Funding Opportunities in support of Global Literature
Since its inception, the focus of Restless Books, an independent nonprofit publisher, has been the translation of extraordinary world literature from different parts of the globe as well as giving voice to immigrant writers everywhere. As with scores of other nonprofits, the drastic grant cuts by the federal government have put a dent on our budget. But passionate, devoted readers in all walks of life have risen to the occasion, announcing, loud and clear, that this is a priority at a time when thinking broadly, critically, and with nuance is under threat.
Thus, support takes many forms, from simply reading—what better way is there than to submerge oneself in an alternative universe that mirrors ours?—to giving big and small. The following are funding opportunities that consolidate the future of Restless Books. Though a large gift assures these initiatives have the lasting power we dream of, gifts of any kind are welcome. Consider a bequest, the transfer of stock, a multi-year donation including in crypto-currency, in-kind giving, and other alternatives.
Please reach out to Ilan Stavans, our publisher, at publisher@restlessbooks.org.
Immigrant Writing Workshops
For over a decade, Restless Books, in partnership with the New York Public Library and various other public libraries, has offered immigrant writing workshops for emerging immigrant writers. Led by an immigrant writer, with a capacity of fifteen participants, the workshops take place over three- or five-week sessions and are divided into six concentrations: fiction, memoir, poetry, theater, translation, and publishing. Participants workshop one or more original pieces and receive a free Restless book by an immigrant author. Between six and ten workshops are offered annually. A $250,000 donation will allow the program to continue over the next five years. The workshops will be named after the donor.
Poetry Series
Beginning in 2025, Restless Books has expanded its publishing program to include one volume of poetry each year, either by an emerging immigrant or indigenous American poet or an international poet whose work hasn’t received much attention in the United States. The total cost to produce each volume is around $15,000, plus marketing and publicity. Titles are distributed internationally. The first two poetry titles are Lamentations of Nezahualcóyotl: Nahuatl Poems by Ilan Stavans and Eskatos & the Stretched Necks of Stillness by Mats Söderlund, with an introduction by Forrest Gander. A $150,000 donation will ensure that the series continues for ten years and that its global impact is substantial.
Sifri—Jewish Books
Since its inception, Restless Books has been known for publishing influential, cutting-edge Jewish-interest books from different parts of the diaspora as well as Israel. To date, we have released fifteen different titles, which have garnished every possible award and prize. The average production cost of these books is $25,000, including advance, translation, publication, and author’s tour. A $500,000 donation will enable Restless to continue publishing of Jewish-interest titles over the next decade. The series will carry the donor’s name.
Democracy in Peril
About a decade ago, Restless published a series of books called The Face, a pocket-sized series on identity, heritage, and self. Now, Restless would like to take the same approach to democracy by publishing short, pungent essayistic pocket readers by leading bestselling thinkers addressing the urgent changes affecting democracy in the world today. Topics include climate change, media polarization, the ascent of populist leaders, distrust in politicians, disenfranchised voters, economic disparity, and the fragility of minorities. A $250,000 donation will ensure that the series continues for ten years and that its global impact is substantial.
Men’s Reading Clubs
When it comes to reading, among the most visible deficits in the United States is the dearth of men reading fiction, memoirs, poetry, and other. Restless Books is ready to launch a 5-session nationwide reading club designed to enhance the participation of men in the joy of reading. These 5-session-per semester clubs will originate and be run by the readers themselves. A stipend for initiating the group, in partnership with a local library, will be required. Training will be provided to participantsthe book leader and free Restless titles, as well as books published by many other publishers. A donation of $250,000 will allow the program to be piloted in select cities for two consecutive years.
Bilingual Children’s Books
Restless Books has published bilingual titles for years (in Yiddish, Spanish, Hebrew, etc.). We work closely with librarians and teachers to understand the needs of children, particularly those in immigrant communities. The average P&L of a picture book in which all costs are included is $25,000. A $250,000 donation will ensure that Restless continues to produce bilingual children’s books for the next decade.
One-year Editorial Fellow (For 3 years)
One of the missions of Restless Books is to inspire and train new generations of editors from diverse backgrounds. In an industry known for its homogeneous workforce, it is an urgent responsibility to diversify. A $250,000 donation will enable us to hire a one-year, recent-college-grad fellow for 3 successive years. The fellowship will be named after the donor.
One-year Marketing Fellow (for 3 years)
Year after year, one of the biggest needs at Restless Books is the marketing and publicity of each of our titles. It isn’t enough to simply publish a book; it is crucial for a book to find its audience and continue to attract new readers. A $250,000 donation will allow Restless to hire a one-year marketing fellow for three successive years. That fellowship, named after the donor, will have a substantial impact on the sale and visibility of all our new books.