Ask the Author: Rupi Kaur
Answered Questions (2)
Rupi Kaur
hiiiiiiiii. so when I first got into this whole thing- I just assumed that I would be involved in the whole process, since it's my book, right?!
Wrong. I was shocked to discover that authors don't get to pick their translators, and that's standard.
This is kind of how it works (at least in the west):
- Author publishes a book in their main language
- Then either the author's literary agent or publisher begins to sell the diff language rights to publishers in other territories.
- They find the publishers, make a deal and present it to the author.
- Once the author signs off on the deal- that's usually the end of their involvement.
- The new publisher picks their own translators and usually designs their own covers without approval from the author.
Sometimes, they even change the title of thee book. At first this really threw me off- but I later realized that the publishers who are translating your book into their language are experts and know what they're doing. They know their markets well, and changing the title and look of the book can make a positive impact on the sales/success of it.
My books are published in over 42 languages. Most of those languages have kept the titles and the cover design the same. But Brazil changes both, along with Spain- and the books are doing exceptionally well in those territories.
It's so fascinating to see how this whole industry works- I'm learning new things alllll the time. But I will say- I feel like translators don't get the recognition they deserve. To me it feels like they're quite invisible in the process and we don't celebrate them enough- and the industry makes it hard to celebrate them. I have built friendships with some of my translators, but there are so many I've never been able to get in touch with. Translating is an art. Translators shouldn't been seen as contract workers. As a translator, you're not just translating words- you're translating tone, emotions, and so much more.
Wrong. I was shocked to discover that authors don't get to pick their translators, and that's standard.
This is kind of how it works (at least in the west):
- Author publishes a book in their main language
- Then either the author's literary agent or publisher begins to sell the diff language rights to publishers in other territories.
- They find the publishers, make a deal and present it to the author.
- Once the author signs off on the deal- that's usually the end of their involvement.
- The new publisher picks their own translators and usually designs their own covers without approval from the author.
Sometimes, they even change the title of thee book. At first this really threw me off- but I later realized that the publishers who are translating your book into their language are experts and know what they're doing. They know their markets well, and changing the title and look of the book can make a positive impact on the sales/success of it.
My books are published in over 42 languages. Most of those languages have kept the titles and the cover design the same. But Brazil changes both, along with Spain- and the books are doing exceptionally well in those territories.
It's so fascinating to see how this whole industry works- I'm learning new things alllll the time. But I will say- I feel like translators don't get the recognition they deserve. To me it feels like they're quite invisible in the process and we don't celebrate them enough- and the industry makes it hard to celebrate them. I have built friendships with some of my translators, but there are so many I've never been able to get in touch with. Translating is an art. Translators shouldn't been seen as contract workers. As a translator, you're not just translating words- you're translating tone, emotions, and so much more.
Rupi Kaur
you feel it in your belly. You know it's done when you read it from beginning to end without any doubts and it makes your stomach turn. When every word- every line feels intentional.
Sometimes I do want to rush the process. I can be 85% done with a piece, but because I'm so impatient I try to convince myself it's good enough and I can move on. Whenever I do that- I feel a nervousness in my gut creeping up saying "stop lying to yourself"- It's quiet, but it's uncomfortable. At that point I have to accept that the piece isn't done.
Essentially, awareness and a deep listening to mind and body is really important, and will let you know if a poem is "finished" or not.
Sometimes I do want to rush the process. I can be 85% done with a piece, but because I'm so impatient I try to convince myself it's good enough and I can move on. Whenever I do that- I feel a nervousness in my gut creeping up saying "stop lying to yourself"- It's quiet, but it's uncomfortable. At that point I have to accept that the piece isn't done.
Essentially, awareness and a deep listening to mind and body is really important, and will let you know if a poem is "finished" or not.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more