How to Find Literary Translation Jobs

Of all fields of translation, literary translation is undoubtedly the most difficult in which to find steady, well-paid work. Only about three percent of all literary works published in the United States each year are translations of foreign books. That means that there are effectively more qualified literary translators than there are works to translate. Most translators with a love of literature find themselves having to do other types of translation work in between literary translation gigs. This is not to discourage you from pursuing literary translation work. Rather, it is only meant to paint a realistic portrait of the current employment climate for literary translators.

Things You'll Need

• A résumé
• Work samples
• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

1. Build a website. On it, include samples of your literary translation work.

2. Find a translation agency that specializes in literary translation. Send these agencies a copy of your résumé, several samples of your work and your website address.

3. Register with the American Translators Association. This will show potential publishers that you are professionally qualified to do the job.

4. Search for specific jobs on translation specialty websites. A listing of recommended translator job boards appears in the Resources section below. Most of them have listings especially for literary translation jobs, and you can narrow your search by language pairs.

Tips & Warnings

• If you already have an undergraduate degree in a foreign language, consider undertaking a Master's degree in Literary Translation. For example, the University of Rochester offers an MA in Literary Translation Studies. Such a degree will not only qualify you in the eyes of potential employers, it also may open the doors to industry resources you might otherwise have a tough time attaining access to.

• Read, read and read---especially in your area of interest. If you are a Russian-English translator interested in translating Russian poetry, then you should be reading Russian poetry in the original language, English translations of Russian poetry and current English-language poetry to get a good grasp of current vernacular across languages.

• Once you start getting literary translation jobs, be sure to observe all deadlines the publisher gives you. If you cannot abide by deadlines, chances are you will not be offered future jobs.

References

• Writing-World.com: Launching a Translation Career by Maya Mirsky
• Business Week: How to Find Translation Work by Karen E. Klein
• Three Percent: A Resource for International Literature at the University of Rochester

Resources

• ProZ.com: Translators & Translator Resources
• Translation Directory: Translation Portal
• Translators Cafe