by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
From time to time, other writers email me asking for my updated opinion on various translation platforms. I get it–it might seem like there are no great options out there.
As I’m writing this, I have 37 translated books and a few in the works. Although translation is not a big income generator for me, it’s rewarding to reach new readers in other languages. The translators I work with are quick, friendly, and professional. The translation publishing process, however, is nearly always a pain in the neck.
Babelcube. This is still the platform I’m primarily using. I don’t enjoy using it, but some of the peculiarities in formatting, etc. have gotten ironed out, meaning less hands-on time for me. The main issue is that books will sometimes never make it into print (the digital editions aren’t a problem) because their system will throw them out. When you try to find out why they’re being thrown out, you’ll likely get an inscrutable answer.
Tektime. I did enjoy working with Tektime originally. Now, however, the publication process seems unnecessarily complex and cumbersome. Support is much better than Babelcube, however. Unfortunately, they’ve decided to move to a subscription model for authors, unless you’re only releasing two books through them.
Other options: Let’s say you’ve already found a translator through a marketplace like Babelcube or Tektime. If your translator is willing to try something else, you can do a royalty split through a distributor like Draft2Digital or BundleRabbit, now called PubShare. You’ll want to make sure that the split favors the translator as it does with Babelcube and Tektime since they’re the ones who have risked their time and crafted the project.
That’s it for an update. :) Wish I had better news on the translation front. Most translators still want to work on Babelcube, but if you find someone willing to try something different, Draft2Digital is an excellent option.
Have you put any books up for translation? What platforms have you used? How has it worked for you?
Update on Translation Platforms: Share on X
Image by Lucas Wendt from Pixabay
Sounds like options are really limited and not great.
Unfortunately, that’s the case, yes.
It's a shame there isn't a really great platform for translations. We've found ACX difficult sometimes for audio books, so this sounds like an extra headache I didn't need.
For the return on your time investment, I’d agree…not worth it.
It's too bad there aren't better translation options. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks for coming by!
Thanks for information, Elizabeth! I'm happy so much of your work is in translation, and it's nice to know how to go about it. Hoping that you're staying safe…
I have evacuated from the hurricane damage and am staying with my mom out-of-state until power, internet, water, and cell service (or some of those things) can be restored. :)
Glad you're OK! I hope things start to get better soon!
Thanks, Margot!
I haven't done translations yet – and not sure I will. Like audio-books, it seems more frustrating than fun. I don't have the bandwidth to deal with any of it yet. Maybe someday!
It’s frustrating, for sure! I would put it as the last on my list.
Hi Elizabeth – yes I can imagine the satisfaction of having one of your books translated and available to people who don't easily speak English … and once again thank you for your valuable advice/opinion … cheers Hilary
Thanks to you for coming by, Hilary!