The Translators Association was set up in 1958 to provide translators with an effective means of protecting their interests and sharing their concerns. The TA is a source of expert advice, a representative for individuals, and an advocate for the profession as a whole.
The TA is run by a committee of 10 elected members and is served by a secretary, Sarah Burton.
Six reasons to join the TA
- Contract vetting: individual advice on your publishing contracts
- Business advice and support on professional issues
- Meetings and workshops on literary and professional topics, and social events
- In addition to The Author, the journal of the Society of Authors, TA members receive In Other Words, the journal of the British Centre for Literary Translation
- Publications: The Society produces a number of resources on a range of topics of interest to all writers, including Copyright and Moral Rights, Libel, and Publishing Contracts. The Guide to Translator/Publisher Contracts contains a basic agreement and can be download from the resources section of this website once logged in. The Guide is also available to non-members for £10. To order your copy click here
- Access to a free email discussion group run by member Trista Selous.
For further information about the business of translation, see our Translation FAQS
How do I Join?
The TA is a group within the Society of Authors. To join you must have one full-length work, or its equivalent, published or accepted for publication. Membership of the Society costs £90 per annum (£64 if you are under 35). You can download a form from the membership page, or contact the office if you would like us to post the form to you.
International Links
The TA is represented on the following international bodies:
- CEATL (Conseil Européen des Associations de Traducteurs Littéraires): The TA's representative at annual meetings is Shaun Whiteside.
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FIT (International Federation of Translators): The TA sends a representative to the triennial FIT Congress
Rates
The TA suggests a minimum rate of remuneration for the translation of poetry and prose:
- £87 per 1,000 words for prose
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£1 per line for poetry (with a minimum of £30 per poem)
Translation Prizes
The Society of Authors administers prizes for published translations from Arabic, Dutch/Flemish, French, German, Italian, Modern Greek, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish. Click here to find out more. The prizes are awarded at the annual Sebald Lecture, in partnership with BCLT. Readings from the winning books also take place at this event.
There are a number of translation prizes run by other organisations, including those for translations from Hebrew, from Russian, of children's literature, dramatic works, and fiction. See our related links section at the bottom of this page for further information.
Translation in Practice
We are pleased to announce that in partnership with Dalkey Archive Press, the British Council, Arts Council England, and the British Centre for Literary Translation, the Society has published Translation in Practice: A Symposium, edited by Gill Paul. Based on a conference held at the British Council in London in February 2008 it is an attempt to establish “best practices” for writers, editors, translators, and anyone else involved in the business of literary translation. A must-read for all translators!
Retailing at £10.99, Translation in Practice can be purchased through Dalkey Archive Press, bookstores or Amazon.co.uk (currently on offer at £9.89).
50 Outstanding Translations
In 2008, to mark the 50th anniversary of the TA, the Committee compiled a list of 50 outstanding translations from the last 50 years – a sampler, to provoke thought, and get people talking. It’s by no means definitive, and many wonderful translations and eminent translators are missing, but here's our list.