Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Literary translators deserve recognition and compensation for their labor and creative work. While the royalties are typically low due to revenues being split between multiple parties, a publishing contract for a work of translation should ensure fair pay, protect the translator’s rights, and award an appropriate level of creative control. The Authors Guild advocates for translators in the industry including by offering a model contract that translators and publishers can use.
Join us for an overview of literary translation contracts with the Authors Guild’s director of policy and advocacy, Umair Kazi, and staff attorney, Kyle Maxey. We will discuss the key elements to look for in a book deal and suggest negotiating points for translators.
Panelists
Umair Kazi is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Authors Guild. He studied law at the University of Iowa, and creative writing at Columbia University. Previously a board member of the American Literary Translators Association, Umair now serves as an at-large advisor to the board.
Kyle Maxey is a Staff Attorney at the Authors Guild. He studied law at George Mason University, and political science, history, and business administration at Mount St. Mary’s University.
Special Thanks to Our Supporters and Partner Organizations
With support from the National Endowment for the Arts and our donors, the Authors Guild Foundation is pleased to offer this program free to the public.
Literary translators deserve recognition and compensation for their labor and creative work. While the royalties are typically low due to revenues being split between multiple parties, a publishing contract for a work of translation should ensure fair pay, protect the translator’s rights, and award an appropriate level of creative control. The Authors Guild advocates for translators in the industry including by offering a model contract that translators and publishers can use.
Join us for an overview of literary translation contracts with the Authors Guild’s director of policy and advocacy, Umair Kazi, and staff attorney, Kyle Maxey. We will discuss the key elements to look for in a book deal and suggest negotiating points for translators.
Panelists
Umair Kazi is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Authors Guild. He studied law at the University of Iowa, and creative writing at Columbia University. Previously a board member of the American Literary Translators Association, Umair now serves as an at-large advisor to the board.
Kyle Maxey is a Staff Attorney at the Authors Guild. He studied law at George Mason University, and political science, history, and business administration at Mount St. Mary’s University.
Special Thanks to Our Supporters and Partner Organizations
With support from the National Endowment for the Arts and our donors, the Authors Guild Foundation is pleased to offer this program free to the public.
