Useful links

The British Centre for Literary Translation was founded in 1989 by the late W G 'Max' Sebald, author of The Emigrants, Rings of Saturn and Austerlitz (among others). Based at the University of East Anglia, and  supported by Arts Council England, BCLT is Britain's foremost centre for the development, promotion and support of literary translation.

BCLT offers support and continuing professional development to literary translators at all stages of their career; develops new audiences through events and publications; and provides information and advice.

It also stimulates public awareness and interest in literary translation, and generates and encourages academic debate. Once a year, the Centre organises the Sebald Lecture, for which eminent speakers are invited to speak about an aspect of translation of their choosing.

Another highlight of BCLT's activity is their annual translation summer school, held at UEA every July. This week-long residency gives translators the opportunity to hone their skills in workshops run by experienced translators in a range of languages, as well as listen to lectures and meet other translators.

BCLT also works with Writers Centre Norwich and the Norfolk Library & Information Service to put on a celebration of international writing every June.

In addition, the Centre publishes In Other Words, a quarterly journal for literary translators. Featuring news from the world of translation, reviews of recent titles and articles. The journal provides an indispensible glimpse into the incredible work currently being done by translators.

An online community for readers and publishers of world literature to discuss, review, recommend and publicise works.

English PEN is the founding centre of International PEN, a membership association with 144 branches in more than 100 countries, providing an active and supportive community for writers and readers around the world. PEN was founded in 1921 in order to promote literature as a means of greater understanding between cultures.

One of English PEN's projects is the online World Atlas, a resource for information about the world's great writers and emerging voices. The content is added by readers and writers who want to pass on their tips and create a new global community of readers. The site launched in 2009 with a focus on writing from the Arab region.

PEN's other work

English PEN fields one of International PEN's largest Writers in Prison committees, working on behalf of persecuted writers around the world.

In the United Kingdom, English PEN campaigns to improve the understanding of freedom of expression as a fundamental human right.

They are extremely proud of their public events programme, ranging from large-scale public discussions and debates to more intimate talks and seminars. They also run the Readers and Writers programme, founded in 2000, which promotes literacy and literature among socially excluded children, young people and adults.

And their Writers in Translation programme is dedicated to supporting and promoting literary translation in the United Kingdom, by offering grants to publishers to enable

The Diversity in Publishing Network promotes the status and contribution of diverse ethnic groups within all areas of publishing, and supports those seeking to enter the industry. They recommend translated fiction as well as a range of other genres.