The ALTA First Translation Prize | How to Apply ($3,000)

Feb 21, 2025 Chinaza James-Ibe

Calling Emerging Literary Translators: Apply for the 2025 ALTA First Translation Prize!

Are you a literary translator publishing your first full-length book-length translation? The ALTA First Translation Prize recognizes debut literary translators and their editors with a $3,000 cash prize and industry recognition.

Deadline: March 17, 2025

What You Win

The ALTA First Translation Prize offers:

$3,000 total prize
- $2,000 to the translator
- $1,000 to the editor
Recognition at the ALTA48 Conference Awards Ceremony (November 2025)

Eligibility For The ALTA First Translation Prize

Translators & Publishers can submit
All literary genres are accepted
Books must be the translator’s first full-length literary translation
They must have been published in English in 2024
Translations from any language & translators from anywhere in the world

Submission Details

No entry fee
Books must be professionally published (no self-published works)
Co-translations are not eligible
Chapbooks do not count as full-length publications
Translators who have published shorter works (in journals, anthologies, etc.) are eligible

Upon submission, publishers will receive instructions to mail print copies to judges (if requested). Postmark deadline: March 18, 2025.

2025 Prize Timeline

January 13 – Submissions open
March 17 – Applications close (11:59 PM PT)
Mid-September – Shortlist announced
Early November – Winner announced at ALTA48 Conference

How to Submit

Submit your translation via ALTA’s website before March 17, 2025.

For questions, contact Rachael Daum, Communications & Awards Manager, at rachaeldaum@literarytranslators.org.

We can’t wait to celebrate emerging literary translation talent—send in your work!