Helga Köller

Helga Köller – Translator

English to German. 16 books translated for traditional publishers (fiction, biography). 2 books had film adaptions. I love teamworking!

Overview

⚠️

Focused on a long-term series until early 2027 – happy to connect with future-minded authors and publishers.

Hello! I'm Helga – a professional German translator with a passion for well-crafted stories and deep character voices. I specialize in thrillers, cozy mysteries, biographies, romance – books that captivate readers and deserve to sound just as compelling in another language.

Whether you're a self-publishing author or work with a small press, I help you bring your story to the German market with care, nuance, and style – not just literal accuracy.

✨ What I offer:

• Complete proofread translation (English → German)

• Careful adaptation of tone, humor, tension & emotion

• Editing or reworking of AI or draft translations (if requested)

• Personalized communication and transparent pricing

willing to edit AI generated translations.

📚 I have translated books for publishers like Festa and Eulenspiegel/Neues Leben, and I also love working with independent authors who care about quality.

Curious what your book might sound like in German? I’m happy to provide a free sample translation. Let’s make your story shine for a new audience.

Services
Fiction
Cozy Mysteries Historical Romance Horror Paranormal Romance Psychological Thriller Romantic Suspense Short Story
Languages
English to German
Certifications
  • Certified foreign language secretary

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2011 — Present
I translate from English into German, specializing in fiction and non-fiction. My work includes historical romance, thrillers, horror, and biographies, as well as short stories and health-related topics.

Self-employed

Apr, 2011 — Present
I‘ve been working freelance since 2011 and have translated over 20 books and short stories for traditional publishers and self-publishers. I am a trained nutritionist and offer specialist translations on nutrition and health topics.

Portfolio

Blut und Wasser (German Edition)

Kontis, Alethea

Alethea Kontis

Book Translation
Book Translation
Book Translation
Book Translation
Book Translation
Book Translation
Engel wider Willen (German Edition)

Kontis, Alethea

Alethea Kontis

Book Translation
Der Einhorn-Jäger (German Edition)

Kontis, Alethea

Alethea Kontis

Book Translation
Schweige für immer

Rachel Amphlett

dp DIGITAL PUBLISHERS GmbH

Geheimnisse können tödlich sein, aber die Wahrheit noch viel grausamer …Der dritte Band der fesselnden Thriller-Reihe um Detective Kay HunterDer brutale Mord an einer Teenagerin schockiert Det... read more
Book Translation
Book Translation
Book Translation
Lass sie nicht sterben

Rachel Amphlett

Ein Serienmörder, der das Töten genießt und eine Ermittlerin, die Rache will …Der Auftakt der nervenaufreibenden Thriller-Reihe über die Abgründe der MenschlichkeitAls die Leiche eines Mädchen... read more
Book Translation
Book Translation
Book Translation
Book Translation
Book Translation
Book Translation
Book Translation

Most recent contributions

How do you estimate how long a project will take?

In book translation I ask for details about the book, such as the number of words, pages, or characters, and use my experience to estimate how long a translation will take. I translate about eight to ten pages a day, depending on the difficulty of the source text. This is a rough estimate. I can...
Read more

In your opinion, do you need a certificate to work as a translator in publishing?

For a literary translator, practical experience and a deep understanding of literature and language are more important than a formal degree. While a degree in translation or linguistics can be useful, it is not essential to succeed as a literary translator. Rather, strong language skills, a good ...
Read more

Professionals similar to Helga

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Nele Junghanns

Nele J.

15 years experience as literary translator English/French to German. 25 shades of Romance+Thrill. 6 non-fiction books for Hanser, DVA etc.

Frankfurt, Germany

100% reply rate

View profile
Lisa Bettenstaedt

Lisa B.

Certified translator with 20 years’ experience; university lecturer in translation who has translated numerous bestsellers.

Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

100% reply rate

View profile
Terry Laster

Terry L.

I'm an experienced freelance literary translator who's translated 27 books in a variety of genres; some of my translations were bestsellers.

Soda Springs, CA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile