I'm a translator and editor with almost 15 years' experience in the book industry. I especially love translation (Dutch, German and French into English and Afrikaans) – but as a highly-skilled editor and manuscript developer, I can also offer insight and expertise for all stages of book development.
During my in-house career as editor and translator for Protea Book House (South Africa's largest independent publishing house) and Penguin Books South Africa, I worked on a wide variety of publications, ranging from translations of bestselling children's literature from around the world as well as editing adult fiction and non-fiction. After moving to Portland, Oregon in 2011, I continued my relationship with Protea Book House – and since 2018, have been freelancing for Protea Book House, Penguin South Africa and Christian Art International.
Some of the books that I'm the most proud of, include my translations of the Dutch classicsHet Leven en Werken van Kabouters,Jip & Janneke, Pluk van de PettefletandWiplalaas well as my editorial work on the translations of Arnon Grunberg'sTirza,Frank Westerman'sEl Negro en ik,and the charming young adult novelsNegen open armenandDe Hemel van Heivisjby Benny Lindelauf.
Other significant fiction works include editing the Afrikaans translations of the entireNarnia-series; editing translations of J.R.R. Tolkien'sThe hobbitandThe Lord of the Rings-trilogy and translating the whole GermanHexe Lilli-series (a very successful middle grade series that was also made into a movie and a television series) into Afrikaans. I also loved translating German author Lilli Thal's extraordinary titlesJoran NordwindandMimusinto Afrikaans, as well as working with the classic Ottfried Preussler titlesDie Kleine Hexe,Das Kleine GespenstandDer Räuber Hotzenplotz.
Significant non-fiction titles include the Afrikaans translation ofThe Periodic Table Book(DK) and numerous titles from Usborne's "The story of"-series (The story of painting, The story of exploration, The story of invention, The story of astronomy and space).
How would I describe my work style and ethic? As a keen amateur pianist and choral singer – and with almost a decade's experience working from home – I can assure future clients of my diligence and discipline. Just like no pianist will start playing a piece and stop mid-phrase ... I simply have to finish a "melody" before setting it aside. And just like a musician works at finding just the right tone; just the right phrasing ... I believe that I can make your translation "sing" when my linguistic expertise meets your creative energy!
