Paul Russell Garrett reports on the first in a series of workshops facilitated by Nielsine Nielsen (pictured).
On a cold, dark Copenhagen day in April 2024, a small troupe of translators met up at Kulturhuset in Islands Brygge, in the inaptly-named room, Solisten. For although we translators are famed for working solo, on this day, we came together to pool our combined creative forces. Yes, individual thoughts and ideas were expressed, but they were the result of a creative and collaborative atmosphere, subtly and deftly created by workshop leader Nielsine Nielsen, as we exercised our translation muscles.
As our guide for the day, Nielsine presented the background, scope, and vision for the session, sharing her long-developed ideas on wild translation and how to translate wildly. Was this to be a translation strategy or a translator manifesto? Time will tell.
The afternoon began with a brief introduction from participants, including sharing what kind of tree we would like to be. I chose an oak, hoping to imbue the ensuing activities with its sturdy characteristics. A series of exercises ensued, which included crayons, more trees, and working on texts into and out of Danish. With Nielsine’s prompts to both think wildly and to focus on the outcome, there were definitely some wild translation results!
“I found the Wild Translation workshop to be really refreshing and liberating. The techniques Nielsine Nielsen presented could lead to more creative solutions to translation challenges in literary translations and in other genres. I left the workshop feeling inspired and prepared to look at my work in a new way”
Mary McGovern (translator)
In collaboration with DELT, Nielsine plans to run the second in a series of four wild translation workshops later this year. Watch out for updates in our members’ newsletter and members’ Facebook Group!If you’d like to take part, find out how to join DELT here.
DELT’s Annual General Meeting and BogForum 2023 Recap
by Miranda M. Nicholas-Zaar
For DELT members, the beginning of November was a busy time.
Kick-off was DELT’s sixth Annual General Meeting at Kulturhuset in Copenhagen. Twenty Danish-English literary translators from around the world got together – both online and in-person – to catch up and share plans regarding the world of Danish literature. The discussions spanned from recent and current DELT activities, such as the Danish Translators Aloud Week or the Early Career Translators group, to upcoming projects and actions.
Members who attended in person had the chance to have new, smart headshots taken for the soon-to-be revamped DELT website. While most of us like to hide behind a book or computer screen, our photographer, Camila França, did an excellent job making you feel at ease in front of the camera.
The AGM concluded with a pleasant dinner, allowing DELToids to continue their discussions and connect with old and new colleagues.
Next up was BogForum 2023. For three full days, you could immerse yourself entirely in Danish literature. DELT organised coordinated coffee meet-ups on each day of the fair. These were a great start to the day if you wanted to see familiar faces and – for those new to the game – get some valuable advice from old hands.
BogForum’s programme was packed with great talks, discussions and events across all stages. Some of my personal highlights included the presentation of BogForums Debutantpris to Amina Elmi for her poetry collection Barbar, the interview with lovely Ane Riel about her latest book Små Stød and a wildly entertaining discussion between Knud Romer and Jesper Wung-Sung about the power of stories. Browsing the stands of different publishers was an excellent opportunity to explore the current book market and get inspiration for new projects. My favourites were the micro publishers that offered exciting new titles and the chance to meet some of their authors.
It’s been a busy week at DELT’s social media HQ, where we’ve been sharing readings by our members from the Translators Aloud YouTube channel. Here we have Martin Aitken, perhaps best known for his translations of Knausgaard, reading from his unpublished translation of Kirsten Thorup’s Recollection of Love. Get in touch if you want to know more!
A cohort of DELT translators and English language publishing professionals met at the Danish Embassy in London on 20th April 2023 for pastries, networking, and a panel discussion on publishing – specifically, publishing translations. The event was arranged to coincide with London Book Fair.
We were welcomed by Lone Britt Christensen, the Cultural Attaché at Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and enjoyed an informal coffee, fika and introduction round, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Martin Aitken.
Book*hug (previously, BookThug) began as a poetry press in 2004 and fell almost accidentally into publishing translated literature, when a festival in Toronto, encouraged Canadian publishers to apply for sample grants from the Danish Arts Foundation in order to be able to present various Danish authors to Canadian readers. This led to Book*hug’s first Danish-in-translation title, Pencil of Rays and Spiked Mace by Niels Lyngsø (tr. Gregory Pardlo). Since then, they have published Danish authors such as Niels Frank, Karen Fastrup and Olga Ravn.
Héloïse Press is a relatively new, one-woman press that publishes approximately four fiction titles a year. Aina focusses on female narratives in translation as well as ones originally written in English. So far, the press has mostly published Western European writers, but is interested in branching out to Eastern Europe and further afield. Héloïse’s titles include PEN Translates winner, The Memory of the Air by Caroline Lamarche (tr. Katherine Gregor) and What Concerns Us by Laura Vogt (tr. DELT member Caroline Waight).
