Deniz Gulan – Translator

I have been a translator for 25 years, starting off in legal and terminating in romcom fiction. I have translated seven novels for leading French and UK publishers. Notable works include "The American Trap" (Hachette UK 2019), prizewinning commercial fiction, and six romcoms (Hachette UK 2019-2022). I also work for French publishers La Découverte, Julliard, and Sous-sol, translating their new release summaries and blurbs.

I am a native English speaker who grew up in the UK. I have spent several years in France and Germany and also speak fluent German and Turkish. I was inhouse translator in three international law firms in Paris before becoming freelance in 2016. I have also been an English language coach for several years now.

I like to work closely with the author and/or commissioning editor while translating a book. I schedule regular calls with them to discuss any unanticipated issues that may arise, or to obtain their preferences on terminology, register, syntax, linguistic nuance, and the dilemma of staying faithful to the original text while rendering it accessible and appealing to the reader.

Experience has taught me to take a big step back when reviewing my work, as if discovering it for the first time through the eyes of the reader. I have also learned that impact and conciseness are primordial in maintaining reader attention.

For me, translation is not merely a job, but a real passion. For the entire duration of the novel, I live and breathe the character(s) I am translating and strive to bring the text to life.

I would be delighted to translate your romcom projects! Contact me for a quote and a timeline.