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 charity, 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.”
