By Chad Post, Guest Editor
First off, I want to thank Ed Nawotka for allowing me to guest edit Publishing Perspectives this week. This is a real honor, and it’s great that he did the most of the work for which I’ll hopefully get a lot of the credit. (Although the “e-books in Argentina” piece appearing tomorrow is totally my idea.)
I’ve written for Publishing Perspectives a few times in the past, generally in relation to literature in translation, which is what the press I run — Open Letter — is entirely focused on. And on occasion, Hannah and/or Ed link to some of the pieces I write for Three Percent, the blog/review site I also manage.
Although I’m sure this will be a fun week of blogging about all sorts of publishing world things, I thought I’d start in familiar territory, by praising Amazon.com and their on-going support of all things related to international literature.
Last year, Amazon started a grants program to benefit nonprofit publishers and writing groups. Places like the PEN Translation Fund, Copper Canyon, Milkweed Editions, Archipelago Books, Words Without Borders, and yes, Open Letter, all received substantial, difference making grants.
The latest organization to add to this list is the Ledig House International Writers Residency, located in Omi, NY. Started in 1992, the Ledig House offers residencies to writers and translators from around the world, providing them with an ideal setting to work.
Starting in 2011, and thanks to a $24,000 gift, there will be three “Amazon.com Translator Fellowships,” which will fund month-long stays for three translations.
Translator and Ledig House board member Esther Allen says in best in the press release: “In the past several years, Amazon.com’s support for translation has been a real boon for the field. This new collaboration with Ledig House will give a lucky group of outstanding translators a superb opportunity to get some real work done in an idyllic setting, among a wonderful group of like-minded people.”
More info on Amazon’s granting program can be found here.