Fitzcarraldo Editions has shot to literary fame within a mere nine years since their inception, largely due to their uncanny ability to publish Nobel prize-winning authors. Their fiction and non-fiction titles are easily recognisable by their iconic blue and white covers, and they publish roughly half original English language works and half literature in translation. Authors include Annie Ernaux, Jon Fosse and Agustín Fernández Mallo.
Norvik Press was established in 1986 as part of UEA. They are now based at UCL, and publish a wide range of fiction, poetry and literary criticism – all in some way related to the Nordic countries, now branching out into the wider Baltic region. They are a non-profit organisation and therefore rely on funding and crowdfunding. Norvik Press has published many prominent Nordic authors such as Herman Bang, Vigdis Hjorth and Klaus Rifbjerg.
Some of the event participants and speakers (left-to-right): Misha Hoekstra, Cath Jenkins, Jay Millar, Aina Martí-Balcells, Clare Bogen, Claudia Comyn, Martin Aitken, Rob Myatt
Discussion
Our discussion covered everything from the differences between the Danish and English editing process, to the evolving social media book review landscape. Here in summary:
How a book reaches its reading public
Depending on the book, this is a combination of traditional publicist activities such as sending out proof copies for reviews and author talks, to “BookTok”, to more innovative methods such as collaborating with other artists in order to stage theatre reenactments, visual representations etc. There is a general consensus that smaller presses tend to be more creative with their publicity, and this is perhaps especially the case when it comes to translated literature, which the mainstream British media is still largely resistant to.
A younger audience for translation literature
In terms of publicity, there has been a power shift from reviewers working for mainstream media, who used to be literature’s gatekeepers – able to make or break a book – to incredibly influential, young people on social media, able to make books go viral. A more democratic conversation around books has emerged. These younger readers’ world is global, they’re connected to the internet, and that perhaps explains why they are less adverse to translations than reviewers and readers of previous generations.
Translating with author involvement
Translating to one of the world’s most spoken languages often involves authors, especially when translating from a language such as Danish, where most authors have a very high level of English. We discuss the pros and cons of being able to work closely with authors: close collaboration vs. the author perhaps not even reading the English result.
Editing translations
A brief discussion about the difference between editing translations as opposed to editing original English language texts. We also talk about the more involved process of editing in the English publishing industry, and the shorter process in Denmark, and what kind of literature that tends to result in. Again, pros and cons.
Buying rights
Generally, English language publishers want to buy World English Rights. If based in the UK, they may then go on to sell the North American rights to a US publisher, who might then go on to license the Canadian rights to a publisher in Canada. Sometimes, two or more English language publishers from different territories will buy the rights together, splitting the cost, as well as the cost of translation. The sale of Danish rights is usually – but not always – facilitated by agents.
Pitching Workshop
All four publishers – particularly the more recently established ones – rely heavily on translators to tip them off about authors and books in languages they don’t understand. Many have translators they already work with and trust, many also work with foreign agents.
Generally, a good pitch from a translator should include a sample that can’t be turned down! The pitch, synopsis, comparable titles, reviews, prizes, etc. is a nice-to-have and gives good context to the sample, but the publishers’ decision generally rests on the quality and relevance of the sample. The experience of the translator may also be a factor. Other considerations – like funding and promotion possibilities, tend to come later. It is, however, good to make things as easy as possible for the publisher, eg. by ensuring before pitching that the English rights are available.
And a final tip: Always research the publisher you’re pitching to, that makes the best impression, even if the specific book you’re pitching isn’t quite right for them, it’s good for them to know that you understand what they’re into!
Thank you
A huge thank you to The Danish Arts Foundation for making this event possible through its ‘Literary Events and Projects’ fund, the Danish Embassy for hosting us, and, of course, our panellists, moderator and translators for participating.
Report by DELT member and event attendee Hazel Evans.
Contemporary Scandinavian children’s and Young Adult literature is full of stories that combine a playful joy of storytelling with important socio-cultural themes. But how does this translate? This three-part event on Monday 26th September 2022 explores the ins and outs of working with Scandinavian children’s and YA literature in translation, bringing authors, publishers, translators and industry insiders together discuss their work, and how they go about bringing these books to an English readership.
PART I: A talk and workshop led by Guy Puzey, delving into the nitty-gritty of translating for children and young adults. How do kids actually speak? How does this transfer across cultures and national borders? What can we as translators do to capture the depth and variety of children’s spoken language?
