literary translation

On 2003-04-24 23:05, The Tautologist wrote:

I know there have been threads already discussing book translations, rates etc. But I am specifically interested in hearing about experiences regarding translation of literary tomes as I\'m possibly about to embark on such a project. I fully expect the rate to be less than what I would normally charge for \"commercial\" jobs, and it is a job that I very much want to do, so am willing to be flexible - but at the same time I don\'t want to undersell myself. The book is a set of short stories - about 70,000 words. Anyone who has experience of such project and willing to share their expertise?



Dan





US $1500 is what Sebald\'s translator gets for a book. Ask for it.

▲ Collapse

On 2003-04-24 23:05, The Tautologist wrote:

I know there have been threads already discussing book translations, rates etc. But I am specifically interested in hearing about experiences regarding translation of literary tomes as I\'m possibly about to embark on such a project. I fully expect the rate to be less than what I would normally charge for \"commercial\" jobs, and it is a job that I very much want to do, so am willing to be flexible - but at the same time I don\'t want to undersell myself. The book is a set of short stories - about 70,000 words. Anyone who has experience of such project and willing to share their expertise?



Dan





Dan,

Want to jump in again. With all due respect, literary (especially poetry) is a whole lot harder to do well than commercial. That, in my view (and experience), should be the starting point. It\'s easy enough to render a good writer dreadful: just look at Goethe.

I like to argue the story that Poe has a better reputation in France than he does in the U.S. because his translator was Baudelaire.

In short, you\'re not doing it *for* art, but rather, *as* art. Labors of love are for academics.

Maureen

▲ Collapse