While English is widely spoken in many places, the reality is that less than 20% of the world's population speaks English. That means there's more than 80% of people who won't be able to read the books you're publishing if you don't translate them. The math is simple: a bigger audience equals more potential readers. Not only that, but everyone should have the opportunity to read, and to find and purchase books they need or enjoy.
When you make your books available in multiple languages you invite readers from all around the world to truly connect with your work. They can identify with the characters, imagine the settings, and become part of the story in a meaningful way. For nonfiction titles, translation makes it much easier for readers to absorb and understand information—helping your book create even more value and impact in their lives.
What Are the Benefits of Translating Your Book into Another Language?
Translating your book into other languages can significantly boost your sales potential for several strategic and financial reasons:
Access to New Markets
- Translation opens up new audiences and markets, connecting your book with readers who prefer their native language.
- Offering your book in more languages shows readers you value their cultures and builds lasting loyalty and trust.
- Many bilingual readers prefer books in their first language and are more likely to recommend them to others.
Longer Shelf Life
A translated title can feel “new” to a foreign market, even if it's several years old in English, giving the book renewed relevance and sales momentum. Readers and reviewers in that market will treat it like a current title, which can generate buzz, media coverage, and placement in “new release” categories on local platforms.
- Translation acts as a "reset" button. Your translated book can qualify for awards, book fairs, or promotion slots in the target country that are restricted to newer publications
- A fresh start in a new market helps create momentum no matter when the original edition was published. It can build its own buzz through local reviews, word of mouth, and conversations on social media.
Expanded Earning Opportunities
Offering your book in multiple languages can mean multiple income streams for you. Each translation opens the door to new regional markets and specialized sales channels, giving your book the potential to earn royalties from various countries.
- Sales cycles often vary internationally, so just as one market is slowing down, another may be heating up.
- Translated editions can also lead to foreign rights deals and new licensing opportunities.
Global Bestseller Potential
Some books that perform modestly in their original language can become breakout sensations when introduced to new audiences through translation. Bestsellers such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Scandinavian) and Convenience Store Woman (Japanese) gained international attention through translation and sold millions of copies worldwide.
- Be sure to research your new market before you begin promoting your book. Find out which countries you may have already sold books in, and perform searches to find out in which countries your genre is most popular.
- Unless you're fluent in the target language yourself, you'll need a professional translation service to help you. Taking this extra step can make a significant difference in how well your book sells in its new market—and poor-quality translations can harm your reputation.
Increased Licensing Opportunities
Though it's not guaranteed, when your book is available in another language, it's more likely to catch the eye of agents, scouts, publishers, and producers in other countries.
- For genres such as YA, fantasy, or romance, translation can lead to licensing for merchandise and other fan products, especially in places like Japan, South Korea, and Germany.
- If your book is already translated and licensed in one country, it’s often more appealing to other markets. Major book fairs like Frankfurt, London, and Bologna help rights buyers spot these trends.
Better Discoverability on International Platforms
Retailers like Kobo, Google Play, and Apple Books highlight content that’s tailored for local audiences. By translating your book, you increase its chances of being featured on regional bestseller lists or in genre-specific charts, making it easier for new readers to discover your work organically.
- Choosing Thema Subject and Qualifier Codes are a powerful way to make your book more discoverable in the Global Market.
- Conduct keyword research in the target language using native terms readers actually search for.
Readers Spread the Word About Your Book
Once your book is available in another language, local readers can help drive buzz and sales through reviews, blogs, and book clubs, helping your story reach new communities and make even more fans along the way.
- Research and interact with book bloggers, reviewers, and influencers in your target countries who cover your genre or topic. This can raise your profile within the genre and open doors to exciting new opportunities.
Translation can mean a big boost for your book, and when your work resonates across different languages, it shows that your stories truly connect with people everywhere. This not only expands your credibility but also makes your book more appealing for marketing, awards eligibility, and future partnerships with agents or publishers.
IngramSpark offers more than 500 languages, including Apache languages, Creoles and Pidgins, Egyptian, Hungarian, Samoan, and even Klingon.
