Translating Books for Publication by Pickford, Susan;

Short description:

Translating Books for Publication is an introductory guide for aspiring translators entering publishing. It takes a business-focused approach with real-world case studies, positioning translation as viable freelance work across fiction, non-fiction, and academic publishing.

Long description:

Translating Books for Publication offers readers an introductory guide to translating for the publishing sector, designed for aspiring translators and translation-adjacent professionals entering the field. It addresses the critical gap in understanding how translation operates within the broader publishing industry ecosystem. Taking a resolutely non-language-specific, business-focused approach, the book examines the practice of translating books across diverse sectors, including often overlooked areas such as academic and institutional publishing.

The book incorporates an array of real-world case studies and practical exercises from a wide range of published text types, inviting readers to explore, analyse, and engage with translation for publishing as a professional marketplace. Unlike other introductions to literary translation, it applies an avowedly professional lens to contemporary translation for publishing, construing the practice broadly to incorporate genre fiction, non-fiction, and institutional and academic publishing. The book reframes literary translation – traditionally viewed narrowly as fiction – within the contemporary publishing market, positioning it as a viable freelance business proposition. Through practical exercises and real-world insights, readers explore translation for publishing not merely as creative practice, but as professional labour within a competitive marketplace. The methodology incorporates innovative perspectives from workplace happiness research, cultural economics, and network theory, encouraging holistic thinking about translation as professional practice.

The text takes an innovative approach by framing literary translation as a commercial business practice within contemporary publishing markets, supported by a highly analytical, evidence-based examination of the translation sector. This indispensable textbook serves students and instructors of Translation Studies, translation professionals, newcomers seeking industry entry, and established professionals looking to optimise their translation careers within the evolving publishing landscape.

"Translating Books for Publication fills a long-standing gap for those seeking to specialise in literary translation. At a time when translation workflows are rapidly evolving, Susan Pickford offers clear, practical guidance grounded in professional experience. Rich in pragmatic advice and industry insight, this book arrives at exactly the right moment and is set to become a key resource for emerging literary translators."

-James Hadley, Trinity College, Dublin

"Susan Pickford explores with lucidity and realism what it means to be a book translator. This volume will be invaluable to aspiring translators, while mid-career professionals will nod in recognition at much of Pickford’s incisive and often witty analysis, grounded in clear, practical examples. Translating Books for Publication is a must-read for anyone thinking about entering the literary translation field (and for those already in it)"

-Ian Giles, Literary Translator and Chair of the Translators Association, United Kingdom

Table of Contents:

Series editor’s forward

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1. What training and skills does a budding translator-for-publication need?

Chapter 2. Does translating make you happy?

Chapter 3. Does the business hat fit?

Chapter 4. The global translation publishing marketplace

Chapter 5. Think like a publisher

Chapter 6. Money matters

Chapter 7. Getting your foot in the door

Chapter 8. What does a successful career look like?

Chapter 9. Looking to the future