How do you handle translation requests?

BABYbluez 2018-02-16 01:58:41 UTC #1

Hi everyone! I'm BABYbluez and I'm fairly new to the Tapas (about a month and so old).

I have a very concerning question and since this is a situation that occurs for both writers and artists alike, I thought I'd ask here.

(if there is an already existing topic, please do share a link because I had not found one yet and would really appreciate it! )

How do you handle requests from your readers who want to translate your work into their own language and repost them elsewhere? And what are some tips you may suggest to a person in these situations? What worked and what didn't?

I've experienced them mainly in writing and usually allow them since they are fan-made work, provided they'll pull through and send me the link to where it may be found (they mostly do). However, this is the first time I'm being asked for my comic and I'm curious about the level of trust anyone would furnish for their work and the precautions taken. Considering the pros would be a large audience whilst the downside is risking the loss of your work to someone else....

Please share your thoughts

BlackRoses_RedRavens 2018-02-16 11:00:15 UTC #2

If you don't know the person I'd suggest making sure you get a link to anywhere they post it. Maybe also if you can get someone who understands both languages to just read a page to check its been done right. Also make it clear any rules you have (like not changing names, not posting on other sites ect.).

BlackRoses_RedRavens 2018-02-16 11:05:34 UTC #3

I like the idea of having my work translated to other languages although it depends on the comic on whether if let strangers translate it. I'm thinking about with the help of some friends and family making a German, Japanese and French version of one of my comics though.

ericsalinas149 2018-02-16 11:10:34 UTC #4

I translate my comics. Sometimes I ask for volunteers. Sometimes, readers just send me a translation to work with. I post the comics on my (side) tapas page, but I credit them with the translation and offer a link when possible. Some have put my comic on their Instagram account and credit me with the comic. I do short gag-a-day strips so it isn't too much work to plug in the translated text. I don't know if I would do it if I was doing a long webcomic.

BABYbluez 2018-02-16 19:00:30 UTC #5

Ah yes, thank you for the advice! I should definitely set out a few rules and find a fluent person beforehand! Though, I'm reaching quite a dilemma since the person making the request has poor English and I'm trying to explain those rules as best I can plus I'm being asked for my originals, is that normal?

BABYbluez 2018-02-16 19:05:32 UTC #6

Thank you! You have a really good point. maybe I should re-evaluate these requests since I'll be working on a long comic.

ericsalinas149 2018-02-16 19:13:29 UTC #7

I would just ask for a translation page by page, panel by panel. For Example "In Panel 3, Character X said: ...." I see no reason why you need to send the original files to him or her. It is more work for you, but if you aren't comfortable sharing the original files, I see no reason to do so.

BABYbluez 2018-02-16 19:41:46 UTC #8

Awesome! That's an even better idea! I'll try to work with that approach and see how it goes from there. Thank you so much for your help!

Cavechan 2018-02-17 03:55:12 UTC #9

Just make sure whatever font you use supports the language it's being translated into since some fonts don't even have accents.