Book Translation Services for UK Authors
British Publishers works with authors across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland who want their book translated for readers in another language. Every translation is carried out by a native speaker of the target language and checked by a second, independent linguist before it comes back to you, so you are never relying on a single person's judgement of your book.
Translation is a significant undertaking, priced against your full manuscript rather than a page or two, and it is not a step to take lightly. Below is what the service includes, how the process works, and the questions worth answering before you commission a translation at all.
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What the Service Includes
Review and sample
A manuscript review and a sample translation, so you can judge the translator's voice before committing to the full project
Glossary and style sheet
A glossary and style sheet agreed in advance, covering names, terminology and recurring phrases
Native-speaker translation
Translation by a native speaker of the target language, working in your genre
Independent revision
Independent revision by a second linguist before the manuscript is returned to you
Written agreement
A written agreement with the translator covering copyright, credit and use of the translation
Typesetting-ready handover
Handover in a format ready for typesetting in the new language
How the Process Works
From sample and quote through independent revision, each stage is confirmed before the next begins.
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Send your manuscript
Send us your manuscript and target language. We confirm whether we have a suitable native-speaker translator and provide a sample translation and a quote.
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Agree glossary and style sheet
We agree a glossary and style sheet with you before translation begins, so names, terms and tone are settled in advance.
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Full translation
The manuscript is translated in full by your matched translator.
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Independent revision
A second, independent linguist revises the translation against the original text.
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Handover with summary
You receive the finished manuscript, along with a written summary of what was checked and by whom.
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Next production steps
We can then move the translated manuscript into typesetting, cover adaptation and proofreading for the new edition.
Which Languages We Translate Into
Coverage depends on the language and genre, because we only work with translators who are native speakers of the target language and who work regularly in that genre. Tell us your target language when you enquire and we will confirm availability, provide a sample translation, and agree a schedule before you commit to anything.
Translation Rights and Copyright: What to Check First
Two separate questions need answering before a translation project can go ahead.
First, whether you are free to commission a translation at all. Translation rights are a subsidiary right. If you are traditionally published, your publisher may hold them, sometimes worldwide and in every language, which means you cannot commission your own translated edition without their agreement. Self-published authors usually retain these rights but should confirm it rather than assume it.
Second, once a translation exists, it is generally treated as a new literary work, and the translator usually holds copyright in it. Without a written agreement covering this, you could hold the rights to your original text while the translator holds the rights to the translation, and neither of you can publish freely. We put a written agreement in place with every translator we work with, covering copyright, credit and use.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Your publishing contract, and any translator agreement, should be checked by a qualified adviser before you proceed.
Is Translating Your Book the Right Decision?
For most self-published, English-language authors, a translated edition is unlikely to earn back its cost through sales alone. English is already the largest book market, and a new-language edition enters a market where you typically have no existing readership, reviews or marketing presence, on top of a significant production cost.
That does not rule translation out. It tends to make more sense in a few situations:
Into English
Translating into English from another language, where you are moving into the largest market rather than out of it
Memoir and family history
Memoir or family-history projects, where the audience is personal rather than commercial
Existing platform abroad
Authors with an existing readership, professional platform or speaking presence in the target language
International non-fiction
Non-fiction with a clear international professional audience
Inbound interest
Authors who have already been approached by a publisher or agent in another market
We would rather set that out plainly than let you find it out after the manuscript is delivered.
What Else a Translated Edition Needs
A translated manuscript is not a finished book on its own. Text length changes between languages, so a translated edition usually needs its own typesetting, often its own cover treatment, and its own proofreading pass in the new language. We can carry out this work alongside the translation, or on its own once you have a translated manuscript from elsewhere.
Whether you have a fully formed concept or are just starting to brainstorm ideas, we'd love to learn more about your vision.
--Your Story. Our Expertise. Your Success.
--Your Story. Our Expertise. Your Success.
--Your Story. Our Expertise. Your Success.
--Your Story. Our Expertise. Your Success.
Portfolio of Published Books
Explore our diverse collection of published works
Frequently Asked Questions
Still need help ? Contact to us
+44 20398 08310
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How much does it cost to translate a book in the UK?
Literary translation is priced against your full manuscript, not per page. Published UK rate benchmarks for literary translation have historically run into four figures for an average-length novel, before typesetting, cover or proofreading costs for the new edition. We provide a fixed quote once we have reviewed your manuscript and confirmed the target language.
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How long does it take to translate a book?
Timescales depend on manuscript length, genre and translator availability, and are confirmed once we have agreed a sample translation and a quote. A structured process that includes independent revision takes longer than a single-pass translation. We give you a realistic schedule before any work begins.
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Can I translate my book into another language?
It depends on your publishing contract. If you are traditionally published, translation rights are often held by your publisher rather than you, so this needs checking first. Self-published authors usually retain these rights but should confirm it before commissioning any translation work.
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Do I own the copyright in the translation?
A translation is generally treated as a new work in its own right, and the translator usually holds copyright in it unless a written agreement says otherwise. We agree this in writing with every translator before work begins, and can explain what that means for your project.
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Do I need proofreading after translation?
Yes. A translated manuscript should be proofread in the target language before publication, ideally by someone other than the translator. It will also need its own typesetting, because text length changes between languages and pages will not match your original edition.
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What languages can my book be translated into?
We work only with translators who are native speakers of the target language and experienced in your genre, so coverage varies by project. Tell us your target language when you enquire and we will confirm availability, a sample translation and a schedule before any commitment is made.
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Can translated books be published internationally?
Yes, once you hold the necessary rights and the translation's copyright position is properly agreed in writing. Distribution in a new market typically also needs local marketing and, often, an in-country review of the translation, which we can discuss as part of your project.
Ready to Discuss a Translation?
Tell us your manuscript length, genre and target language. We will confirm translator availability, provide a sample translation and a fixed quote, and agree a schedule before any work begins.
Prefer email? info@britishpublishers.co.uk