Applications Open for Sixth Edition of Translatorium Literary Translation Mentoring Programme

Aspiring literary translators have the opportunity to take the next step in their careers as applications open for the sixth edition of Translatorium, a mentoring programme designed to support emerging professionals entering the field of literary translation.

Centred around individual mentorship and practical experience, the programme brings together experienced translators and newcomers, offering participants the chance to refine their skills while working on previously untranslated literary texts.

A Practical Route into Literary Translation

Translatorium is intended for translators at the beginning of their professional journey. The programme is open to applicants with a limited publishing record, providing an opportunity to develop their craft before establishing a broader portfolio.

The 2027 edition focuses on translations into Polish from three languages:

• Swedish
• Italian
• Bulgarian

Participants will work under the guidance of established literary translators:

• Justyna Czechowska, mentoring Swedish to Polish translation
• Tomasz Kwiecień, mentoring Italian to Polish translation
• Magdalena Pytlak, mentoring Bulgarian to Polish translation

Each successful applicant will be paired with a mentor for six months, from January until the end of June 2027. Together, they will work on translating a literary work that has not previously appeared in Polish.

Professional Development Beyond Translation

Alongside regular one-to-one mentoring sessions, Translatorium also introduces participants to the wider publishing industry.

A weekend workshop held in Kraków will cover topics including:

• Copyright and intellectual property
• The relationship between translators and publishers
• Building a career in literary translation
• Understanding the realities of the Polish publishing market

The programme concludes with the preparation of a translation of approximately one publisher’s sheet, which is later presented publicly to students at the Jagiellonian University’s Centre for Translation Studies.

Applications Open Until 15 October

Prospective participants have until 15 October to submit their applications.

The application package should include:

• A sample translation of a literary work not previously published in Polish
• The original source text
• A CV
• A motivation letter
• The required declaration form

Selection takes place in two stages. Submitted translations are assessed first, with shortlisted applicants then invited to attend an online interview.

Participation in Translatorium is free of charge. However, participants are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation costs for the Kraków workshop.

Supporting the Next Generation of Literary Translators 

High-quality literary translation plays an essential role in bringing international literature to Polish readers. By investing in early-career translators, Translatorium helps develop the next generation of professionals who will introduce new voices, cultures and perspectives to Poland’s literary landscape.

For Kraków, the programme also reinforces the city’s long-standing reputation as one of Poland’s leading centres for literature, publishing and translation studies, creating valuable links between experienced practitioners, emerging talent and academic institutions.