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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

WIBU to complain to the publisher?

5 replies

Namminamm · 14/11/2019 18:01

I translated a book earlier this year and it was recently published. I just had a chance to look at a copy and from reading the first few pages I noticed that they have made a few minor changes, but in making these changes they have introduced some errors (little things like misplaced commas and one instance of subject-verb disagreement).

I am a bit annoyed because my name is there on the inside cover credited as the translator and it doesn't make me look good (I know nobody looks at these credits but you know, they could).

When I translated a book for these publishers before, they sent me the proofs after the text had been proofread and I was able to review the changes and corrections and say if I disagreed with them. My contract states that I have the right to, and am obligated to, read over the first proofs as part of the contracted work, and the right to read over more proofs if I request. So I was expecting the same process again from them and was surprised to hear that the book had been published without me hearing anything between submitting my translation and then.

Obviously there is nothing to be done at this stage since the book is already in the shops. It is very unlikely to be reprinted. I don't know what I would be hoping to achieve other than feedback on their working processes, but WIBU to complain about this or would it just be petty and pointless and damage my future working relationship with them?

OP posts:
bridgetreilly · 14/11/2019 18:03

I wouldn't say anything now, but if they offer you work in the future, mention what happened this time and explain that reviewing the proofs is an important part of your role in the process.

TooDamnSarky · 14/11/2019 18:18

Definitely contact them. Someone has screwed up and if I was the publisher I'd want to know.

PicaK · 14/11/2019 18:26

I'd keep quiet. What will it achieve?
And scatty editorial assistant now may end up in important role in a few years.
Chase for proofs next time.

Namminamm · 14/11/2019 21:08

bridget, yeah that's probably the way to go.

I'm annoyed because I pride myself on delivering high quality work and now my name is on something that looks sloppy, but realistically the horse has already bolted at this point.

OP posts:
grosseconnasse · 14/11/2019 21:19

@Namminamm I'm also a translator and I think I would say something to the client.

You could try joining FB translation group Standing Up and asking in there for advice.

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