Iceland’s rich literary heritage spans over a millennium, with its language and literature holding immense cultural significance. Notable works include Sagas of Icelanders, Kings’ sagas, and Edda poems, which not only preserve Iceland’s cultural legacy but also resonate with Nordic countries and parts of Britain. These stories have endured the test of time, evolving from oral traditions and ancient manuscripts to becoming sources of inspiration for books and TV shows.
Interestingly, the history of book rights sales from Iceland is relatively young, spanning only about 35 years. The first and only rights office was established at the turn of the century, gaining prominence in the lead-up to Iceland’s Guest of Honour status at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2011. During this special year, 230 books from or about Iceland were published in German, a culmination of strategic efforts in previous years to promote the translation rights of Icelandic literature.
Guest of Honour
Iceland’s participation as the Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair played a pivotal role in the global expansion of Icelandic literature, not only in Germany but also in other regions. The German book market has historically served as a significant gateway for Icelandic books to reach a wider audience. This is especially crucial since Icelandic is not widely spoken, making translations a lifeline for these literary treasures. Using translation grants as a criterion, approximately 100 translations of Icelandic literature are now published abroad annually, a notable increase from 40 in 2008.
Translators who specialize in Icelandic literature play a central role in its global dissemination. Iceland’s population is relatively small, only around 380,000 inhabitants, yet it boasts a vibrant publishing industry, which culminates in the treasured Christmas book flood tradition. Gifting and receiving books during Christmas and enjoying them on Christmas Eve is a deeply cherished Icelandic tradition.
The first formal rights office was established by Edda, at that time Iceland’s largest publisher. When Forlagid took over its book-publishing, it also assumed responsibility for the rights office. However, as the demand for Icelandic literature abroad grew, the need for a comprehensive literary agency became evident. Iceland has seen a surge in its writing profession, with universities offering writing programs and numerous talented authors being published by various Icelandic publishing houses. Many of these authors possess excellent prospects for international publication, prompting Forlagid to transform its rights office into a full-fledged agency, capable of representing authors from diverse publishing backgrounds. That is the reason why the Reykjavík Literary Agency (RLA) was established last spring.
Long experience
RLA has a strong network in publishing all over the world, and together its three agents have over 50 years of experience in the business, and benefit from the publishing house’s core divisions. Numerous new possibilities have arisen as a result of technological advancements, and there are exciting opportunities in many sectors for authors from Iceland. In addition to managing translation rights, RLA is actively venturing into the realm of television and film rights. Recent participation in events such as the Turin Book Fair and film festivals in Haugesund in Norway and Venice underscores RLA’s commitment to expanding the reach of Icelandic literature.
While various Icelandic authors have secured foreign representation, RLA distinguishes itself by its unique ability to read authors’ works in the original Icelandic language. This advantage facilitates a more authentic and natural presentation of these works to foreign publishers and industry stakeholders, and makes it possible for the agents to work with the authors on works in progress.
RLA is dedicated to discovering exceptional stories from Reykjavík and Iceland and introducing them to global audiences through what we fondly call the “Reykjavík Moment.” This concept captures the essence of when the vast world suddenly feels remarkably small, and two individuals stumble upon an unexpectedly captivating story to share. Such Reykjavík Moments may unfold right here at the Frankfurt Book Fair. Meet the RLA team, including Stella, Vala, and Thora, at the Frankfurt Book Fair from Wednesday to Friday (Stand 4.1, B10). Join us on Thursday, October 19, at 5 p.m. for a cocktail party celebrating the establishment of RLA. Your presence will be greatly appreciated.
Stella Soffía Jóhannesdóttir is the senior rights agent with the Reykjavík Literary Agency and director of the Reykjavík International Literary Festival.
