I recieved an email from someone asking if they could translate my fic, I don't really know if I want it or what to say. So was wondering what everybody said about it.

smlcspike

I received a request like that from someone in Italy (I think). I told her it was okay, as long as she made sure to say who the actual author is and that it was a translation.  I never followed up to see if she actually did it. Her own English wasn't very good, so I can't imagine how she thinks she could translate something, but who knows? With luck, it either didn't happen, or she got someone to help her who could actually do it well. Without luck, there are a bunch of Italian spuffy fans who think I totally suck at writing. lol

Yeah she is in Italy, but i still have mixed feelings, my editor said that she writting in email wasn't that good, so she most likely would not be able to translate it.

smlcspike

My native language is not English and I have to admit that sometimes I'm wondering, how a story I'm currently reading would look like in Polish. I'm translating a line or two in my mind and usually I decide that it won't be the be same. That it won't be nearly as good. I'm not a pro at this, I just know English a bit and I tried writing stories both in English and Polish. I have to say that in my opinion translation can't do much good to the fic. Maybe if the story would be terrible and a translator - a genius, then yeah, ok, but otherwise - no way. Good writers have their original style that's probably difficult to "copy" for a beginner. And of course, there are all those little jokes that simply can't be translated. Our Polish translation of Buffy series really sucked and it was supposed to be "professional" and it was actually aired in our TV. So how well can do a person without any experience?...

I'm not saying you shouldn't let that girl try. Maybe it's a good idea. I just wanted to say how those translations look from my POV, 'cos I thought about that. Yes, only thought, but still.

Someone once asked if they could translate one of my fics into German.  I didn't really have a problem with it.  They gave me credit, and a link to the site and everything after they had done a few chapters.  Honestly, I was incredibly flattered.  It's one thing for someone to read your story and love it, but another for them to love it enough to want to take the time to translate it and share with their country's fandom.  The guy even translated some of the first reviews and sent them to me.

Thank you everyone for you input, I still don't know what I want to do, so will think about it for a few days.

Sandra