[American-Scandinavian Foundation](https://www.amscan.org)

September 15, 2026 (annual submission deadline, online by 11:59 pm EDT)

$2,000–$5,000 per award; four prizes annually; includes publication excerpt and medallion

Annual prizes for outstanding English translations of 20th- or 21st-century Nordic poetry, fiction, drama, or prose.

--- ## Description The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) Translation Awards recognize excellence in English translations of poetry, fiction, drama, or literary prose originally authored in a Nordic language (Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, or Swedish) by writers born after 1900. Four annual prizes are offered: - **Nadia Christensen Prize**: For an exceptional translation from a Nordic language ($5,000 award). - **Leif and Inger Sjöberg Prize**: For a first-time translator whose work has not previously been published ($2,000 award). - **Wigeland Prize**: For the best translation from Norwegian by a resident of Norway ($2,000 award). - **Inger and Jens Bruun Translation Prize**: For the best Danish translation ($2,000 award). Each prize includes a monetary award, publication of an excerpt in *Scandinavian Review*, and a commemorative bronze medallion. --- ## Due Dates - September 15, 2026: Annual submission deadline (online submission due by 11:59 pm EDT) --- ## Funding Amount - **Nadia Christensen Prize**: $5,000 - **Other prizes**: $2,000 each - All prizes include publication of an excerpt and a commemorative medallion. - Four prizes are awarded annually. --- ## Eligibility - Open to translators of works originally written in a Nordic language (Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, or Swedish) by authors born after 1900. - Translations must be of poetry, fiction, drama, or literary prose. - The work translated must be by a single author (not necessarily from a single work). - The submitted translation must not have been previously published in English by the submission deadline. - First-time translators may apply for the Leif and Inger Sjöberg Prize. - For the Wigeland Prize, applicants must be residents of Norway. - The same translator may not win more than three times. - Only one entry per translator per year; a translation may not be submitted in more than two competitions. - Manuscripts must not include the translator’s name anywhere, including the title page—submissions with identifying information will be disqualified. --- ## Application Process - Submit online via the [ASF Translation Awards submission portal](https://amscan.secure-platform.com/a/page/Awards/translation) by the deadline. - Required materials: - Translator’s CV - Brief description of the author and significance of the original work - One copy of the translation (prose: 25–50 pages, double-spaced; poetry: 15–25 pages), with title page and table of contents for the proposed book - One copy of the relevant original language text (relevant pages only) - Letter or document signed by the author, agent, or estate granting permission for the translation to be entered and excerpt published - Manuscripts must have numbered pages and no identifying information about the translator. - If the translation is under consideration by a publisher, inform ASF of the expected publication date. --- ## Additional Information - The competition is annual, with a single submission allowed per translator per year. - The same translation may not be entered in more than two competitions. - Prizes are intended to encourage both established and emerging translators. --- ## External Links - [ASF Translation Awards Program Page](https://www.amscan.org/fellowships-grants/translation-competition) - [Submission Portal](https://amscan.secure-platform.com/a/page/Awards/translation) - [Past Translation Competition Winners](https://www.amscan.org/fellowships-and-grants/past-asf-translation-prize-winners/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@amscan.org | | Phone | 212-779-3587 | | Visit/Postal | Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016 | | Visitor Info | [Visit Scandinavia House](https://www.scandinaviahouse.org/visit/) |

ASF Translation Awards

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