Selling Quebec books outside the province often starts with one practical barrier: language. The SODEC Export Assistance stream under the SODEXPORT Program – Book and Publishing helps publishers cover the cost of translating and revising Quebec works so they can be marketed internationally. If you publish books in Quebec and plan to sell foreign rights, understanding which translation and revision expenses are eligible can make the difference between a strong application and a rejected one.
The SODEXPORT Program – Export Assistance and Cultural Promotion – Book and Publishing is administered by the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC). One of its components (often referred to as Component 2.5) supports translation-related work that directly enables the sale of rights outside Quebec.
To be eligible, your business must:
This program is designed for established publishers. Very early-stage or informal publishers may not qualify if they cannot meet accreditation standards.
SODEC focuses on costs that are directly tied to exporting literary works, not general publishing or marketing. Eligible expenses typically include:
These expenses must be clearly connected to an export objective, such as pitching titles to foreign publishers or finalizing rights agreements.
Based on SODEC’s guidelines and past applications, the following are generally not covered:
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter Quebec export programs that support publishing and translation expenses.
Claiming translation costs without a clear export plan
SODEC expects a direct link between translation work and selling rights outside Quebec. Vague export intentions weaken applications.
Including marketing or promotional translations
Translating brochures or websites alone is usually not enough. The focus must remain on literary works and rights sales.
Using non-professional translators
Informal or unpaid translation arrangements may not be accepted as eligible expenses.
Starting the project too early
Costs incurred before the eligible project period are often excluded, even if they are otherwise valid.
Q: Does SODEC support translation into English only?
No. The program supports translation into any language as long as the goal is to sell rights outside Quebec. English, Spanish, and other foreign-language translations may all be eligible.
Q: Is the SODEXPORT grant repayable?
No. Funding under this program is provided as a non-repayable grant, meaning you do not have to pay it back.
Q: Can small publishers apply for translation assistance?
Yes, if they meet SODEC’s accreditation or eligibility requirements. Very early-stage publishers may face limits if they cannot meet these standards.
Q: Are revision costs eligible if the translation was done earlier?
Revision costs may be eligible if they fall within the approved project period and are tied to export activities. Translation done outside the eligible period is usually not covered.
Q: Is SODEXPORT funding taxable?
Grants are generally considered taxable income. You should confirm the tax treatment with your accountant.
After reviewing your options, remember that GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including provincial export and cultural funding. Checking which ones match your publishing profile can save time before you apply.
If you plan to export Quebec literary works, start by mapping which titles need translation and how that work supports foreign rights sales. Then compare SODEC with other export and cultural programs to see what can be combined. GrantHub helps publishers identify eligible funding by province, industry, and expense type, so you can focus on preparing a strong application.
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