ProZ.com Translation Forums

Problems Translating a book | Attila is right

Roel Verschueren — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 20:46:00 +0000

Forum: Getting established
Topic: Problems Translating a book
Poster: Roel Verschueren
Post title: Attila is right

use the
[url removed]
and you'll be safe.
If not,

become a member of PEN and let them help you. They will be happy to do so!

Problems Translating a book | @philgoddard

Eva Pividal — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 19:31:00 +0000

Forum: Getting established
Topic: Problems Translating a book
Poster: Eva Pividal
Post title: @philgoddard

Thank you, philgoddard!

I find your suggestion very interesting!

I will write it myself!

Problems Translating a book | Attribution

philgoddard — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 17:46:00 +0000

Forum: Getting established
Topic: Problems Translating a book
Poster: philgoddard
Post title: Attribution

[quote]Kevin Fulton wrote:

Agencies are rarely mentioned as the translators of a book, but unfortunately, neither are translators. [/quote]

This has not been my experience. I've translated over 20 books, and the customer has almost always been happy to include a translator credit. The best thing to do is write it in the translation yourself and say "I hope you don't mind, but I've included a translator credit". If it's for an agency, put something like, "Translated by Eva Pividal in association with [agency name]."

Problems Translating a book | thank you

Eva Pividal — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 15:17:00 +0000

Forum: Getting established
Topic: Problems Translating a book
Poster: Eva Pividal
Post title: thank you

Well thank you very much for these advises...

Clrearly i need to be more carefull from now onwards.

I will check this link, which I appreciate a lot!

Regarding the recognition, its clear now, I was pretty sure that the translator is not often mentioned, and I dont really mind about that, but i dont want another person to figure as the translator!

Thank you once again, for your time and interest! Im rellay thankfull that this kind of forums are on,, the freelance world is not always the easiest path!

Have a great day,

Eva

Problems Translating a book | PEN model contract

Attila Piróth — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 13:28:00 +0000

Forum: Getting established
Topic: Problems Translating a book
Poster: Attila Piróth
Post title: PEN model contract

Hi Eva,

For starters, read the PEN model contract, to familiarize yourself with the normal working conditions when translating for publishers: [url removed]

And then enforce them.

You are embarking upon months of work. If you have any doubts that the normal working conditions are ensured, you should immediately stop and resume only when you have the appropriate guarantees.

If you proceed with the translation, you will just undermine your negotiation position. If you have a full manuscript ready, your may have only two choices: to keep it for yourself (and therefore admit that the hundreds of hours that you spent with it were in vain) or to accept the agency's terms. That's a lose-lose proposition. Do yourself a favor, and don't get into that situation. Even if it requires coming out of the comfort zone and putting pressure on the agency – rather than going on with the translation work that you may enjoy much more.

Best
Attila

Problems Translating a book | Get a purchase order NOW

Siobhán Fulton — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 13:24:00 +0000

Forum: Getting established
Topic: Problems Translating a book
Poster: Siobhán Fulton
Post title: Get a purchase order NOW

[quote]Eva Pividal wrote:

While translating it I have had many doubts about the procedure, towards the author, the agency, myself...

My concerns, for example, start in the paying methods; i have concluded that i won't send the job untill I recieve a written statement saying when, who, how.... because i feel the girl from the agency is not very competent and does not provide enough info..

My second concern is about the recognition of my translation, i dont even know how to say it, I would like to have my name in that book, as the translator that I am, but i am afraid that instead, it will be the name of the agency...

[/quote]

Unless you've worked with a client several times before, ALWAYS get a statement in writing (purchase order) clearly stating the scope of the job, payment amount and method.

Do not proceed any further until you have these details clarified in writing.

Translator attribution is a separate issue. Agencies are rarely mentioned as the translators of a book, but unfortunately, neither are translators. You need to negotiate this separately.

Problems Translating a book

Eva Pividal — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 13:16:00 +0000

Forum: Getting established
Topic: Problems Translating a book
Poster: Eva Pividal

Hello,

My name is Eva, im fairly new in the professional translation field (about 6 years)--

I am translating a book about wines, the author is spanish but the book will have a european scope.

It is the first time I performe such a job, -gernerally i get to translate web sites and articles, etc..
While translating it I have had many doubts about the procedure, towards the author, the agency, myself...

My concerns, for example, start in the paying methods; i have concluded that i won't send the job untill I recieve a written statement saying when, who, how.... because i feel the girl from the agency is not very competent and does not provide enough info..

My second concern is about the recognition of my translation, i dont even know how to say it, I would like to have my name in that book, as the translator that I am, but i am afraid that instead, it will be the name of the agency...

Anyhow i would like to hear some experiences about this, and advises on how this should be managed from the beginning.. I felt quite unsafe :)

Many thanks in advance for your time! :)

Eva