Books, articles, theses and authors’ texts, translated with attention to the style and voice of the person who wrote them.
Translating a literary text is not swapping words from one language to another. It is rebuilding a rhythm, a tone and an intention, so that the reader in the target language feels what the reader of the original felt. dePapier Translations works on this kind of text with time and, whenever possible, in dialogue with the author.
What we translate
We work with authors’ texts, for editing, publication or applications:
Fiction and non-fiction books
Short stories, columns and essays
Articles and opinion pieces
Theses, dissertations and academic articles
Synopses, prefaces and presentation texts
How we approach a literary text
Before translating, we read the whole text to understand the register, the intentional repetitions, the humour and the cultural references. During translation, choices with no direct equivalent (idioms, wordplay, names) are noted and, where it makes sense, discussed with the author or the publisher. Finally, the text is reviewed in the target language as if it had been written in it.
English and French are translated directly by Cristiana. For the remaining pairs, the work is handled by the dePapier team and reviewed before delivery.
How we work
Every request is assessed individually. Send us the document and you will receive a clear quote, with no obligation, with the turnaround and conditions explained.
Text analysis
We receive the original through the form and check the type of text, the language pair and the deadline.
Quote
We reply by email with the price, the delivery time and, where applicable, a note on certification. No obligation.
Translation and review
English and French translated directly by Cristiana; the remaining pairs by the dePapier team. Everything reviewed before delivery.
Delivery and revisions
Delivered in an editable format. Up to two free revisions after delivery, for adjustments to style or terminology.
Frequently asked questions
The most common questions about literary translation. If yours is not here, just ask.
Yes. With literary texts, dialogue with the author improves the result, so questions are raised during the work and not only at the end.
Yes. For literary projects I can translate a short sample of up to around 250 words, so the author or publisher can assess tone and style before committing. Longer excerpts are quoted as regular work and deducted from the final price if the project goes ahead.
It depends on the number of words and the complexity of the text. The turnaround is given in the quote, once we have the full document.
Confidentiality
All documents are treated confidentially. Files sent to us are used solely to prepare the quote and carry out the translation, in accordance with our privacy policy.
Do you have a text to translate?
Send the manuscript or an excerpt through the form, with the language pair and the deadline you need. The quote arrives by email.
