In Other Words
A toolkit of resources for UK and International Publishers.
After two years of finding and showcasing great writing from outside the UK, the "In Other Words" project is now working to help UK publishers find and acquire children's books in translation, as well as to help international publishers pitch their books to English language editors.
The resources available to download below are written by top industry experts in the UK, including Kate Agar of Hachette Children's Books, Julia Churchill of A. M. Heath, Emma Lidbury of Walker Books, and award-winning translator and writer Daniel Hahn.
We know that reading changes lives. Books in translation allow children to reach beyond their own language and culture. In an increasingly globalised world, our children need an international perspective now more than ever.
Funded by Arts Council England, "In Other Words" aims to forge new contacts between publishers across continents, improve knowledge about how to work with translators and ultimately result in new talented voices being introduced to English-speaking children.
These resources are designed for both UK and international publishers, as detailed in the download links that follow. We urge you to use this wealth of information to discover and share new voices from around the world that deserve to be published in English.
Resources for UK Publishers:
Publishing Books in Translation by Emma Lidbury
What Can a Translator Do for You? by Daniel Hahn
How to Spot International Success
Translation and Publishing Grants
Resources for International Publishers:
What an Editor Looks for in a Pitch by Kate Agar
How a UK Agent Submits to Publishers by Julia Churchill
What Can a Translator Do for You? by Daniel Hahn
Checklist for Pitching a Book for Editors
In Other Words previously ran as a prize from 2017-2018. Each year, eight titles were selected by the judges from between 200 to 400 submissions from around the world. The shortlists showcased outstanding books for children age 6-12 picked for their literary merit as well as commercial potential.
Awards and Prizes
Find out more
From teaming up with Blue Peter to honour the books young people love to finding the best international children's fiction, our prizes and awards celebrate writing from the UK and beyond.
Waterstones Children's Laureate
Find out about Cressida Cowell
Find out everything that's going on with the 11th Waterstones Children's Laureate, Cressida Cowell, as she takes on the job from 2019-22.
Fun at home
BookTrust Hometime
Looking for something fun as a family? Enjoy storytime with our free online books and videos, play games, win prizes, test your knowledge in our book-themed quizzes, or even learn how to draw some of your favourite characters.