Who determines the final version? The roles of translators, language revisers and editors in the publishing of a literary translation

Abstract

The article explores the interaction among three key figures in the process of publication of a literary translation into a language of low diffusion: the translator, the editor and the language reviser (the latter specific to the Slovene situation). The aim of the research is to identify who has the strongest position of power in the decision-making process of the production of a literary translation, especially when conflict arises. Information was gathered from the three groups with questionnaires, interviews and an analysis of public statements. The questions focused on the selection of the translator and language reviser, the translation process, the revision process and conflict resolution. A cross-comparison of the results indicates that despite the automatic central position of the editors, they tend to yield their decision-making power to translators, while language revisers have a more subservient, consulting role.