Today, English PEN announced the appointment of translator Nichola Smalley as a Translation Advisory Co-chair, joining So Mayer and Preti Taneja. Together, the Co-chairs advise on the development and delivery of English PEN’s translation and international programme, including its flagship grant for translated literature, PEN Translates. 

Nichola Smalley is a literary translator from Swedish and Norwegian. In 2021 she won the Oxford-Weidenfeld Translation Prize for her translation of Wretchedness by Andrzej Tichý, and her work has also been nominated for the International Booker, Bernard Shaw and Warwick Prizes. She is a Translators Association committee member, a Bookseller Rising Star 2021 and worked for several years for the independent publisher And Other Stories. She has a PhD in the use of slang in contemporary Swedish and English literature, and currently lives in London. 

Will Forrester, Translation and International Manager, said: ‘Nichola is an exceptional translator and an exceptional advocate for translated literature. She has been so involved with so many parts of the sector and community, and we’re thrilled that she’s going to be involved in our work in this way. Nichola, Preti and So are an extraordinary trio; we feel very fortunate to have them supporting and guiding us.‘

So Mayer, Co-chair, said: ‘Nichola Smalley is a champion of translators and translation, through her stellar work with Translators Association and And Other Stories, as well as her own award-winning translation practice. We couldn’t have a more insightful and passionate Co-chair guiding the ever-growing translation programme.‘

Preti Taneja, Co-chair, said: ‘Nichola Smalley has superlative insight and experience not only in literary translation, but in pitching, commissioning and promotion for unique works that might otherwise struggle to find publishing or media support. We are lucky to have her joining us as a Co-chair, and look forward to working with her.‘

Nichola Smalley said: ‘I’m really looking forward to working with the English PEN team on their translation work – I am in awe of all that they have achieved in helping to diversify, support and raise the profile of translated literature in the UK. After watching them demonstrate their skill, dedication, knowledge and passion again and again, I am excited to learn from them and to share with them my knowledge and experience of the sector, and to find new ways to grow the programme and support the team.‘

Photo credit: Robin Howells