What to buy a translator this Christmas

Translation, as we all know, or certainly should know, is more than the act of transferring a word from one language into another. Understanding the nuances of a language is a crucial skill. As is the ability to write well in the target language.

Although Stephen King’s book – On Writing: A Memoir – targets readers who are interested in writing novels, there are a number of things that we translators can also learn from his book.

King is not without his demons. A fact we learn early on in the book when he gives us an intimate insight into his own life and experiences. He tells us of his first writing job as a reporter for a local newspaper and the valuable lessons he learnt on tailoring a writing style to suit the audience. Rather than reacting with horror at the corrections – made in thick black ink – he was fascinated by the technique, which spurred him on to improve his own craft.

The book isn’t an A-Z guide on the art of writing per se. It is part biography, part potpourri of his favourite writing tips and an enjoyable read for fans of the Master Wordsmith himself.

Author: Stephen King

Title: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton

Publication place: London

Publication date: 11.10.2012

ISBN: 978-1-4447-2325-0

No of pages: 416

Price: €10.79

Languages: English, German, Spanish, Italian

If you understand German and want more tips on what books to buy your favourite translator, check out Andrea Halbritter's blog article: https://cotelangues.com/de/buchtipps-uebersetzer/