They say if you want the world to hear you, communicate in English. Consistent with that reality, most books in the world are in English. But out of the 7.8 Billion people that make the world's population, only about two billion speak English. These figures clearly show that about 5.8 Billion readers are missing out. As an authors and publishers, you can choose to exploit this massive potential by breaking the language barrier using book translation services. Also Read: Common App Localization Mistakes Authors and publishers will have their books translated for a variety of reasons, the principal one being the need to increase sales. Additionally, the world has come of age, and more people are now accepting and embracing international authors. In the UK, for instance, translated literary fiction books drive sales better than those originally published in English. If you look around, you will realize that international authors such as Elena Ferrante, Karl Ove Knausgaard, and Haruki Murakami are the names topping the bestseller book racks in the UK. In 2015, translated fiction represented a record 7% of the total sales, evidently punching way above its weight, of a meager 3.5% of the overall literary fiction. That figure has since risen by a further 5.5%. Book translation is vital if you are looking to break into the international book market. Any author who translates his or her book to other native languages automatically gains more audience. David Vann is one such author. Referred to as one of the most accomplished authors in the US, Vann has had his work translated into almost 20 target languages. Surprisingly David Vann has sold more copies of his books internationally than locally. Below are the reasons why book translation will increase your sales as an author:
1. Exposure to a larger Audience Your book is likely to reach more readers than it previously did when translated into one or two more target languages. More readers can access it, and that automatically translates to increased sales. Due to differences in culture, your idea may resonate better with foreign readers than with the locals. People are also known to connect better with information in their natal tongue, and consequently have a positive impact on their decision to purchase a product. The book Harry Porter has so far been translated into 80 languages and sold over 500 million copies listing top 10 on Wikipedia bestselling books. The book would not have been so popular had the author not authorized the translation. Also Read: Flawless App Localization - The Secret to TikTok’s Global Success 2. Less Competition Rolling ahead of your competition will often mean differentiating your product. As we already established, books are more likely to be published in English than any other language. Well, most authors will leave it at that, not bothering to translate. Book translation will help you maintain a strategic distance from swarmed racks, and you will consequently acquire more visibility. Translated books have a high chance of performing better in a foreign market since they capture the attention of readers who are fascinated by the idea of accessing works by an international author. Publishing in a less jam-packed market will also mean you get to sell more books as your readers get more options. 3. Advancement in Technology Breaking into the international book market in the past was a challenge. An independent author was required to have a costly network of resources. Head ways in innovations have made the world a global village, interfacing individuals wherever they are at a click of a button. Authors and readers are presently utilizing technology to bridge the distance gap that was initially there. You too can now exploit the international book market, since technology will enable you to engage with readers all over the world, even in the comfort of your home. Innovation has also achieved the most recent trends in the book business; the rise of digital books. Production of e-books does not involve printing, allowing the author to wipe out a large proportion of overheads. He will, therefore, have the option to net more than he would with print books. This reduction in production cost, eventually trickles down to his readers, creating a win-win situation for both parties. Undoubtedly, this is bound to increase his book sales. It is an incredible feeling to hold a translated version of your book and get paid for its worlds away from home. Like David Vann, you could be the next author who sells more copies of his book overseas than home, thanks to book translation. Translating your book to the target languages not an easy task you have to pay very close attention to the target languages and context and importantly accuracy. To avoid all this blunder and focus on your next book project, you need a professional book translation service who takes care of all details from accuracy to context matching and uses professional translator for translation projects. To know more click here
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