Literary Translator

A Literary Translator takes a book and translates it into a different language. Whether you’re translating a book from English into a foreign language, or vice versa, it goes without saying that you should be completely fluent in both languages.

As a Literary Translator, you usually work alone on assignments, and oftentimes from home. Translating takes a long time and is tricky business. It requires not only a full understanding of the languages you’re translating to and from, but also a natural feel for the Author’s style.

Sometimes, you’ll be faced with too many ways to translate a phrase. Other times, you’ll find yourself with very few choices, or none at all. Either way, it’s your job to find the best translation. It’s up to you to catch the essence not only of the book, but of the Author as well. That’s why many Translators have their own set of followers. You may even enjoy a following that’s as big as the Authors’ themselves.

This job is difficult to come by though, and is largely a part-time position. But the chance to bring an important work to a whole new audience is rewarding in and of itself.