Translate a Book: Step-by-Step Walkthrough

This guide walks you through every step of translating your book with Bookshift.

Before You Start

Checklist

Ensure you have:

• [ ] Your manuscript in EPUB, DOCX, TXT, or HTML format
• [ ] A file with at least 3,000 words
• [ ] No DRM or copy protection on your file
• [ ] Enough credits for your translation (check your dashboard)

Credit Estimation

Credits needed = Word count × Number of languages

For example:
- 80,000 words × 1 language = 80,000 credits
- 80,000 words × 3 languages = 240,000 credits

Step 1: Upload Your Manuscript

Navigate to the Submit Page

1. Go to bookshift.io/submit
2. Or click Submit or Translate Books from your dashboard

Upload Your File

1. Drag and drop your file onto the upload area, or
2. Click to browse and select your file

What Happens Next

The system will:
- Analyze your file structure
- Count the words
- Display the word count and estimated credits

If Upload Fails

Error	Solution
"Format not supported"	Convert to EPUB, DOCX, TXT, or HTML
"Word count too low"	Add more content (minimum 3,000 words)
"File too large"	Split into smaller volumes

Step 2: Select Languages and Titles

Choose Target Languages

1. Browse the list of 25+ supported languages
2. Click to select one or more target languages
3. You can select multiple languages in a single submission

Review Title Suggestions

For each language, Bookshift presents intelligently generated title translation suggestions:

• Each suggestion includes a plain-language explanation
• Explanations describe the connotation and tone
• Written in your language so you understand the nuance

Choose Your Title

You have three options:

1. Accept the top suggestion - Usually the best fit
2. Choose a different suggestion - If another option appeals more
3. Enter your own title - If you already have a preferred translation

German Title Consideration (Titelschutz)

For German translations:

• German markets require unique titles under Titelschutz rules
• Bookshift automatically checks the German National Library and Google Books
• You'll see a warning if your title isn't unique
• A direct link to search amazon.de is provided

Step 3: Review and Submit

Review Summary

Before submitting, you'll see a summary showing:

• Your manuscript file name and word count
• Each selected target language
• Your chosen translated title for each language
• Total credits that will be used

Confirm and Submit

1. Review everything carefully
2. Click Submit or Confirm
3. The translation job enters the pipeline immediately

What Happens After Submit

Your manuscript goes through a multi-stage pipeline:

1. Preprocessing - Document analysis and segmentation
2. Guide Generation - Building consistency and style guide
3. First Pass Translation - Chapter-by-chapter translation
4. Iterative Refinement - Multiple improvement passes
5. Naturalization - Final polish for natural flow

Step 4: Receive Your Files

Email Notification

When complete, you'll receive an email with:
- Notification that your job is complete
- Direct links to download your files

Dashboard Access

You can access your files from your dashboard:
1. Go to your Translation Dashboard
2. Find your job in the list
3. Click to view details and download

What You Receive

For each target language:

Translated Manuscript:
- EPUB file - Publication-ready for ebook platforms
- DOCX file - Fully editable for post-translation changes

Marketing Pack:
- Localized blurb - Book description in target language
- KDP HTML blurb - Pre-formatted for KDP's description editor
- 7 sets of KDP keywords - Terms readers actually search for
- Additional keyword variations - Long-tail options
- Alternative title options - If you want to reconsider

Using the KDP HTML Blurb

1. Copy the HTML blurb from your job page
2. In KDP, click the "Source" button in the description editor
3. Paste the HTML
4. Click "Source" again to preview how it will look

Step 5: Next Steps

Add More Languages

Want to translate to additional languages?

1. Go to your translation dashboard
2. Click on your book
3. Click "+Add More Languages"
4. Select and configure new languages

Create a Cover

While waiting for or after translation:

• Translate your existing cover - Preserve your design, translate the text
• Generate a new cover - AI-created cover for the translated edition

Proofread the Translation

For an extra quality check:

1. Download the DOCX file
2. Use Bookshift Proofreader in Translation mode
3. Review tracked changes and comments
4. Comments are written in your language

Prepare for KDP

With your marketing pack ready:

1. Enter your translated title and subtitle
2. Paste the KDP HTML blurb
3. Add your 7 keyword sets to the keyword slots
4. Upload your EPUB file
5. Publish!

Troubleshooting

Didn't receive email?

• Check your spam folder
• Access files directly from your dashboard
• Your dashboard shows completed jobs even if the email is delayed or filtered

Title suggestions don't feel right?

• You're not locked in—enter your own title manually
• Consider posting in a reader community for that language
• You can change the title even after translation completes

Job seems stuck?

• Most jobs complete in 10-20 minutes
• Very long books may take longer
• Contact support if stuck for more than 2 hours

Need Help?

• Check other help articles for detailed information
• Contact support from your dashboard
• Include your job ID or book title for faster assistance

Helpful Links

• How Pricing Works
• Translate a Book: Step-by-Step
• File Format Guide
• Help Center Home
• Bookshift Guides Hub
• Translate by Language Hub
• Publishing by Market Hub