Hello everybody:
Those who know me already know that I’ve been publishing my books and posts in this blog for over two years (I’ve been writing for much longer), in Spanish and English. I’ve lived, studied (Psychiatry, a BA and a PhD in American Literature and a Masters in Criminology) and worked in the UK for many years now and the truth is that I didn’t give it much thought and it seemed the normal thing to do to publish in both languages, although it meant spending more time working before I could publish my books (as I always try and publish both versions at the same time).
Despite the time involved, translating a text helps me to read it and to become submerged in it totally, that results in an in depth editing of the original. Reading it slowly one notices details that might escape even repeat fast lectures.
A few months ago I started translating other people’s book, and the same is true for those. I spend a lot of time with the book, living with it, and if I notice some typo or misplaced detail in the original I let the author know. The process is more complicated than with my own books, as the correct interpretation of the texts requires working closely with the author to clarify any details that could be confusing.
After a few months doing it and enjoying it (although it is a job that requires dedication and many hours) I’ve decided to adjust my prices ($40 per 1000 words of text) in the same conditions as before. I’m happy to offer a short sample translation for free (a page or a page and a half), or a longer one (a whole chapter or a number of pages) for the price as stated, that would be deducted from the final price if the project goes ahead. Most of the authors I’ve worked with so far have preferred to pay by instalments and that’s not a problem (although of course before I sent the final manuscript I require the payment in full), and the translation also includes the description/synopsis of the book, the blurb (including a brief biography if that is used for the paper version), and a few promo Tweets (if the author so wishes), a press release or a post for a blog also translated at no extra cost. (As I usually publish reviews in my blog and in others, I will also publish a review of the finished book, although as I’ll appear as translator, I could not post it to any of the shops officially, at least not for the translated version).
More recently several authors I know have asked me to check and proofread some translations of their works, to ensure there were no typos or anything missing. That is also fascinating work (as it allows me to learn from the work of other translators) and as it takes me far less time I’m currently charging approximately $100 per 100 pages.
Apart from translations of books and the corrections and proofreading already mentioned, I also offer shorter translations (blog posts, press releases, biographies for the author page in Amazon or other sites, Tweets, synopsis and descriptions, letters to publishing companies and authors, interviews…) for very reasonable rates, depending on length. Ask me and we’ll talk about it.
If you want more details about my works, here I leave you my web page.
And the cover of Virgin of the Sun by Jordi Díez, that I love and really enjoyed translating (and I learned a lot about the Incas!). The next novel I’ve translated for another author is nearly ready…but for the moment we’re keeping it quiet.
Thanks to all of you for reading, and if you’ve found it interesting, you know, like, comment, share and CLICK! And if you’d like to chat about a translation, leave me a note and I’ll be in touch. Of course, previous clients always have a special price.
Note: Ah, several authors have asked me about the possibility of doing translations for a percentage of the royalties of the book. I’ve thought about it although currently due to time constraints I wouldn’t be able to do it, but I’ll think about in the future, and might participate in a special project every so often. If I do it, I’ll advertise it and see if there’s any interest. I’m also happy to consider exchanging a translation for other services.
And I could not help but share the image David Cronin (husband of a great friend and fabulous blogger, Sally, visit here) created for me. He’s also doing a great series on how to create an e-book in Sally’s blog, so don’t miss.
39 replies on “Authors, bloggers and everybody else, are you interested in translations to Spanish?”
Good luck Olga, hope you get lots of business. You deserve to. ¡Buena suerte! ¡Mis mejores deseos! (Hope I haven’t said anything embarrassing there. Got it off Google.)
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I don’t need translations personally, but I will happily recommend you to anyone who does. Good luck with this venture Olga, and I like the strange picture, made from your name.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks Pete. I hope you have a great week.
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Wishing you the very best with this endeavor, Olga. Hugs! 😀
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Thanks Teagan. All the best.
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Hola Olga, yo si he trabajado como traductor para una compañia Española. Los textos y articulos que traduje eran muy tecnicos basado en el “nuevo sistema de la información”.
If you don´t mind I would like to talk to you a little more about the project and see if we can both benefit from the translation process. I believe you will find it both attractive and challenging and be a win win situation for both parts.
I´ll give you this email that I have for the blog if you would like to contact me :
charlypriest@yahoo.com
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Gracias Charly. Thanks Charly.
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This is all good to know for the future. I very much appreciate being able to read your blog posts in English however.
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Thanks Laine and all the best.
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I hope you have lots of business from this Olga but not enough to keep you away from writing yourself.
xxx Humongous Hugs xxx
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Thanks David. That would definitely be about the level I would wish for. Have a lovely week and big hugs.
