Unlock the Secrets of Translating Fiction

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Discovering the Love for Translation
3. The Challenges of Breaking into Book Translations
4. Tapping into the Creative Side of Translation
5. Working with Authors and Translating Literary Works
6. Exploring the World of Self-Publishing
7. Tools and Technology in Translation
8. Translating Books for Small Publishers
9. Helping Authors Reach a Wider Audience
10. The Role of Translators as Ideal Readers
11. Collaboration and Decision-Making in Translation
12. Engaging with Readers and Feedback
13. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

Hello there! My name is Hafa Lombardino, and welcome to Translation Confessional, where I share my experiences as a translator. In last week's episode, I discussed translating non-fiction books, but today, I want to dive into the more creative side of book translations. Join me as I take You on a Journey through my passion for translating fiction.

Discovering the Love for Translation

As a child, I Never dreamed of becoming a translator. In fact, I didn't even know it was an option. However, as I immersed myself in books and became aware of their original language, a restless feeling stirred inside me. I yearned to be part of the process, to recreate stories in a different language and share them with a new audience.

The Challenges of Breaking into Book Translations

Breaking into the world of book translations was not an easy task. I faced numerous challenges, starting with the daunting translation tests sent by publishers in Brazil. While passing the tests was relatively straightforward, negotiating payment proved to be the main obstacle. Publishers offered low rates, coupled with an unfavorable conversion rate between the Brazilian real and the US dollar. The risk of dedicating extensive time to a long-term project while potentially turning down more lucrative assignments made it difficult to justify pursuing book translations.

Tapping into the Creative Side of Translation

Despite the challenges, my desire for more creative work persisted. I craved the opportunity to travel the world through book translations, to experience the thrill of solving a murder mystery or falling in love with fictional characters. To satisfy this urge, I began exploring niche projects beyond educational and technical materials. Transcreation and copywriting became my gateway into infusing creativity into my translation work.

Working with Authors and Translating Literary Works

Around 2010, as my translation business gained Momentum, I found myself longing for more substantial creative work. I wanted to Delve into the realm of literary translations and collaborate with authors who could take readers on captivating journeys. During this time, I established a volunteering project, working closely with Brazilian writers to translate their short stories. This endeavor not only satisfied my need for creative work but also introduced me to an incredible group of talented individuals on both sides of the translation process.

Exploring the World of Self-Publishing

Coinciding with the rise of self-publishing and the popularity of the Amazon Kindle, I identified an opportunity to work with English-language authors interested in having their books translated into Portuguese. By collaboratively adopting a shared royalty system, I translated several books and learned valuable insights about the self-publishing industry. This experience proved crucial when the time came for me to publish my own non-fiction book.

Tools and Technology in Translation

Before we Continue, let me introduce you to Video Converter Pro, an indispensable tool for subtitling services. It simplifies the process of converting video files into various formats, allowing for easy integration into subtitle software. Moreover, Video Converter Pro offers video editing capabilities, making it incredibly useful for content creation on platforms such as YouTube. When clients send me video files for transcription, I can effortlessly extract the audio, load it into my transcription software, and commence work. Give Video Converter Pro a try by visiting bit.ly/tc-vc.

Translating Books for Small Publishers

With a few translated books under my belt, I started receiving proposals from small publishers in Brazil. These publishers desired to make some of their titles available as ebooks in English, expanding their readership beyond the Portuguese-speaking market. Additionally, Brazilian authors who had saved for years to fulfill their literary dreams sought my translation services to introduce their work to a wider audience. While the financial aspect remained challenging, the reward of working alongside these talented authors kept me motivated.

Helping Authors Reach a Wider Audience

Working with authors is an incredibly fulfilling experience, as translators are often considered the ideal readers. We have the privilege of delving deep into the source text, engaging in discussions about word choices, phrases, feelings, sounds, and colors that bring a scene to life. During the translation process, I take meticulous notes to guide the review process, ensuring that the author's vision and intent are captured. Collaboration between translators and authors in the decision-making process is not only illuminating but also the most enjoyable aspect of the entire translation journey.

The Role of Translators as Ideal Readers

One of the significant advantages of being a translator is having the opportunity to connect with readers who resonate with the translated work. It's immensely gratifying to receive emails, messages, and even book reviews from people who have experienced the translation. After all, the purpose of translating books is to find an audience in the target language, and these interactions validate the importance of our work. If you have any thoughts or feedback, feel free to reach out to me via email at r.lombardino@wordawareness.com or leave a voice message on my Anchor page.

Collaboration and Decision-Making in Translation

The collaboration between translators and authors is a crucial aspect of achieving a successful translation. The brainstorming process allows us to address cultural nuances, foreign concepts, and adapt them accordingly to resonate with the target readers. As an example, I am currently working on a young adult fantasy Novel with international appeal. In consultation with the author, We Are brainstorming how to adapt references to specific Brazilian foods so that the book remains accessible to readers worldwide. This aspect of translation, the balancing act between preserving the essence of the original while making it relatable to a new audience, is what makes the work truly fulfilling.

Engaging with Readers and Feedback

Receiving feedback from readers adds another layer of satisfaction to the translation process. Hearing from individuals who have immersed themselves in the translated work reaffirms the importance of bridging cultures through language. If I receive enough feedback and voice messages, I'll consider dedicating a special Podcast episode to share everyone's opinions on this very theme. I am eager to hear from you! You can visit my Anchor page at anchor.fm/translation-confessional or send me an email at r.lombardino@wordawareness.com.

Conclusion

Thank you for accompanying me on this journey through the creative side of book translation. As translators, we have the privilege of immersing ourselves in captivating stories, taking readers on adventures that transcend borders. By embracing collaboration, harnessing technology, and engaging with both authors and readers, we contribute to the growth and diversity of literature. Join me next week for another insightful episode of Translation Confessional. Don't forget to subscribe to Translation Professional on your favorite podcast app to stay updated.