Q&A for How to Translate Literary Works

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What is the price of translation from German to English?

Selene011

Community Answer

The standard rate for German to English translation is $36.45/hr (£28.52, €32.57).

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Does a published translation of a living author's work require the author's approval?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes, or that of the author's agent.

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I want to translate my book into Japanese, but I don't know Japanese. What can I do?

Community Answer

You should hire a professional Japanese translator to translate your book for you.

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What is the price of translation from Dutch to English?

Community Answer

A major publishing house will pay about 6 eurocents per word for fiction.

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If the author owns the copyright and he/she finally agrees that your translation is okay, what should you do next? Find a publishing house in the country where you want to publish the translated text?

Community Answer

That's one option. However, if the author has an agent you should go through them first, so it doesn't look like you're going behind their back. Alternatively, the author's current publishing house may distribute books in that country in the language you translated it to, or have a preferred partner for translated editions, in which case you can go through them (the author will have contacts).

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Is it okay to translate a copyrighted book if I am not planning on publishing it?

Torpi

Top Answerer

If you're doing it for yourself, nobody can stop you, nor would they really care. If you're sharing your translation in any way, that may breach copyright laws, depending on where you are. However, showing your teacher or your students no more than one chapter might be legal in your country, though, as an "educational use" exception to copyright law.

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