FACE Foundation

- Supporting French-American Cultural Exchange in Education and the Arts

Albertine Translation

Guidelines

To be considered for an Albertine Translation funding, the book must have been published in France within the last 10 years. Authors, agents, translators, and French and American publishers may apply for the Albertine Translation program. Some classic works might also be taken into consideration for an Albertine Translation program if their publication is part of a specific editorial project (reissue of the complete work of an author, anniversary…) Please note that you will need to provide additional information about how this work fits into your editorial project for a classic work to qualify.

Preference will be given to authors who have not previously been published in English but the committee leaves itself the possibility of supporting an author several times if the project justifies it.

Please refer to the charts below for more information:

Who can apply?What kind of book?Financial supportCriteria
Author;
American publisher; French publisher; Literary agent; Translator
Unpublished translations only; Works published in France in the past 10 years; Acquisition of Rights contract fully executed OR contracts to be negotiated
No print-on-demand or e-publication only
$2,000 for the publication costs; 50% of the translation costs (for a maximum of $5,000) with an additional $5,000 paid to the translators of the Grand Prizes (the amount will be split between translators for co-translations)Quality of the French book and importance in contemporary French thought and creation; Innovative contents and literary form Quality of the translation Promotion & marketing planning; Publisher’s active involvement in the translation and publishing of French authors;
Likely reception in the American book market;

Required Documents

In addition to filling out the form and uploading required documents on our platform, you will be asked to provide three physical copies of the book in French and one digital version of the French original. Physical copies of the book should be mailed to:

Books & Ideas Department
Cultural Services of the French Embassy / Villa Albertine
972 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10075, USA

PDF of the book should be sent to translation@villa-albertine.org

Please check which list applies to your situation among the two listed below. Make sure you have every document in your possession when you start filling out the form.

You can only upload .doc / .docx / .pdf / .xls / .xlsx files.
The maximum file size is 5mb, except for English and French excerpts (max. 10mb).


I am an American publisher seeking to apply for the Albertine Translation,
AND I DO HAVE fully executed copies of the Acquisition of rights contract.

1 – Author’s biography / bibliography
2 – Excerpt in English
A 10–12-page, double-spaced sample of the translation.
The author of the translation sample must be the intended translator for the publication of this book.
The sample translation should not mention the name of the translator.
3 – Excerpt in French
The application must include a scanned version of the corresponding sample in French.
4 – Translator’s biography
Please provide a few redacted lines, not a CV. (400 characters max)
5 – Translator / publisher contract
A signed copy of the contract between the translator and the American publisher.
6 – Acquisition of rights contract
A signed copy of the contract between the French publisher and the American publisher.
7 – Budget for the book (see sample provided)
8 – Three physical copies of the book in French and one digital copy of the French edition


I am an author, translator, literary agent, French publisher or I am an American Publisher seeking to apply for the Albertine Translation Fund,
AND I DO NOT currently have a fully executed contract with the French Publisher.

1 – Author’s biography / bibliography
2 – Excerpt in English
A 10–12-page, double-spaced sample of the translation.
The author of the translation sample must be by the intended translator for the publication of this book.
The sample translation should not mention the name of the translator.
3 – Excerpt in French
The application must include a scanned version of the corresponding sample in French.
4 – Translator’s biography
Please provide a few redacted lines, not a CV. (400 characters)
5 – A letter from the copyright holder stating that English-language rights to the book are available.
6 – For prospective publishers only: Budget for the book (see sample provided)
(For titles without an American publisher, please provide this document as soon as a contract has been signed.)
7 – Three physical copies of the book in French and one digital copy of the French edition

Please note that only complete application with physical and e-books will be considered.

Contact

Books & Ideas Department
Cultural Services of the French Embassy / Villa Albertine
972 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10075
translation@villa-albertine.org