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8 Read and discuss the article “Notes Regarding the Editing of Translated
1
Literature” by Martin Riker . Pay attention to the following:
– What is the role of the editor?
– Does the editor of a translated work need to know the language of
the original work?
– Are translators artists?

– Why do translations fall flat?

9 Read and discuss the interview between Publisher John O’Brien and Editor
Jeremy M. Davies of Dalkey Archive Press “Translation Editing: An Unedited
2
Conversation” .

10 Read and discuss.

3
Ten Commandments for Editing Someone's Work
Whether you're a writer or not, there’s a substantial likelihood

that you will be called into service editing someone's book. It may be
a loved one, it may be a writing partner, it may be a sworn enemy. It
probably won't be a sworn enemy. (Though that would be the most

fun, wouldn't it?).
Whomever you are editing, follow these ten rules of law to be
the best editor you can be.
1. Remember that it's not your book – Your job as an editor is

not to tell someone how you would have written their book. Your job
is to help them write the book they want to write. This can't be
emphasized enough: It's not your book. It's not. Defer to the writer.

Try to help them do what they're trying to do. Work within the world
they've constructed.
2. Find out what the author is looking for before you start
editing – Are they wondering about a particular stretch? Are they

1
Riker M. Notes Regarding the Editing of Translated Literature. – Available at:
http://www.dalkeyarchive.com/book/?GCOI=15647100793980&fa=customcont
ent&extrasfile=A126269A-B0D0-B086-B6F4F1632A477205.html
2
O’Brien J. Translation Editing: An Unedited Conversation / John O’Brien,
Jeremy M. Davies. – Available at:
http://www.dalkeyarchive.com/book/?GCOI=15647100288950&fa=customcont
ent&extrasfile=A126293A-B0D0-B086-B645F9C83626164F.html
3
Ten Commandments for Editing Someone's Work. – Available at:
http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2012/04/ten-commandments-for-editing-
someones.html