Majority of literary translators lack experience in the industry. Those who are interested in becoming translators think that it’s as simple as getting clients and translate for them. But it’s not like that. There are certain Literary Translation techniques that you need to consider before you get into the business of Literary Translation.

Before you take that leap of faith and pursue that dream, read on as we provide the needed information to help you make the best decision for you and your family.

One of the first considerations in pursuing a career as a literary translator is how much money are you going to make. You may love to be a translator but may also wonder about the earning potential.

Don’t worry, we got you covered, we show you the money (so to speak), so we take a look at the latest literary translation rates in the market today.

We also share with you some of the best tips on literary translation so that you can apply them to your chosen craft.

1. Show me the money

First, let’s check on the money you can earn as a literary translation. The national average salary for a Literary Translator in America is $51,629. When we look at word count, the average pay would be from $100 to $125 per 1000 words. Top translators can command a rate of $175 to $200 per 1000 words.

We also know that you may be into literary translation not for the money but because you are passionate about the task.

On the other hand, if you are pursuing the idea of becoming a translator to make it your source of living then the rates shown will give you a picture of what you can expect.

Pay will depend on many factors. Would you be translating for an author or a publisher? What are the credentials that you have in doing the literary translation? Are you translating for a big or small publishing company?

Based on these rates we can say that pay for literary translation can match the pay for translation in other fields.

The only question you have to face is will the pay be sustained for your entire career as a literary translator.

2. Being bilingual is not enough

A popular belief among many when it comes to literary translation is that anyone who speaks two languages and is well educated can become good translators.

The truth is that only a few bilinguals have the right skill sets needed to be a professional translator.

3. Good is not good enough

It is important to note that for being a good translator an in-depth knowledge of the language is must. But just good knowledge about the language you’re translating from is not enough. You need excellent understanding to be able to translate accurately.

People often assume that basic knowledge about a second language is brilliant, but in reality, they could be way off in translating correctly.

4. Be like a native and stick with your native tongue

To be a good translator, it is required to have as close to being “a native”. Only a few people learning a foreign language ever reach this advanced level.

As we have discussed, being bilingual is not enough to be a good translator. To hone your translation skills you should choose to translate into your native language and not from your native language.

5. Edit and write well

Good translators should have excellent writing and editing skills. The good news is, these skills can be developed over the years.

You need to learn how to write in different styles so that you can cater to a wider audience.

Good translators also need to have attention to detail. You want your translations to be as accurate as possible and well-worded.

6. Work within a system

Literary Translation is not an easy task; you need to take note of meaning, vocabulary, and grammar so that you can have accurate translations. This requires a system or process which involves reviewing and checking.

Professional translators have these methods ingrained in them during their translation degree courses.

Those who have not been trained professionally will not have the same discipline which may lead to issues of accuracy and poor expression.

7. Read, read and read

Become a voracious reader so that you will widen your vocabulary in your language. Read and gain knowledge from different literary works like songs, texts, books, poetry, stories, and plays.

All this will help you become familiar with the terminologies used in the various fields of literary works both in your native tongue and the target language.

8. Research on culture

Do your research on cultural differences between your language and your target language. Know more about figures of speech and idiomatic expressions used in the target language.The major literary translation problem arises with the fact that each word in a language is charged with some association, memory,and literary allusions. One has to understand each and every emotion and association inorder to give perfect Literary Translation. For this researching on culture is important.

9. Talk with natives

Conversing with a native speaker on a regular basis will help a lot in doing your translation. Becoming a good listener is a skill that good translators need to have.

Keep your translations simple and easy to understand having the reader in mind all the time.