10 Tips on How to Get Your Book Translated
Book Translation
Every writer knows the struggle of writing. Just because they do it professionally doesn’t mean it is an easy process. There are writers block, lack of inspiration, agitation, deadlines, and what not. The process never gets easier. Sometimes the start is perfect but they fail to think of an equally good ending and sometimes it is the other way around. More often than not, authors start by writing a chapter that would later come in the middle of their story because the mind has its own way of working and it doesn’t follow any set pattern. However, the struggle doesn’t end even if you manage to write the perfect beginning, middle, and the end.
In this world where competition keeps growing every day, it isn’t easy to get your book published. Especially if you are a first-time writer, you will have established authors and New York Times bestsellers to compete with. The pressure alone keeps people from even trying to enter the race. Those who try don’t have it any easier either. Finding the right publisher is not at the top of their list of worries. They have to find the right editor first. They will also have to rewrite a lot of things in their story and probably change the name according to the wishes of their publishers. You may think that selling the book is the publisher’s job and it really is but a writer is very much invested in it because if their book doesn’t sell well, they won’t be getting anymore contracts soon. Established authors don’t have to face the same problem, of course because more often than not, their name sells.
When a book gets famous and gain popularity, that’s the moment when an author can choose to go worldwide and gather more fans or get scared and stay limited their whole life. Reaching out to international audience and impressing them is not easy but trying never hurt anyone. However, the actual problem with selling your book in another country is getting it translated in that foreign language.
10 Tips on How to Get Your Book Translated:
Getting a book translated is not as simple as opening Google Translate and clicking a few buttons to find out the meaning of a foreign language phrase. It is a lot more complicated than that. It is very much like writing a book from scratch. Sure, the translators have a story in front of them, but it is up to them to write it in a way that it makes sense in the foreign language too.
For someone who is getting a book translated for the first time, the experience can be pretty confusing. So, here are ten tips to help you get through the process:
- Choose a Language:
Unless your book has become a sensation already, you won’t want to release it in multiple countries. So, start by a choosing a language for translation. If the manuscript is not in English then you should probably choose English as the US is the biggest market place and can be a good opportunity for a first-time author.
- Don’t Go with a Software:
A software or online tool is not suitable for translating official documents then how can they work for books? They can’t. So, don’t opt for them unless you want your story ruined.
- An Inexperienced Translator:
They are definitely not the right fit for you. You need someone who has had at least some experience with translating stories so they don’t mess up your work.
- Book Translators:
There are people who professionally translate books in different languages. They know their work and have been doing it for years. They are the ones who make sure the story doesn’t lose its essence even after getting interpreted. Find them for your book.
- Agency vs. Freelancers:
You will have to consider these two options and decide which one you will go with. Although both have pros and cons, it will end up depending on your budget and a few other factors. Whoever is offering you the most services at affordable rates is the one you should pick.
- Ask About Your Role:
When you talk to agencies or freelancers, ask them how much a say will you have in the matter. Which means will you be allowed to reject a translation and request a new one if you didn’t like it.
- Discuss the Charges:
Before you book anyone’s services, it is essential to discuss the charges. You should know beforehand how much the project will cost in total. You also need to be sure that there won’t be any hidden charges later.
- Check Reviews:
Whether you go with an agency or a freelancer, check up reviews about them online to find out if they are reliable or not.
- The Time Frame:
You should know beforehand how long will it take them to complete the project and whether they will deliver on time or not.
- Retain the Rights:
Whoever you choose to go with, make sure you retain the full rights to your manuscript. You can go over the draft before handing it over and sign the necessary paperwork to make sure the book belongs to you and you only.
By following the tips mentioned above, you can get your book translated without getting the story messed up. You can enter the international market with the help of the right translator.
