Hi everyone, I have left my anonymity (milena-covic), since I feel I can simply be myself here, hence my real identity: isabelle. I have only just started cruising here, but this looks fab!
Right, I have advice to ask those of you who might know a bit about laws/lawyers and publishers. After reading Brokeback Mountain-the short story in English, I came across it by accident in its French translation (my native tongue). I was appalled at both the mistakes in translation that revealed at points poor knowledge of the English language, but also poor knowledge of the French language, at least the style of language that rough-mannered and rough-spoken (described as such in the story) men like Ennis and Jack would use!
So I was bold enough to send the French publisher a letter telling them (nicely) that their translation sucks, and sent a copy to Annie's agent. This morning I received a reply from the French publisher, telling me it is really another (French) publisher's fault (they bought the copyright of the translated version from them), BUT they would be interested if I was willing to give them the details of my remarks, so they could pass them on to the original publisher. I am usually quite naive even at my age, but I have a feeling I had better start talking business with them and see a lawyer maybe, before I send them any alternative/corrected translation. I'd like to know I'm getting paid for my work if they finally use it. And just IMAGINE, if my name becomes associated with Brokeback Mountain, wow!
What do you think? Thanks for your advice!