German Book Translator

29 March 2024

Imke Brodersen - www.ib-trans.de
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“It fascinates me if authors develop well-woven new society models or a whole new world with different laws of nature.“
(from my translator's interview for the German forum www.drachenlanze.de)

Since 1991, I have been translating four to six books per year from English into German, exploring the fantasy worlds of Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms.

Ursula K. LeGuin and Tolkien sparked my passion for fantasy already while I was still going to school. Later I deepened my affinity for classic role plays – a special thanks goes out to my "Master" and all players of our exciting D&D nights.

My quality criteria for fantasy translations:

  • To open new worlds for the reader
  • To write as the authors intended - it is THEIR world
  • To draw an all resources of the German language
  • To perform correct and proper research: I use all glossaries and reference works known to me, visit fan pages, medieval markets and museums and also draw on specialists (for example when it comes to fighting scenes)

More information on my work methods can be found on the website of the German Drachenlance fans: Interview (German)

I am always open to new requests, also from indie authors - convince me with your fascinating story or with your courageous heroes and heroines. Simply call or send a short e-mail: Contact

Experience: Fiction

Forgotten Realms

Forgotten Realms

Drachenlanze

Dragonlance

Mondläufer

Mondläufer

(The Star Scroll)

Remuneration for literary translations

Pursuant to the framework agreement of the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels e.V. (German Publishers and Booksellers Association) the services of literature translators, authors and editors are charged according to standard pages.

In addition, translators are to be reasonably remunerated for the success (sales) of a work translated as well as for royalties.

The standard page comprises 30 lines with a max of 60 characters (including spaces), The order of the lines as in the original. More information found here for definition of standard lines of the Börsenvereins des Deutschen Buchhandels.

Remuneration per standard page depends greatly on the difficulty of the language used and/or context of the work and is individually agreed on via translation agreement. The applicable statutory sales tax will be charged separately.

For subjects relating to science and research or works requiring time-consuming research of original citations additional costs for research can incur in individual cases. You will be notified of this ahead of time during the editing process.

Interesting explanations on the calculation basis which also apply for translators can be found at the Association for Freelance Editors.

Send me the title or the text to be translated and I will prepare a quote for you.