PART II: A panel of industry insiders will discuss their various roles in bringing Scandinavian children’s literature to the English language: how do these books travel, what are the cultural issues involved, and how can we continue to promote Scandinavian children’s voices abroad? Panelists in Part II include Julia Marshall, Tine Nielsen, and BJ Woodstein. Guy Puzey will chair.
Parts I and II are open to translators – for more information and to register, please visit SELTA’s website: swedishenglish.org/events/2022-kids
Part III: Author Panel – everyone welcome! Join us for this online conversation with three of Scandinavia’s most exciting authors of children’s and young-adult literature.
Kim Fupz Aakeson (Denmark), Aina Basso (Norway) and Kristina Sigunsdotter (Sweden) will discuss their work, from inception to finished book, and the art of capturing children’s voices and imaginations. Translator and DELT Chair, Paul Russell Garrett will moderate. FREE – sign-up is required, please go to
ORGANIZERS & SPONSORS This event is being organized jointly by DELT alongside the Swedish-English Literary Translators’ Association (SELTA, swedishenglish.org) and the Swedish Book Review (swedishbookreview.org).
A special thank you to the Danish Arts Foundation and the Swedish Arts Council for their generous support, which has made this event possible!
As DELT looks ahead to marking five years since being formally established, this summer presented the perfect opportunity for a discussion on DELT’s strategy and objectives for the next five.
On 2-3 August, DELT’s management committee met for two days of strategy meetings followed by a members’ meeting and social. Throughout the pandemic, the committee has been meeting monthly online to manage DELT, but because of the ongoing pandemic, this was the first in-person get-together for this committee which formed at the AGM in 2020.
Back row (left-to-right): Misha, Kyle. Front row: Paul, Ellen, Sinéad. Background: piglets.
Committee members Paul Russell Garrett (Chair), Sinéad Quirke Køngerskov (Secretary), Ellen Kythor (Treasurer), Misha Hoekstra and Kyle Semmel all participated in the strategy meetings at a conference hotel just outside Aarhus.
Initial topics covered:
Committee and group updates (including event planning and AGM for Autumn 2022)
Finalising the members’ rates survey findings (now published for DELT members!)
Collaborations with other networks (SELTA, NCW, BCLT)
Then the committee brainstormed individually and collectively what they wanted to achieve from these strategy sessions and their broad ambitions for DELT over the next 5 years. Unsurprisingly, as well as discussing broader strategy for DELT as a whole, the committee were keen to get to know each other better to forge a stronger working relationship after years of online-only meetings. Dinner, drinks and a late-night walkabout in Aarhus helped to get the ball rolling.
The most intense part of the strategy discussion centred around a SWOT analysis, giving the committee an opportunity to take stock of DELT’s role and purpose from different perspectives. This activity would also feed into prioritising DELT’s aspirations and goals.
These Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats formed the basis of discussion when other DELT members joined the committee at a coffee meeting and workshop later on the second day – virtually and in-person! In total, 15 DELT members were able to participate in this summary workshop and informal chat. It was inspiring to hold a truly hybrid meeting with so many attendees contributing in real life and online.
Following feedback from members, two core aspirations and subsequent concrete goals were identified and finalised:
ENGAGING / ACTIVATING / NURTURING MEMBERS
BECOMING A LEADING TRANSLATOR ORGANISATION
A further, more detailed summary of these aspirations and goals will be circulated to DELT members soon!
The group meeting was also a good chance to introduce a demo of DELT’s new website, which is in the process of being redesigned.
Following the formal part of the strategy meetings at the conference hotel, all attendees were invited to a social at Misha’s picturesque communal homestead nearby. This was a fantastic opportunity for socialising and chats about the translation industry, and featured a tour of the farm (can you spot the piglets?), a walk in the woods, fun on a zipline, communal grilling on the campfire, and general summertime østjysk hygge. Many participants had never met in person before, so it really was something special.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. We are also grateful that our successful funding application to the Danish Arts Foundation (and the rare congruence of the entire committee being in Denmark at the same time!) allowed the committee to meet in the same place at the same time.
AGM season is upon us, and DELT is ready to celebrate its fourth official year of existence! This year we’ve invited DELT members Tam McTurk, Katrine Øgaard Jensen, Sharon Rhodes and Nielsine Nielsen to take part in a series of supporting events, and they’ll be joined by an exciting group of guest speakers, including Jennifer Croft, Iben Hendel Philipsen, Lawrence Schimel and Malene Monka.
The AGM itself will take place on 21 NOVEMBER, 19:30 (UTC)
Event: Networking
21 November 16:00 to 17:15 (UTC)
Katrine Øgaard Jensen & Lawrence Schimel (with Nielsine Nielsen)
Why should a literary translator worry about networking — and how can they do it better? Award-winning translators Katrine Øgaard Jensen and Lawrence Schimel will discuss how to network and succeed as a literary translator. In 2018, Katrine received the National Translation Award in poetry for her rendition of Ursula Andkjær Olsen’s poetry collection Third-Millennium Heart. Lawrence is a published author and an established translator working between English and Spanish.
