What we do
We champion literature beyond national and linguistic borders, and beyond conventional literary expectations. Our mission reflects the PEN Charter’s declaration that "literature... knows no frontiers, and should remain a common currency between nations".
We do this through our grants for translators and publishers, PEN Transmissions – our online magazine for international voices - and our public events programme.
"There are not words enough in my countless dictionaries to express my admiration for PEN’s Writers in Translation programme."
Frank Wynne, translator and writerTranslation grants for Publishers
Our PEN Translates grants programme awards books of merit and courage and helps UK publishers to meet the costs of translating new works into English – while ensuring translators are acknowledged and paid properly for their work.
Grants for Translators
PEN Presents supports and showcases sample translations, funding the often-unpaid work of creating samples, giving UK publishers access to titles from underrepresented languages and regions, and helping diversify the translated literature landscape.
Monthly book recommendations
Browse the PEN Translates Bookshelf – our monthly picks to inspire and help you grow your reading lists – all selected from our PEN Translates award-winning books.
PEN Transmissions, our online magazine for international writers, publishes personal essays and interviews from both emerging and established voices across the world.
International Translation Day
Every year on the 30th September, English PEN holds events in celebration of International Translation Day, alongside a nationwide programme delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing.