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
One of the markets that is as yet largely untapped by English authors is the Spanish market in both Europe 15% of the population and 5th most spoken language and South America with over 418million Spanish speakers in 19 countries. Obviously not every book would be suitable to be translated but certainly those that sell well in English such as Thriller/Mystery – Sci Fi etc – non-fiction is tougher to sell but if culturally relevant might do well… Something to consider.
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Thanks so much for spreading the word Sally. And thanks to David for the image. Big hugs!
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Excellent Olga and so are your rates… especially for the proof reading of a previously translated document.
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Thanks Sally. I’m afraid I’m one of these people who keeps noting things they see but in the case of translations there’s more time to notice things, and of course you have the advantage of having the e-mail address to communicate directly with the author. Thanks so much for spreading the word.
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Excellent ideas all round….One of the many advantages of doing this kind of work is that you can do it on the moon, if necessary:) If I hear of anyone needing your translation expertise, I will definitely pass on the word.
I will also send magical hummingbirds in your direction.
Love the new portrait:)
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Thanks Janet. I can definitely do with the help of the magical hummingbirds. Be well my friend!
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How interesting. You are such a dynamic woman,Olga. I have been pushed by my friends to translate my book into Czech. But that would really mean re-writing it, and untill I finish my full time medical job in June, I have no time. Proofreading translations- what a brilliant idea. I do not think an author can do it, first thing one does not pay enough attention after reading one’s own book so many times, but you need fresh pair of eyes. Funnily enough, Milan Kundera stopped writing in Czech , moved over to French entirely. Do you prefer writing in Spanish or English? My Czech is still perfect, but I am so used to write in English that I am not sure. Yet, I am sure I am writing ” with a Czech accent”.
Lucie
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Thanks Lucie. After living 22 years (and counting, although recently I’ve spent more time in Spain due to family circumstances) in the UK I’m more used to writing and reading in English, although since I started publishing I’m interacting with more people in Spanish and that’s helping. It bothered me (more at the beginning than now) that I might write in ‘Spanish’ English, but when reading authors from many other English speaking places you come to realise that everybody has its own peculiar things, not always related to where they are from, and there is no such thing as neutral English (one might speak of the Queen’s English, but you don’t hear that spoken in the streets). We might be more aware of our errors than people who are native-born speakers and try and be more careful with the things we know we get wrong.
I understand your friends pressure. I partly wrote in Spanish too (although my first story went forwards and backwards a few times) because of relatives and friends that I thought would like to read my stories. To begin with I was selling more in English but now it’s probably level pegging… The size of the market might be upstaged by the fact that I guess there would be fewer books available in Czech. Smaller pond and all that…
Time is of the essence and I know when I was still working full time I’d have to try and grab a few minutes here or there (and do most of my writing on the weekends).
I have friends who prefer to have their books translated by others even when they are fluent in the language and it’s true in some cases it might require an extensive rewrite. In my case I’m half thinking about the story in the other language as I go along. I also see it as a challenge…
Keep me posted on what you decide to do. And best of luck!
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You’ll be so busy from now on. The possibilities are endless. Lots of luck and don’t overwork. ❤
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Thanks Tess. Funnily enough, the combination of my own stuff and other people’s doesn’t leave me much time…:)
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And you are surprised? ❤
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I thought I’d had plenty of time once I left my day job. How wrong was I! Now I have an all-day job instead. 🙂
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I retired eight years ago and don’t have enough time to r.e.a.d. How does that happen? 😀
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I think the quote about work (or I guess not official work or rather, not paid work) expanding to take up all available time it’s true.
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Sigh.
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I guess at least we’re not complaining about being bored!
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😀 😀 😀 Some people I know DO complain of boredom. I don’t understand it myself. 😮
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Mind you, I remember a girl I went to Medical School with who always complained she was too skinny and she wanted to put weight on! (She was skinny in her defence…)
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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Thanks Viv! You’re a star amongst owls.
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Olga, that is a very generous offer you make. How would you find the time? I will certainly keep you in mind should I consider a translation for any of my books!
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Thanks Lorna. I’m trying to spend more time doing other things and it’s fascinating (and it gives me more justification, if I needed any, to read books in detail). I’ve learned a fair amount checking information about the books I’ve translated so far. And I’m sure my writing will also improve.
It would be an honour and a pleasure to translate your books if it ever comes to it… And of course, friends always get special treatment. 🙂
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Good to know! 🙂
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😉
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You’re going to be a busy lady! All the very best to you.
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Thanks Billy Ray! I know you don’t need help with Spanish…:)
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Olga. I think you are amazing, writing all the books you have written, a terrific blog,and you always find time to answer everyone. All the very best.
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Thanks Kathy. I think we need to take lessons in juggling and magic but we’ll keep doing our best! Love your posts and your books!
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