Espresso Translations is a London-based company that offers multiple language services including book translation. Our global network of linguistic experts work in a wide range of sectors, giving us the flexibility and expertise to provide diverse services such as literary translation.
How to become book translator in UK
Anyone wishing to become a book translator in the UK will need to master several key skills. Of course, the main attribute of a translator is language proficiency so this will be the top priority for a prospective translator.
At Espresso Translations, all our linguists are native speakers of the language they translate into, known as the target language. This provides a more natural and fluid translation. So, it’s important for a translator to be well versed in the grammar and lexicon of their mother tongue. A near-native fluency in at least one foreign language is also necessary.
An understanding of the culture of the source language is crucial. This permits translators to accurately convert the text while maintaining the original context and meaning, allowing for nuances, idioms and humour. Acquiring this level of understanding typically comes from the translator living and working in the source language country.
For book translation, excellent writing skills are also needed. A professional translator in the literary field needs to have the ability to translate prose, poetry, manuscripts, etc while keeping the original author’s intent, emotion or humour. Therefore, literary writing abilities are essential.
Naturally, not all book translations are fiction or poetry and there is clearly a market for translated literature which is more academic or related to a specific sector of industry. This type of work requires deep knowledge and relevant experience of the subject matter. If you already have expertise in a particular area, this can give you a target market for your translation skills. When you are already familiar with the concepts and terminology of a subject, it can allow you to get a foot in the door once you have your language skills in place.
A certain level of education is helpful but there is no formal requirement in the UK for a translator to have a degree in translation or any formal qualification. However, they are immensely helpful and will make breaking into literary translation much easier.
The need for accuracy when working as a translator is central to the profession. Therefore, having an eye for detail and a high level of precision in your work will serve you well if you are looking at becoming a literary translator.
Many book translators are writers with excellent literary and language skills. However, even those who are not writers need to have a good understanding of the publishing and literary world. You may also find that some experience as an editor can also be beneficial, even if in a voluntary or unofficial capacity.
Also read: How to Translate a Book: everything you need to know
Who is a book translator and what do they do?
A book translator is someone who translates the content of a book from its original or source language to a new or target language. While translating the content, the translator must also maintain the original intent of the author in relation to the meaning and context of the work. In short, the translated book should transmit the same message, in the way the author intended without deviation while taking account of the nuances of the new language.
There are many different genres and a book translator will have the knowledge, experience or literary skills to work in their chosen area. The types of work involved can include novels, manuscripts, academic texts, newspapers and essays. Some translators may also work with documents related to the publishing industry, depending on their particular contract.
What degree do I need to be a book translator?
There is no formal requirement for a book translator to have a degree. However, it is a good starting point to have either a Bachelors or Masters degree in a foreign language, linguistics or a subject related to the area you wish to work in.
An MA in Translation or the Diploma in Translation will give you a clear advantage in what is a highly competitive industry. Membership of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting will provide support and guidance as well as indicating to prospective clients that you are a competent professional.
What does a book translator do?
The role of a book translator is much more than simply being bilingual. It is to faithfully and accurately translate the content of the text into the new language, ensuring that the author’s tone, style and intent are retained.
However, the translator must take account of the cultural differences between the original intended audience and the translated work’s new readers. Some words, idiomatic expressions and humour don’t translate easily and it is the translator’s job to ensure that these are conveyed in the way the original author intended but to a new audience.
What tools do book translators use?
In literary translation, there are support tools used by translators which increase the efficiency, consistency and speed of the translations. At Espresso Translations, we work with some of these tools to ensure the highest possible quality of translation for our clients. However, it’s important to understand the difference between these tools and machine translation or the use of artificial intelligence to translate books.
Some of the CAT tools include:
- SDL Trados Studio: translation memory, terminology management and supports a range of file formats
- memoQ: streamlines translation and localisation processes
- Smartcat: cloud based translation platform
These Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools are not the same as a translation engine on the internet. Instead, they assist the translator by accessing translation memories, ensuring consistency through terminology management and the use of a glossary – all of which speed up the translation process.
What are the differences between a literary translator and a technical translator?
There are several differences between a literary and technical translator. The most obvious being the content of the work to be translated and the necessary skills of the translator. However, there are other, more subtle differences between the two disciplines.
A literary translator is tasked with conveying the tone, style and artistic intent of the original author in works such as novels, plays and poetry. This is so that the new audience can receive the work in the same way as the original readership without losing anything in translation. The translator must take into account the cultural differences and make allowances for them.
In contrast, a technical translator needs to clearly and precisely translate the content of technical documents which contain factual information. There is no room in technical translations for artistic interpretation, as there is in a literary translation. When the document is something like an instruction manual, it is imperative that the original content is faithfully translated with no deviation for the safety and wellbeing of users.
How much does a book translator make in the UK?
The current average salary for a book translator in the UK is just under £30,000. However, a freelance translator may earn much more. There are several factors which influence the earnings of a translator including:
- Language combination: translators who work in rare language combinations will typically earn more as there are fewer professionals working in these languages
- Specialisation: depending on the translator’s area of expertise, they can receive higher earnings
- Experience: a more experienced translator can command a higher fee than someone who is newly qualified
- Whether they work for an agency or as a freelancer: agencies typically set a salary range for their translators while freelancers set their own rates
- Clients: major publishing houses offer greater earning opportunities than smaller, independent publishers
These are just some of the contributing elements to a book translator’s earnings and other determinants can dictate final salaries.
How much do book translators charge?
The amount that book translators charge depends on a number of conditions, including:
- Length of the book: most translators charge per word although some work may be priced per page
- Language combination: rare language pairs will cost more than common language combinations
- Content: the subject matter of the book can determine how much a translation costs with specialised content needing higher levels of expertise and knowledge, adding to the cost
- Turnaround time: how quickly a client needs the translation done can influence the price
- Certification: if any certification is required to accompany a book translation this will increase the cost
- Formatting: when a particular format is required, it can add to the price
At Espresso Translations, we provide a free quote so clients know exactly how much a book translation will cost. We don’t include any hidden fees or charges and the amount quoted is what you will pay.
How long does it take to translate a book?
The time taken to translate a book varies depending on several factors such as the length of the text, the language pair, how complex the content is and the tools that the translator is using.
There is no one size fits all for how long a book translation will take but at Espresso Translations we offer 48-hour, 24-hour and same day delivery for a variety of our language services. At the time of supplying a quote, we can give clients an indication of how long a particular book translation will take.
What are common challenges in book translation?
Translators can face various challenges in the course of their work. Book translators in particular may be faced with translating a text where it is difficult to ensure that the author’s intent is adequately being transmitted in the new language. There can be cultural or linguistic hindrances to preserving the original meaning, in some cases.
The nuances, humour, metaphors and idioms of a language don’t always travel well to another culture and sometimes can be lost on a new readership. Cultural references in a book adaptation can similarly be difficult to translate in a relatable way.
