This guide walks you through every step of translating your book with Bookshift.
Direct answer: upload an EPUB, DOCX, TXT, or HTML manuscript, confirm the detected metadata and word count, choose target languages and translated titles, review the credit estimate, submit the job, then download the translated manuscript and marketing pack from your dashboard. Keep /submit for private uploads; use the public book translation overview when you want to share the workflow with a collaborator.
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
Tip
Check your credit balance on your dashboard before starting. You can purchase more credits if needed.
Step 1: Upload Your Manuscript
Navigate to the Submit Page
- Go to bookshift.io/submit
- Or click Submit or Translate Books from your dashboard
If you have several books ready, choose the bulk translation tab instead. See Bulk Translation for the batch workflow.
Upload Your File
- Drag and drop your file onto the upload area, or
- 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
- Browse the list of 25+ supported languages
- Click to select one or more target languages
- 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
For bulk submissions, review these suggestions on each book card. Bookshift may also suggest matching a file to an existing book so you can add a new language to the right title.
Choose Your Title
You have three options:
- Accept the top suggestion - Usually the best fit
- Choose a different suggestion - If another option appeals more
- Enter your own title - If you already have a preferred translation
Tip
Your title is the first thing readers see. A title that translates literally may be grammatically correct but tonally flat—or unintentionally comic in some markets. The explanations help you choose wisely.
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
- Review everything carefully
- Click Submit or Confirm
- The translation job enters the pipeline immediately
What Happens After Submit
Your manuscript goes through a multi-stage pipeline:
- Preprocessing - Document analysis and segmentation
- Guide Generation - Building consistency and style guide
- First Pass Translation - Chapter-by-chapter translation
- Iterative Refinement - Multiple improvement passes
- Naturalization - Final polish for natural flow
Note
The full process typically takes 10-20 minutes, depending on length and language.
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
- KDP category recommendations - Suggested browse categories and alternatives where available
Using the KDP HTML Blurb
- Copy the HTML blurb from your job page
- In KDP, click the "Source" button in the description editor
- Paste the HTML
- Click "Source" again to preview how it will look
Tip
The KDP HTML blurb is pre-formatted with <b>, <i>, and other allowed tags. No manual formatting needed.
Step 5: Next Steps
Add More Languages
Want to translate to additional languages?
- Go to your translation dashboard
- Click on your book
- Click "+Add More Languages"
- 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:
- Download the DOCX file
- Use Bookshift Proofreader in Translation mode
- Review tracked changes and comments
- Comments are written in your language
Prepare for KDP
With your marketing pack ready:
- Enter your translated title and subtitle
- Paste the KDP HTML blurb
- Add your 7 keyword sets to the keyword slots
- Review any KDP category recommendations against the live KDP interface
- Upload your EPUB file
- Publish!
If you need a print edition, build the full cover PDF with the paperback wrap generator after your final page count is locked.
FAQ
What file type is best for book translation?
EPUB is usually best when the book is already formatted, because it contains book structure that can be preserved. DOCX is better when the manuscript is still changing or needs editor review. TXT and HTML can work for clean source text, but you may need extra formatting cleanup after translation.
Can I translate more than one language at the same time?
Yes. You can select multiple target languages in one submission. The credit estimate scales with word count and the number of selected languages, so review the summary before you submit.
Should I proofread the translated book before publishing?
Yes. Bookshift creates a strong translation draft and publishing assets, but authors should review voice, idioms, character names, market conventions, and any sensitive passages before release. For a structured quality pass, use the proofreader workflow after downloading the translated DOCX.
Does Bookshift publish the book for me?
No. Bookshift prepares translated files and publishing assets. You remain responsible for reviewing the output, uploading files to stores such as KDP or IngramSpark, and making final publishing decisions.
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
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