Translation Blog

How translation works, the terms translators use, and the problems every translation runs into.

• Difference Between Interpreter and Translator (Simple Guide)Difference between interpreter and translator. Written vs spoken, the three interpreting modes, credentials, tools and which one to hire.4 min read

What machine and AI translation get right, where they fail, and how to fix a machine draft.

• Translation Quality: How to Measure and Improve It (With a Simple Scorecard)Translation quality, measured. MQM in plain words, a one-page scorecard with worked examples, and ways to improve quality before the review begins.8 min read
• Machine Translation Post Editing (MTPE): A Practical Guide for BooksMachine translation post editing for books: light vs full MTPE, real speed data from literary studies, a chapter-by-chapter workflow, and what it costs.7 min read
• DeepL Alternative Options for Books and Documents (2026)Looking for a DeepL alternative? 9 tools compared on EPUB support, scanned PDFs, file limits and 2026 prices, with picks for books, documents and developers.6 min read
• Google Translate Is Bad at Books. Here's What Breaks and What to Use InsteadGoogle Translate is bad at whole books: no EPUB, a 10 MB and 300-page cap, untranslated scans and drifting names. The data, and what to use instead.6 min read
• Machine Translation vs Human Translation: What a Book Actually Needs in 2026Machine translation vs human translation with 2026 numbers: the cost of a 90,000-word novel, words per hour, WMT results, and when AI draft plus editor wins.6 min read

Publishing, self-publishing and bringing a book to readers in another language.

• How Hard Is It to Get a Book Published? (Traditional, Self, and Translated Editions)How hard is it to get a book published? What can be sourced about agents, 2026 self-publishing costs and translated editions, with no invented odds.7 min read
• Self Publishing on Amazon Pros and ConsSelf publishing on Amazon pros and cons: royalties, print costs, control and KDP Select. Use the paperback margin calculator to compare your options.9 min read
• How to Publish a Book for FreeHow to publish a book for free with direct ebook platforms and print-on-demand. Compare actual fees, prepare your files and follow a zero-cash launch checklist.10 min read

Working with EPUB files and Kindle devices, from sending books to editing them.

• How to Edit EPUB Files (Step-by-Step with Calibre)How to edit EPUB files in Calibre 9.15. Fix typos, CSS, the cover and a broken table of contents on a deliberately damaged book, then validate the result.8 min read
• Kindle Translation: Which Method Do You Need?Kindle translation explained: translate selected passages, read a translated EPUB, or use Amazon's author beta. Includes troubleshooting and rights limits.8 min read
• How to Open EPUB on Kindle (Every Method That Works in 2026)How to open EPUB on Kindle with Send to Kindle, email, the desktop app or Calibre and USB, plus file size limits and fixes for errors E004, E013 and E016.7 min read

Scanning, OCR and getting text out of PDFs so it can be searched, edited or translated.

• Batch OCR PDF: Process Many Scanned Files Fast (OCRmyPDF Guide)Batch OCR PDF with OCRmyPDF. Copy-paste loops for Windows, macOS and Linux, exit codes, quality checks and what to do with files that fail.8 min read
• How to Turn a Scanned Document Into a PDFHow to turn a scanned document into a PDF on iPhone, Android or desktop. Combine pages, add OCR, reduce file size and verify the final document.9 min read

Practical guides for translating technical, medical and official documents.

• How to Compare Translation Quotes (Beyond the Per-Word Price)How to compare translation quotes beyond the per-word price. A comparison matrix, questions to ask, red flags and a 12-month cost example.6 min read
• Translating Technical DocumentsTranslating technical documents: prepare a brief, control terminology, choose the right workflow and verify numbers, diagrams, layout and safety instructions.9 min read