In this book, you will learn how to go about translating your book, what to look out for when choosing a translator and what legal issues you have to consider. For example, did you know titles in Germany are protected and you can’t use one that already exists?
Once you have your finished translation, you will have to decide on how to publish the book. Direct with retailers, through a distributor or a mix of both – we’ll take a detailed look at all of the options to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll also discuss how to produce print and audio versions of your book to give you maximum exposure.
The thing that may be most daunting for authors who don’t speak any German is how to market your book. How do you market in a foreign language? Where to get reviews? How do you access retailer promotions? Is there a German version of Bookbub?
This in-depth guide contains interviews with experts including a lawyer and a cover designer, insider tips from other authors as well as case studies that will help you succeed with your German self-publishing adventure.
Dear reader,
Take a deep breath and let go of everything you know about the book market. You’re about to enter a new, exciting world full of surprises that will make you rethink everything you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey. Well, not everything, but a lot.
Entering a new market in a new language isn’t easy. You don’t simply hire a translator and publish whatever they give you, then forget about it. Sorry if that bursts your bubble.
This is going to be hard work. You’re going to have to invest time, money and elbow grease into this process.
Not that this is news for you, a self-published author juggling writing with marketing and admin tasks. You’ll be used to hiring professionals, outsourcing some aspects of your publishing life while doing others yourself. You’ll be used to constantly learning new techniques that make your writing and your publishing better. You’ll be used to researching solutions to problems you come across.
You already have the skills you need – you just need to apply them in a slightly new way to succeed with your German adventure.
This book will guide you through the process, giving you as much information as possible about the entire process, starting with hiring a translator all the way to marketing your book to German-speaking readers. Of course, everyone’s journey is unique. What works for some might not work for you, while you might find successes that others can’t replicate.
I don’t pretend to know everything. My knowledge has built through trial and error, lots of research, many hours spent trawling through forums and Facebook groups. I’ve made copious mistakes, but I’ve learnt from them and hope you can learn from them in turn.
I hope this book will help you in bringing your book to a new market – good luck und viel Glück!
As you’ll be aware, the publishing world changes all the time. What works this year might be very different next year already. I have tried to keep this guide as timeless as possible and I will update it from time to time.