Yiddish Book Center Translation Fellowship: FAQ

What is the schedule for the fellowship year?

The application season for the 2024-25 Translation Fellowship Program will begin in October of 2023. The deadline to submit applications is January 5, 2024. Fellows will be notified in March. The program officially begins with the first Workshop-in-Residence in Amherst on June 9-10, 2024, but some work will need to be done in preparation for this first workshop. Two additional workshops will take place October 20-21 (online) and March 2-3 (in Amherst). In between workshops, fellows will be expected to meet (usually remotely) with their mentors and their peer partner. Final manuscripts will be due in June 2025.

What level of Yiddish is required for the Fellowship?

Prospective candidates should possess at least a high intermediate command of Yiddish before applying to this program and should be able to read Yiddish literary texts in the original. While fellows may explore the nuances of Yiddish language, literature, and stylistics through their translation projects, no formal language instruction is provided. Rather, the program emphasizes the learning and development of skills and techniques related to the art and profession of literary translation.

What sort of project should I propose for this fellowship?

The fellowship seeks to support the translation of works of Yiddish literature that will be of interest to English language readers. Prospective fellows should select a book-length work to translate with which they are deeply familiar and in which they have a passionate interest. Works can be from any literary genre, including prose, poetry, and drama. In a limited number of cases, other kinds of works of historical or cultural interest may also be considered if they are of significant literary merit. While it is not the only criterion, applicants should consider and be prepared to explain the potential audience, literary or scholarly value of the work, and possibilities for publication for their translation. Prospective fellows should be able to make a compelling case for why it is important that this work be available in English translation.  We encourage applicants to research potential projects thoroughly and are happy to offer feedback in advance of the application deadline. 

I don’t have a graduate degree. Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes! While many of our fellows are pursuing or hold advanced degrees in Yiddish or related fields, we strongly encourage applicants from any background, age group, or profession, as long as they meet the basic eligibility requirements. Fellows are selected based on the strength of their applications and their promise and talent in literary translation. You can find the full application here.

I was not selected for a Fellowship in a previous year. May I apply again?

Yes. Due to the highly competitive nature of the program and the large number of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to accept every qualified candidate in a given year. We thus strongly encourage past candidates to reapply. Re-applicants require one new recommendation letter when submitting a new application.

I participated in the Fellowship in a previous year. Am I allowed to apply again?

Yes, you are invited to apply if you have previously participated in the Translation Fellowship once before. Your cover letter should address why you feel participating in the fellowship again will be beneficial.

I would like to apply for a Fellowship together with another translator. Is this possible?

We welcome applications from pairs of translators who would like to work on a fellowship project together. Co-translators will share a stipend, research fund, and mentor. Please contact us directly for revised application requirements in this case.

I keep Shabbos. Will I be able to participate in the Workshops-in-Residence at the Center?

Yes, the workshops at the Center will be held on a Sunday-Monday schedule. A Kosher food option is also provided for all meals at the Center.

Am I responsible for finding my own accommodations?

The Center will provide accommodations in the area. Participants are responsible for booking their own transportation to the Pioneer Valley, but all costs will be reimbursed by the Center. If you need directions, you can find them on our page here.

I am translating to/from a language that is neither Yiddish nor English. Or, I am translating from English into Yiddish. Am I eligible for this program?

At present, the program only supports translators working from Yiddish into English.

What is the stipend and research fund offered?

Translation fellows receive a stipend of $5,000. The stipend is paid in four installments, after each workshop and upon final submission of a manuscript and completion of all fellowship components. All fellows are offered an additional $1,000 research fund to use in support of their work. Research fund use must be approved by the program director. Additionally, fellows receive meals and lodging for the workshops, as well as a travel reimbursement to attend.