The Challenges of Translating a Holocaust Survivor's Memoir

American Translators Association (ATA) ― 58th Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. ― October 27, 2017

The speaker explores the challenges of translating Nanette Blitz Konig’s memoir Eu Sobrevivi Ao Holocausto from Portuguese into English as "Holocaust Memoirs of a Bergen-Belsen Survivor & Classmate of Anne Frank (Holocaust Survivor Memoirs World War II)". The process of researching quotes originally written in English and making sure the vocabulary is faithful not only to the author’s account, but also to the many audiovisual materials available, is discussed throughout the session.

Dad Is Cool and Mom Rocks: A Wild Ride Translating a Husband-and-Wife Book Series on Parenting

American Translators Association (ATA) ― 57th Annual Conference in San Francisco ― November 4, 2016

"Dad is Cool" and "Mom Rocks" are collections of short stories about parenting written by Brazilian journalist and radio personality Marcos Piangers and his wife, Ana Cardoso, who is also a journalist and women's rights activist. The speaker will read from the books and discuss how the Portuguese>English translation was challenging in some areas (dynamic writing style, colorful descriptions, a few local expressions) but extremely rewarding in others. While these stories are about raising two young daughters in Brazil, the events narrated by the author translated easily into English with minor language adjustments, proving that parenting is indeed a universal experience.

The Role of the Translator in the Digital Publishing Era

Brazilian Translators Association (ABRATES) ― 6th International Conference ― June 6, 2015

In the new era of digital publishing, translators can move beyond being just another piece in the corporate publishing puzzle to become key partners in independent editorial projects. This presentation explores the relationship between translators and self-published authors, as well as the opportunity for translators to publish their own work independently. The goal is to expand upon the concepts introduced in the article Translators and Self-Published Authors — A Partnership for the New Digital Publishing Age, written by the speaker for the April 2013 issue of The ATA Chronicle.

With the rise of self-publishing platforms—such as Lulu.com for print-on-demand (POD) paperbacks, alongside Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing and Smashwords for digital formats—writers have increasingly bypassed traditional gatekeepers, including literary agents and publishing houses. Authors can now bring their books directly to readers, harnessing the power of social media both to navigate sharp criticism and to reap the rewards of building a loyal readership.

Reflecting this paradigm shift, the role of book translators has also transformed. Rather than waiting for a project assigned by a publishing house, we now have the option to collaborate directly with independent authors to bring their books to an international audience. Furthermore, translators themselves can publish the material they have translated or written, taking charge of the remaining stages of the editorial workflow, including formatting, distribution, and marketing.

Profiling The New Generation of Translators

American Translators Association (ATA) ― 55th Annual Conference in Chicago ― November 8, 2014

Based on four years of observation teaching "Tools & Technology in Translation" as part of the English/Spanish Translation Certificate Program at the University of California, San Diego Extension, the speaker will discuss the profile of a new generation of translators joining the industry in the digital era. Attention will be paid to how newcomers see the role of professional translators, what their expectations are regarding the current market, what knowledge they seek to acquire, how familiar they are with computer-assisted translation tools, and how comfortable they feel when it comes to marketing their services online and offline.

How To Self-Publish Your Translations

American Translators Association (ATA) ― 55th Annual Conference in Chicago ― November 8, 2014

If you hold the copyright to a book translation, what is the next step you must take to publish and distribute it to your target audience? In this session, you will learn more about what online tools are currently available for you to self-publish your translations as eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks. We will also discuss ideas on cover design and marketing strategies to spread the word about your work and increase readership.

Interpreting The World of Technology and the World Wide Web

California Federation of Interpreters (CFI) ― Seminars in San Diego ― February 22, 2014

Interpreters will learn how to harness the Internet as a powerful research and marketing tool. Participants will learn how to develop their own technology and Internet glossaries to aid them when faced with “new” terminology. Terminology and vocabulary to be discussed will include blogs, social networks, websites and the meaning of seemingly “simple” words which have developed specialized definitions within the meaning of the electronic and technology age. This workshop is intended to demystify the “secret” language of the World Wide Web to turn it into manageable vocabulary which Interpreters will be able to use in their own target language.

Contemporary Brazilian Short Stories: Translating Authors From Brazil Into English And Spanish    

American Translators Association (ATA) ― 54th Annual Conference in San Antonio ― November 8, 2013

The Contemporary Brazilian Short Stories project was a literary translation effort created in 2011 to promote Brazilian literature in English. In 2013, a sister site, Cuentos Brasileños de la Actualidad, was created to publish the same content in Spanish. Attendees will learn more about the project and see examples of short stories that have presented some challenges. Topics will include how to accommodate a variety of subjects and styles from authors coming from different parts of the country, as well as how to convey all of the color and flavor of the Portuguese spoken in Brazil.

Translators And Self-Published Authors: A Partnership For The New Digital Publishing Age

American Translators Association (ATA) ― 54th Annual Conference in San Antonio ― November 8, 2013

We are witnessing a paradigm shift in the publishing industry. An increasing number of authors are now making their work available to readers through online and print-on-demand platforms, cutting out the publisher as the middleman. The most ambitious among these authors have turned to translators to help them expand their readership across borders, languages, and cultures. This speaker will discuss her own experiences helping self-published authors make their books available to foreign markets. Attendees will learn about making initial contact with authors, the negotiation process, marketing assistance, language awareness, and the efforts to build an audience.