Alyson Coombes - Editor
Editor, proofreader and literary translator (German to English)
Request a quote
Verified identity
Overview
I'm an editor, proofreader and German–English literary translator with two-and-a-half years' experience working in-house for an independent publisher (as assistant editor for fiction) as well as seven years' experience working as a translator and proofreader, both in-house and freelance.
I hold an MA in Literary Translation from the University of East Anglia, and have co-translated a novel for The New Press as well as translating literary samples for various publishers. I have experience editing a range of texts, from full-length novels and sample translations to marketing materials and other non-literary texts. I have also written numerous reader reports for English and German fiction and non-fiction books, for various literary scouts and publishers, and I provide part-time admin and editorial support for the magazine 'New Books in German'.
I hold an MA in Literary Translation from the University of East Anglia, and have co-translated a novel for The New Press as well as translating literary samples for various publishers. I have experience editing a range of texts, from full-length novels and sample translations to marketing materials and other non-literary texts. I have also written numerous reader reports for English and German fiction and non-fiction books, for various literary scouts and publishers, and I provide part-time admin and editorial support for the magazine 'New Books in German'.
Services
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Literary Fiction
Mystery & Crime
Certifications
- MA Literary Translation (UEA)
- BA French and German (Royal Holloway)
- Chapterhouse proofreading course
Work experience
Freelance translator, editor and proofreader
Self-employed
September, 2018
–
Present
(almost 2 years)
I translate fiction and other creative/marketing texts from German into English, and proofread and edit fiction for UK publishers. In 2017, my co-translation 'Eichmann's Executioner' by Astrid Dehe and Achim Engstler was published in the US by The New Press. I recently copy edited 'A Modern Family' by Helga Flatland for Orenda Books (due for publication in June 2019).
Assistant Editor (fiction)
Oneworld Publications
March, 2016
–
September, 2018
(over 2 years)
My role was to support the fiction publisher on all aspects of the literary fiction list, such as by writing and proofreading jacket copy, selecting suitable translators for projects, applying for and managing all translation grants, liaising with authors and translators throughout the publishing process, and reading translated fiction submissions. I proofread and line edited manuscripts, working with translators and authors to resolve any queries before going to copy edit.
Freelance translator and proofreader
Self-employed
May, 2014
–
March, 2016
(almost 2 years)
I translated texts from German into English for clients across Europe, working primarily with marketing texts, translating content from websites, corporate communications, newsletters, arts and crafts magazines, recipes, and blurbs and bibliographic information for publishers. I proofread translations from a range of languages and edited texts written in English by both native and non-native speakers.
In-house translator and proofreader
Surrey Translation Bureau
September, 2012
–
April, 2014
(over 1 year)
I worked as a translator and proofreader of marketing and other commercial texts for a busy translation agency. This role required a very high level of accuracy and enabled me to further develop my keen eye for detail. As the principle in-house proofreader, I was responsible for ensuring consistency and compliance with the house style guide by all in-house and freelance translators.
Portfolio (10 selected works)
Eichmann's Executioner: A Novel
Astrid Dehe, Achim Engstler
A gripping and beautifully imagined work of literary fiction that explores history, memory, and the traumatic legacy of the Holocaust, in the English-language debut of a highly acclaimed German writing duoIn May 1962, twenty-two men gathered in Jerusalem to decide by lot who would be Eichmann’s executioner. These men had guarded the former Nazi SS lieutenant colonel during his imprisonment and... read more
Solovyov and Larionov
Eugene Vodolazkin
Shortlisted for the Andrei Bely Prize and Russia’s National Big Book AwardA groundbreaking and gripping literary detective novelLarionov. A general of the Imperial Russian Army who mysteriously avoided execution by the Bolsheviks when they swept to power and went on to live a long life in Yalta, leaving behind a vast heritage of memoirs.Solovyov. The young history student who travels to Crimea... read more
City of Jasmine
Olga Grjasnowa
When Hammoudi, a young surgeon based in Paris, returns to Syria to renew his passport, he only expects to stay there a few days. But the authorities refuse to let him leave and Hammoudi finds himself caught up in the fight against the regime. Meanwhile, budding actress Amal has also joined the protests against the government and her own father, by whom she feels betrayed. Realising that they w... read more
The Panama Papers: Breaking the Story of How the Rich and Powerful Hide Their Money
Bastian Obermayer, Frederik Obermaier
Late one evening, investigative journalist Bastian Obermayer receives an anonymous message offering him access to secret data. Through encrypted channels, he then receives documents revealing how the president of Argentina has sequestered millions of dollars of state money for private use. This is just the beginning.Obermayer and fellow Süddeutsche journalist Frederik Obermaier find themselves... read more
A Modern Family
Helga Flatland
Things that Fall from the Sky
Selja Ahava
The Tiger and the Acrobat
Susanna Tamaro
INCLUDES SPECIALLY COMMISSIONED LINE DRAWINGSLittle Tiger is not like other tigers. Not content to spend her days alone, roaming the snow forests of Siberia hunting prey, she prefers instead to ponder the ways of the world. One day, eager to discover her own place within it, she sets out on a remarkable journey to discover the secret of life, and to meet the creatures she has heard most about:... read more
In the Shadow of Wolves
<p><span class="author notFaded" data-width=""> Alvydas Šlepikas<br /></span></p>
What Hell Is Not
Alessandro D'Avenia
Explore the Reedsy Community
Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.
Michele Alpern
Copy editor for Penguin Random House for 17 years, experience with bestselling authors of women's fiction, romance, mystery/thrillers.
New York, United States
Simon Burke
Fiction editor with 20+years experience in UK publishing and bookselling. Particular interest in commercial literary and crime/thrillers.
Whitstable, United Kingdom
