The Voices of Today Literary Translation Award for Chinese/English literary translators launches
CONTEMPORARY CHINESE LITERATURE AT THE FOREFRONT OF NEW GLOBAL TRANSLATION PRIZE:
Paper Republic and Singing Grass announce The Voices of Today Literary Translation Award
London, February 16th 2026: As the interest in translated fiction continues, and the appetite to gain insight into other cultures and contemporary life around the world grows, cultural communications agency, Singing Grass and Chinese literary expert, Paper Republic are delighted to announce an exciting new award for Chinese/English literary translators.
Designed to find the next generation of literary translators of contemporary voices, this exciting initiative will invite participants to translate a short extract from the acclaimed Mao Dun prize-winning author, Liu Zhenyun, whose new novel Salty Jokes has just taken China by storm.
The winning translator will receive £1500 and 2 runners-up £500 each.
The submissions will be judged by an international Jury of translation experts: Nicky Harman, Esther Tyldesley and Amanda Ruiqing Flynn.
The competition is free to enter, and open to anyone, in any country, with an interest in translation. The winning entry will be published on the Paper Republic website in June to coincide with the Beijing International Book Fair. It opens on February 16th 2026 and closes on April 19th 2026.
Chair of the Judging Panel and Paper Republic Trustee, Nicky Harman comments,
“An international prize for Chinese-to-English translators is long overdue. We at Paper Republic are very excited to be part of The Voices of Today 2026. ”
Alicia Liu, Founder and CEO of Singing Grass Communications, said:
“The Voices of Today Prize champions translators as vital cultural connectors and brings contemporary Chinese literature into sharper focus for English-language readers worldwide. We’re thrilled to partner with Paper Republic on a prize that amplifies new voices and new perspectives.”
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Notes to Editors:
Link to enter The Voice of Today Prize
About Singing Grass
Singing Grass is a UK and China based cultural communications agency with the objective of building meaningful bridges between Chinese and English-language publishing and the arts. We specialise in representation, research projects and cultural exchange, helping Chinese publishers and authors find the right international partners, and supporting Western publishers discover new voices from the East.
About Paper Republic
Paper Republic is a registered Charity in the UK, run by a team of volunteers and trustees. We identify the very best new Chinese writing, and promote it to English-language readers; we publish translations of short fiction and poetry online, all completely free to read; and we help translators produce higher-quality translations, by providing education, information and resources.
