Translating a Quebec book for readers outside the province is expensive. Professional translation, editing, and rights preparation can cost tens of thousands of dollars. These costs add up before you sell a single copy. For Quebec publishers, the SODEXPORT Program – Export Assistance and Cultural Promotion (Book and Publishing) is one of the main ways to get public funding to support book translation for export markets.
This guide explains how funding to translate Quebec books works, who can apply, and how to improve your chances of approval.
The SODEXPORT Program is run by the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC). Component 2.5 is designed to support the translation of Quebec literary works to sell rights outside Quebec.
This program is for publishers—not authors—who are working to export Quebec content to international markets.
To apply for funding to translate Quebec books under SODEXPORT, your business must:
Self-published authors and foreign publishers are not eligible on their own. Only eligible Quebec publishers can apply.
SODEXPORT funding can be used for costs directly tied to preparing books for international rights sales. These include:
The program supports translations into English or other languages if the goal is to sell rights outside Quebec.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter export and translation funding programs by province and cultural sector in seconds.
SODEC does not publish a fixed maximum for Component 2.5. Funding levels depend on:
Support is provided as a non-repayable grant. You do not need to pay it back.
The SODEXPORT Program is currently open. Applications are usually reviewed on an intake or rolling basis rather than a single annual deadline. Budgets are limited.
Applying early in your export planning cycle improves your chances.
When you apply for funding to translate Quebec books, SODEC looks beyond just the translation. Strong applications often include:
Publishers who show a plan to actively sell foreign rights are more competitive.
Applying as an author instead of a publisher
Only eligible Quebec publishing companies can apply. Authors must work with a qualified publisher.
Requesting funding without a rights sales plan
Translation alone is not enough. You must show how the book will be marketed internationally.
Using non-professional translators
SODEC expects industry-standard translation and revision. Using low-cost or unqualified translators can weaken your application.
Waiting until rights opportunities are missed
Funding is not retroactive. Apply before translation work begins.
Q: Can SODEXPORT fund translation into English and other languages?
Yes. The program supports translation of Quebec works into English or other languages when the goal is selling rights outside Quebec.
Q: Is SODEXPORT funding repayable?
No. Funding under the Book and Publishing component is provided as a non-repayable grant.
Q: Are small or new publishers eligible?
Possibly. You must meet SODEC’s accreditation or eligibility standards, which may exclude very early-stage publishers.
Q: Are translation grants taxable income?
In most cases, grants are considered taxable income. Confirm with your accountant based on your business structure.
Q: Is there a fixed deadline to apply?
The program is generally open, but funding is limited. Applying earlier in the fiscal year is safer.
Funding to translate Quebec books can make the difference between local success and reaching readers around the world. If you are planning rights sales or foreign market entry, start mapping translation costs early.
GrantHub tracks active cultural export and publishing grant programs across Canada — check which ones match your publishing profile and export goals.
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