Eglė Vėbraitė has spent years shaping the literary landscape of Lithuania through her work as a project manager in several publishing houses, including Kitos knygos, Sofoklis, and Obuolys. With a strong academic background in Lithuanian Philology and Literature & Press, she has built a career that bridges publishing, translation, and literary curation. Fluent in multiple languages and passionate about international literary exchange, she has played a key role in bringing diverse voices to Lithuanian readers.
As someone deeply involved in acquiring and promoting translated literature, Vėbraitė navigates the complex world of book rights, translation grants, and international networking. Her participation in the LitQuest residence program and collaborations with agencies such as the Helsinki Literary Agency highlight her commitment to fostering global literary dialogue.
In this interview, Eglė Vėbraitė shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of literary acquisitions, the role of translation in shaping readership, and the evolving trends in the publishing industry. From her experiences in Finland’s book market to her thoughts on how smaller language areas can gain wider recognition, she offers a compelling look at the power of literature to connect cultures.
Which countries or language areas do you acquire most foreign titles from?
English is the dominant language. However, we also acquire translations from German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Danish, Finnish, Slovenian, Ukrainian, Russian, and Polish.
Have you ever acquired the rights to a Finnish book? If so, which one?
Yes, we acquired the Lithuanian rights to Rosa Liksom’s Hytti nro 6 (Compartment No. 6) in 2014.
What could encourage you to acquire more titles from smaller countries and language areas?
Several factors play a role in this. First, professional translators are essential—we need skilled translators who can ensure high-quality translations. Secondly, support and exchange programs help, particularly when the application process is simple and accessible. International awards and literary recognition also make a book more appealing, especially if it has already been translated into multiple languages, particularly English. Additionally, strong reviews from readers, literary critics, and internationally recognized authors can influence our decisions. Sometimes, a new and promising literary theme or a strong cultural connection with Lithuania can also make a book stand out.
Have you received enough information about translation and promotion grants, as well as about the local literary scene? Is there anything you’d like to know more about?
Yes, I believe I receive enough information. In my opinion, it’s always better to receive less but more relevant, high-quality information that is specifically prepared for publishers. It’s all about communication and building relationships. Programs like LitQuest are particularly helpful in creating these connections between literary agencies and publishing houses.
What made you decide to attend the LitQuest residence program?
I received an invitation from the Helsinki Literary Agency, and I saw it as a great opportunity to strengthen our professional ties while also learning more about Finnish literature. The program was incredibly valuable because it allowed me to meet not only Finnish translators, publishers, and agents but also colleagues from across Europe. It was an enriching experience that provided insights into various literary markets, encouraged networking, and offered an opportunity to exchange ideas and inspirations.
Did you see or learn anything surprising about Finnish literature and the Finnish publishing scene?
Yes, absolutely. We attended an insightful presentation at Gummerus, where I was surprised to learn that audiobooks are currently outselling print books in Finland. Another surprising trend is the decline in independent bookstores, which reflects broader shifts in the industry.
Additionally, it was fascinating to see how Finnish readers strongly support their local literature—they actively choose to read books by Finnish authors. I also learned about the Joulukirja tradition, where people exchange books as gifts during Christmas.
One of the highlights of my visit was an excursion with Urtė Liepuoniūtė around a working-class neighborhood. It was interesting to visit both old-fashioned and modern libraries, as well as the former homes of iconic Finnish writers like Pirkko Saisio and Mika Waltari.