Publishing Works in Translation

Catalog description

Translation underpins the circulation of literature globally and offers growing opportunities for publishers to diversify their lists and appeal to new audiences. From popular TV and film adaptations of translated books to the #namethetranslator campaign to Women in Translation month to the inauguration of a National Book Award and a National Book Critics Circle Award for Translated Literature, translated literature is on a growth trajectory in U.S. publishing. This course teaches the core skills required to be a successful editor and publisher of books in translation: read broadly, communicate concisely, with data, and build an extensive network. It addresses both the global and domestic marketplaces for literature in translation; the practicalities of reader reports; working with scouts, agents, and publishers; researching international publishing landscapes; and identifying and engaging with trends. Using real world examples and processes, students learn financial planning (profit & loss analysis, sales forecasting, budgeting); contract negotiation with agents, rights holders, and translators; and best practices in acquiring and promoting literature from another language. Students will gain a foundation in intercultural communication while learning to assess which works will make the greatest impact in translation, practice identifying potential titles, positioning them in the U.S. marketplace, and present a book for consideration at a publisher’s editorial board, complete with publishing vision and business plan. Class content will include case studies, translator perspectives, bestseller lists, sample proposal materials and contracts, and other realia.