The Singapore Apprenticeship in Literary Translation (SALT) is a capability development programme jointly organised by Tender Leaves Translation and the Singapore Book Council, aimed at training literary translators for the publishing industry. Participants will undergo a rigorous, industry-oriented 6-month training, in which they will: 

• learn the skills and craft of translating a work of short fiction or poetry (10,000-20,000 words of prose or 10-20 pages of poetry). You can translate from any language but the work will be translated to English; 
• put together a translation sample and synopsis package for pitching to publishers and agents; 
• gain experience in the best practices of the profession, including understanding the business, legal, and ethical issues involved in their work. 

Each apprentice will produce a translation sample and synopsis package, in cooperation with her/his mentor. Those working on short fiction will complete a translation of the entire piece and learn strategies for submitting it to journals. The mentor will oversee the translation process and offer guidance. 

Each apprentice will receive a certificate upon completion of the 6-month training by both Singapore Book Council and Tender Leaves Translation.

There will be four (4) runs of SALT in 2024: April, July, and October, and December.

Applications for SALT will take place on a rolling basis.

You may submit your application here. 

SALT is open to both Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans. Emerging translators, writers / poets who are transitioning into translation, or established translators who are transitioning into literary translation are all welcome to apply.  

Selection of the participants will be based on criteria that includes track record, writing and / or translation samples, potential of the applicant, and interview (where necessary). The participant can choose to translate from any chosen language but they will be translating into English. 

The entire course fee is S$4,500 for the 6-month programme. Successful applicants are required pay 50% of the course fee (S$2,250) upon notification with the final 50% of the course fee to be paid before the start of the run to confirm acceptance of the placement offered. 

Singaporeans may apply to funding bodies that support professional training and skills development in literary arts and translation upon confirmation of successful application for SALT. 

You can find out more about the requirements and funding cycle of the organisation below: 

• Ministry of Communications and Information’s Translation Talent Development Scheme (TTDS) 

More details at https://www.mci.gov.sg/ttds.

SALT is a collaboration between Tender Leaves Translation and the Singapore Book Council. Established translator and writer, Shelly Bryant is the mentor overseeing the apprenticeship. 

QUESTIONS?  

Email [email protected] or [email protected]. 

SALT will run for six (6) months for the short fiction and poetry programmes. The first run begins in April 2023. Only one apprentice will be accepted.

The mentor, Shelly Bryant will set the various milestones and deadlines for the apprentices to produce the synopsis and translation samples. There will be two hour-long meetings that the apprentice is required to attend conducted by Shelly as well: Orientation and the Review and Debrief Session. 

Additional meetings can be scheduled as needed. For the duration of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will also be given access to the relevant modules from various online courses at the Tender Leaves Translation Courses website, with a focus on those from the course entitled Overview of Literary Translation (to be supplemented with material from other courses according to the apprentice's specific needs).

SALT Schedule for Each 6-Month Run

Programme Details 

I. ORIENTATION  

The session will give an overview of SALT, including the goals, expectations, as well as how the apprentice will work with the mentor. It will cover the creative processes, the business aspects of translating for publication, as well as understanding and adapting to the market forces. The one-on-one session could be virtual or in-person. 

II. TRANSLATION 

Participant will be working on a selected 10,000 to 20,000 word work of fiction or a selection of poetry with the guidance of the mentor. There will be 10 hours of online course work (self-paced) on translation theory, editing, and the business aspect of translation.

III. EDITING 

Editing will include working with the mentor to further refine the translated work. This exercise will help the apprentices move from a focus on the original text to a focus on the target market, which will better prepare them for the final stage of the apprenticeship. 

IV. REVIEW 

The review will include a debrief session with the mentor for discussing the feedback the apprentices have received and how best to implement it as they move on to begin their careers in literary translation.