American Literary Translators Association: Supporting Literary Translation in the U.S.

The American Literary Translators Association (ALTA), established in 1978 by translators at the University of Texas at Dallas, is the sole organization in the United States focused exclusively on literary translators. Its mission is to support the work of translators, promote literary translation, and connect students, educators, publishers, and readers with literature in translation. Operating as a nonprofit from Tucson, Arizona, ALTA provides resources, community, and advocacy for translators, ensuring diverse voices from around the world are translated and accessible to U.S. audiences.

Translation comprises a mere 3% of published books in the United States, and public funding for the field is limited. ALTA addresses critical gaps for translators, especially those working in isolation. Among its members, 14% are heritage speakers of the languages they translate, 32% were born outside the U.S., and 62% have immigrant parents or grandparents.

Poet-translators, in particular, face challenges in securing resources and recognition compared to fiction translators. ALTA’s programs are inclusive of poetry and include two poetry translation awards, two mentorships for emerging poets, five workshops, over 60 virtual pitch sessions with poetry publishers, and various poetry readings at its annual conference. ALTA collaborates with the University of Arizona’s Poetry Center for public events and educational programs focusing on poetry in translation.

A cornerstone of ALTA’s offerings is its Emerging Translator Mentorship Program, designed to connect early-career translators with seasoned mentors. This program culminates in a reading at ALTA's annual conference and a chance for mentees to submit their work through ALTA’s First Look initiative. Since its launch in 2015, it has benefited over 90 translators across more than 30 languages, emphasizing underrepresented languages and poetry. Many participants have advanced to publish poetry collections and earn prestigious awards.

ALTA’s annual conference is unique in the U.S. for its focus on literary translation, gathering around 500 translators, publishers, educators, and literary professionals for various panels and workshops. The conference features a prominent role for poetry, illustrated by the Declamación reading, a beloved highlight. At its 48th annual conference in November 2025, ALTA worked with local organizations to ensure poetry events reached multilingual communities in Southern Arizona, where nearly half the populace speaks a language other than English.

Funding from the Poetry Foundation through a general operating support grant has significantly bolstered ALTA’s infrastructure, enhancing its mission-focused activities, especially in promoting poetry. This support has been instrumental in improving staffing, enhancing administrative capabilities, and expanding fundraising, ultimately fostering a more inclusive literary landscape for global voices and poetry in translation.