Problems Translating a book Thread poster: Eva Pividal
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Eva Pividal 
Spain
Local time: 10:17
French to Spanish
+ ...
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 ... See more 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 ▲ Collapse
| | | | Kevin Fulton
United States
Local time: 04:17
German to English
| Get a purchase order NOW | Dec 12, 2013 |
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...
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.
| | | | Attila Piróth
France
Local time: 10:17
Member
English to Hungarian
+ ...
| PEN model contract | Dec 12, 2013 |
Hi Eva,
For starters, read the PEN model contract, to familiarize yourself with the normal working conditions when translating for publishers: http://www.pen.org/model-contract
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 ha... See more Hi Eva,
For starters, read the PEN model contract, to familiarize yourself with the normal working conditions when translating for publishers: http://www.pen.org/model-contract
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 ▲ Collapse
| | | | Eva Pividal
Spain
Local time: 10:17
French to Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
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 a... See more 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 ▲ Collapse
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Kevin Fulton wrote:
Agencies are rarely mentioned as the translators of a book, but unfortunately, neither are translators.
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]."
| | | | Eva Pividal
Spain
Local time: 10:17
French to Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | @philgoddard | Dec 12, 2013 |
Thank you, philgoddard!
I find your suggestion very interesting!
I will write it myself!
| | | | | Attila is right | Dec 12, 2013 |
use the
http://www.pen.org/model-contract
and you'll be safe.
If not,
become a member of PEN and let them help you. They will be happy to do so!
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