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Old 12-18-2010, 02:09 PM   #18
Andrew H.
Grand Master of Flowers
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In the non-publishing world, translators who do freelance translations for hire are typically paid around 10-15 cents/word. On this basis, the translation of a shorter novel would run about $7,500. Translators who do novels aren't typically paid on a per word basis, but the royalty agreement they reach will need to provide them with about this level of income.

Which may be out of reach for the typical indie author.

Note, too, that translation is not a mechanical process, and you probably want a translator with some literary talent to translate a fiction work. As an example, here are two translations of Dante (not the same passage, though):

[From Cary]

All ye, who in small bark have following sail'd,
Eager to listen, on the advent'rous track
Of my proud keel, that singing cuts its way,
Backward return with speed, and your own shores
Revisit, nor put out to open sea,
Where losing me, perchance ye may remain
Bewilder'd in deep maze. The way I pass
Ne'er yet was run: Minerva breathes the gale,
Apollo guides me, and another Nine
To my rapt sight the arctic beams reveal.

[From Ciardi]

Midway in our life's journey, I went astray
from the straight road and woke to find myself
alone in a dark wood. How shall I say

what wood that was! I never saw so drear,
so rank, so arduous a wilderness!
Its very memory gives a shape to fear.

Death could scarce be more bitter than that place!
But since it came to good, I will recount
all that I found revealed there by God's grace.
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