Event: Self-Promotion & Marketing
17:45 to 19:00 (UTC)
Iben Hendel Philipsen, Tam McTurk & Jennifer Croft (with Sharon E. Rhodes)
How can literary translators use social media and create a web presence to promote their work? Jennifer Croft, Tam McTurk, and Iben Hendel Philipsen have all made names for themselves in the world of translation. Iben is not only a bilingual Danish/English translator but is also the founder of IP Words and the activist press, Rebel With a Cause. Tam is both a literary translator and the owner of Citadel Translations, a company that coordinates academic and commercial translations from Danish, Norwegian and Swedish. Finally, Jennifer Croft—the translator of Olga Tokarczuk’s Flights, winner of the 2018 Man Booker International Prize, and an author in her own right — has lit a fire under the debate on acknowledging translators.
Event: Interaktiv Foredrag
Malene Monka
23 November 15:00 (UTC)
Nationalromantikkens indflydelse på hvordan vi taler dansk i dag.
’Tain’t easy to hang out your shingle and earn your bread as a literary translator. That’s true for even some of the most acclaimed practitioners of the trade, as both Daniel Hahn and Misha Hoekstra can attest to.
Join this public DELT event where Danny and Misha will discuss the challenges they’ve faced in making literary translation their calling. They’ll address the difficulties of establishing yourself in the profession, plus strategies to help you achieve some measure of financial and mental stability. They’ll also talk about mistakes they’ve made and doubts they still struggle with – as well as why the whole damn enterprise is worth the trouble. Fellow translator Kyle Semmelwill moderate.
Singing for Your Supper: How to Make It as a Translator (Sunday 13 June, 7pm BST / 8pm CEST / 2pm EDT / 12pm MDT / 6pm UTC!) The conversation will run 55 minutes, including Q&A. You’re also invited to stick around afterward for informal questions and discussion.
2020 was a tumultuous year in many ways, but we are extremely grateful for the continued dedication of the DELT committee. Ellen left big shoes to fill as Chair, but she continues to be a source of invaluable help and advice (and remains part of the committee as Treasurer). Huge thank yous go to John and Lin for all their work on the founding and first committee, and despite them stepping back at the end of 2020, they’ll no doubt continue to be strong voices within the organisation! Thanks also to Sinéad, who as Secretary is tasked with the bulk of the administrative duties. Hearty welcome to new committee members: Misha Hoekstra and Kyle Semmel.
Throughout 2020, the committee has met monthly (previously quarterly) via Skype to discuss various goals for DELT, as well to deal with general duties to strengthen and maintain the association. Following our AGM in 2019, the committee spent significant time identifying and allocating the various committee tasks and roles in part to make it easier for future committee members to carry on the work of the committee seamlessly. We have also been using a number of digital tools that will ensure the committee has a strong foundation going forward including Slack and Google Drive. We are proud that our first virtual AGM and julefrokost was successful in December 2020!
Mentoring was one of the new Chair’s priorities this year. DELT hosted two online events for members on mentoring in 2020 to establish how to help members at various stages of their translation career, including how members can share their experience with each other, and how we might support them as a committee. DELT hopes to formalise this mentorship process in 2021. We are proud that our Chair Paul Russell Garrett has helped secure funding for Danish workshops at the BCLT Summer School in 2020 and 2021, as well as having a Danish mentorship as part of the NCW (National Centre for Writing) Emerging Translator Mentorship in 2020/21.
DELT has a core group of active members, but we would always welcome and encourage further engagement among members, including more involvement in planning and running events, mentoring, and sharing useful resources on our website and Facebook page. We’ll continue to plan regular online meet-ups and professional development sessions for members. We also welcome new members – please spread the word among your networks about our supportive and informative community for Danish to English literary translators!
DELT will host its third Annual General Meeting (AGM) for members on Thursday 3rd December 2020. The meeting will be online via Zoom, starting at 15.00 UTC (i.e. 3pm UK, 4pm Denmark, 10am Eastern Standard Time). The AGM will be kept brief, closely followed by a sociable Julefrokost.
An information pack and registration instructions have been emailed to DELT members. The info pack contains: AGM 2020 Agenda, Chair’s Report 2020, Treasurer’s Report 2020, AGM Minutes 2019, Balance sheets for 2019 (Final) and 2020 (Provisional), Proposal for amendment to DELT Constitution, DELT Constitution, and, finally, Julefrokost Recipes!
