This year’s BCBF (Bologna Children’s Book Fair) was a whirlwind event as ever. Joined by our CEO Jerry Froggett, our Head of Production Kasia was at the trade fair to meet up with our publishing clients and speak on the Discovering Hidden Gems with the European Union Prize for Literature panel.
Whilst on the panel, Kasia discussed how translation can be career‑transforming for authors. She highlighted how it opens the door to new publishers, wider readerships and opportunities that would be impossible to access within a single language market. Through translation, Kasia explained, authors can participate in international literary festivals, gain eligibility for global literary awards and reach critics and readers worldwide.
During panel discussions, Kasia also talked about how translation enables additional income streams, helping writers build long‑term careers. For authors from smaller language communities or marginalised groups, translation is often the key to international recognition. It allows their voices to be heard beyond local borders, ensuring that their talent is judged not by the market size of their language community but by the quality and originality of their work.
And in between all the get-togethers with publishing stakeholders, Kasia still impressively managed to get some great snaps of the event. Below we share some of our favourites!
Literary translation with First Edition: next stop, Warsaw!
Missed us at Bologna? Not to worry, our Head of Production Kasia will be at the 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair, which is taking place May 28–31 at the PGE Narodowy Stadium, with Sharjah, an emirate of the United Arab Emirates, as the Guest of Honour.
First Edition Translations is a certified translation agency based in Cambridge, UK. Boasting decades of expertise in the cultural and creative industries, we are a founding member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and part of the Association for Cultural Enterprises (ACE) – a reflection of our dedication to both our own craft and that of our clients. We specialise in translation, editing, proofreading and typesetting for books of all kinds, covering everything from children’s tales to cookbooks. If you’d like to explore how we can help elevate your standing on the international literary stage, our project managers are always happy to advise at enquiries@firstedit.co.uk.