Would you ever beta a translation?

[Eline]

Hey everyone! :)

This may be an unusual question but I'm still curious.

I'm a non-native speaker translating my own (unpublished) story into English. Of course I know there are many authors whose first language is not the language they write in. But usually live in an English speaking country or used to live there many, many years.

That is not the case with me. I've lived in the US for 1,5 years, was an English major in University, and and I freaking read A LOT in English. So I guess I'm not too bad, still it is not my native language. I feel comfortable talking and writing in English but can't tell if it's novel worthy.

So I'm wondering, would you ever beta read from non-native speaker like me? Put up with occasional grammar mistakes and misuse of metaphors/imagery? Only if you like plot of course.

Lots of love from Germany :) And it's okay to be completely honest

[Barbara]

Hi, Eline, I'm also an ESL write who doesn't live in English-speaking countries (waves from Italy). I'm sure your English is better than many natives, especially if you start thinking in English and not translating from German. I went through that, so I know what I'm saying!
That said, I don't think minor mistakes would be a problem for anyone. Just make sure to find a native proofreader before you send it out or publish it. I can recommend a few that I met here on Goodreads if you want.
PM me if you want more info! :)
Best
Barb

[BR]

For what it's worth, professional translations are usually handled by a translator who is native in the target language. I'm currently involved in editing a novel written in Russian and translated to English by the author. It needs major work, not least because of idioms that were translated literally.

This may not be an issue for a beta read, but if you truly want to publish your book, then I would find a native-English speaker who is fluent in German to work on the translation with you.