Jessica Joerdel – Translator

I am a self-confessed bookworm, both professionally and privately. My bookshelves have long been overflowing, but there's always that one book that I absolutely have to have.

After graduating with a degree in translation from Cologne University of Applied Sciences, I was able to build up many years of experience as a specialist translator, including in the fields of medicine and law, which I still benefit from today in my literary translations. Then it finally came true, the long-cherished dream of translating my first book. Since then, I have now successfully translated 15 books and no, I haven't had enough of it yet.

What am I actually looking for here?

I'm always on the lookout for interesting projects, especially in the field of psychological thrillers. I've already translated five books for Bookouture, a digital Hachette imprint, and am currently working on book number six.

I'm also happy to take on assignments in the dark romance field, where I've also successfully translated 10 projects.

And last but not least, translating more children's books would be my dream. I already have some experience in that field (in the language direction Swedish -> German), but I can't present them here on Reedsy because the client only offers them digitally in an app and they are not available for sale anywhere else. As I am very interested in translating books for children, I recently took part in a two-part training series organized by the BDÜ, in which we dealt with the linguistic peculiarities of children's book translation.

What can you expect when working with me?

For me, translating and creating appealing formulations in the target language are not only a profession, but also and above all a vocation. As a translator, it is particularly important for me to strike the right note for the respective target group. For literary translations, I refrain from using CAT tools as well as AI in order to be able to let my creativity run wild.

Also, I'm never scared of asking you as the author all kinds of questions. As we all know: There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers!

For me, each and every book I translate feels a bit like my baby and I can't wait to help you getting your baby out there so that readers can enjoy it!