European Literature Night (ELN), the British annual literary showcase bringing the best of the continent’s writers to the British Library, is delighted to open Calls for Participation for 2016. Held in May each year, ELN in London is part of a number of simultaneous events across European capitals and major cities in celebration of European literature.
A EUNIC London project coordinated by the Czech Centre, supported by the Representation of the European Commission in London and carried out in partnership with the British Library, ELN promotes European literature of all genres in English translation. ELN is chaired by BBC journalist Rosie Goldsmith, a highly respected champion of European literature. This is an unprecedented opportunity for authors to take part in a unique series of events to introduce the UK to some of the most intriguing voices from modern Europe.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR 2016 EDITION IS FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER 2015
To be part of the ELN programme, we would like to invite you to recommend up to three writers to be considered by an eminent literary panel for inclusion in the 2016 events. Please see terms and conditions for nominations. All organisations nominating authors must have a partner providing financial support (a EUNIC London member institute or other organisation) or be able to support their visit financially. To enquire about funding, please contact eln@eunic-london.org.
Nominated writers must be reasonably established in their home country but ideally less well known in the UK. They must have had a book published in English after January 2013 or imminently to be published in English by May 2016. They must NOT have been entered for ELN in the 2015 round. They should preferably speak English sufficiently well to be able to participate in readings and discussions. Exceptions will be considered, although a translator will limit the author’s voice-time at an event. They must be available on Wednesday 11 May 2016 and a few days either side.
ELN are exploring plans to add UK regional touring to Brighton, Birmingham and Newcastle as part of the 2016 programme. This is part-dependant on the success of our Arts Council bid (decision 4 January 2016), but if successful would only be open to writers who have the availability to be in the UK from 9 May 2016 to 14 May 2016, and can receive financial support from the relevant embassy or cultural institution for the travel, accommodation and per diems of this extended stay.
Nominating Partners must be a Cultural Institute or Embassy, literary organisation, educational institution, publisher, bookseller or professional literature practitioner. They may offer nominations of up to three writers each. All pre-selected authors must have backing from the relevant EUNIC London member organisation and must be able to supply: a short biography of each writer, a bibliography including all relevant translations, a short supporting statement, an extract of work (up to 15 pages of a novel or a small selection of poems; NOTE that whole PDFs of the work will not be accepted), a high resolution photograph of the author as a JPEG or PNG.
Nominations must be submitted by 1700 GMT on Friday 11 December 2015. Nominations will be considered by a board of jurors including Rosie Goldsmith, representatives of EUNIC London, the British Library and a selection of independent literature specialists. Jurors will base their decision on the quality of the submitted literature and its translation to enable ELN to represent the best of contemporary European writing.
A list of the selected writers for ELN events will be published on the ELN website in March 2016.
To submit nomination go here. In case of any further issues or queries about the nominations process, please contact: eln@eunic-london.org