated into English. Authors must grant permission for the excerpt to be used in the selection process.

Submission Guidelines

1. Cover Letter (max300words). Briefly introduce yourself, describe your experience with literary translation, and explain why the chosen text interests you.
2. Translators Bio (max200words). Include any publications, awards, academic credentials, or affiliations relevant to translation.
3. Source Text Details. Provide the original title, authors name, year of original publication, and a short synopsis (150words max).
4. Translation Sample. Submit the full translation of the chosen excerpt in a single Word or PDF document. Include line numbers for poetry where applicable.
5. Permissions. Attach a signed statement from the original author or rights holder confirming that the excerpt may be shared for evaluation.

All files should be named using the format LastName_Title.pdf (or .docx). Email your complete package to translations@literarybridge.org with the subject line PortuguesetoEnglish Open Call [Your Name].

Important Dates

Submission deadline: 15October2026 (23:59UTC)

Shortlist notifications: 30November2026

Final selection and contract offers: 15December2026

Prizes & Opportunities

Selected translators will receive:

• A monetary translation grant of 2,500 to support further work on the full manuscript.
• A publishing contract withLiterary Bridge Press for the complete work (royalties as per standard contract).
• Mentorship from an established literary translator (sixmonth guidance, editorial feedback, marketing insight).
• Inclusion in a promotional campaign targeting anglophone literary festivals, booksellers, and academic programs.

Evaluation Criteria

The jury, composed of bilingual editors, awardwinning translators, and academic specialists, will assess submissions on:

• Fidelity and creativity. How faithfully does the translation render meaning, tone, and style while employing inventive solutions where necessary?
• Literary quality. Does the English text read as a compelling piece of literature in its own right?
• Technical precision. Grammar, syntax, and consistency of terminology.
• Cultural sensitivity. The ability to convey culturally specific references without loss of nuance.

About Literary Bridge Press

Literary Bridge Press is a nonprofit imprint devoted to publishing world literature in translation. Since 2010, the house has launched awardwinning titles from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and it operates a robust outreach program that includes workshops, translator residencies, and university collaborations.

Contact & FAQs

If you have any questions regarding eligibility, file formats, or rights, please email info@literarybridge.org. Frequently asked questions, including detailed rightsclearance forms, are available on our official call page.