Estonian authors receive lending compensation: maximum up to €8,368

At the end of June, the Estonian Authors' Compensation Fund distributed 2025 lending compensation to writers, translators and illustrators. This year, 27 authors received the maximum compensation, which amounts to €8,368. Well-known authors plan to spend the money on flights, summer concerts and simply paying everyday bills.

At the end of June, the Estonian Authors' Compensation Fund transferred 2025 lending compensation to the accounts of Estonian writers, translators and illustrators. A total of 27 authors received the maximum compensation, which this year amounts to €8,368, though this is somewhat less for authors after income tax deductions.

Four million loans as the basis

This year's compensation was calculated based on four million loans electronically registered in Estonian public libraries. The lending statistics tables are consistently topped by children's authors, crime writers and translators. Among the most-read authors are Ilmar Tomusk, Marje Ernits, Piret Raud and Andrus Kivirähk. Aino Pervik stands out from the others because she appears in the rankings in two different categories.

What will the money be spent on?

The authors' plans for the newly received additional funds are diverse. Some writers are buying plane tickets for travel, others are funding a major summer concert, still others are paying electricity and utility bills. Some admit frankly that the lending compensation simply helps them get by and cover everyday expenses.

However, Estonian writers, translators and illustrators are united on one point: the greatest joy lies not in the amount received, but in the knowledge that their books continue to circulate from reader to reader and find new audiences through public libraries.