Ever since finishing my studies thirty years ago, I’ve made a living with books. I edit them, translate them, and have written a few myself. Reading and writing shape my life; the rest of my time I devote to photography.
Consultation language:
Primarily in German. As a translator my English is very good, but I don’t want to grapple with semantic nuances in my in advising sessions – they’re too important to me.
Typical questions during consultations:
How do I find the right publisher for my project? What should I keep in mind when selecting a publisher? Should I look for an agent instead? Will it cost me anything? How can I make my project attractive to publishers? How can I motivate myself to write regularly? How can I reconcile my day job with my literary ambitions?
Where I can be found online:
What professional experience do you have in your field of consultation?
As both an author and a freelance translator and editor, I am familiar with the publishing industry from various angles, including from behind the scenes. I’ve taught the tools of the trade in seminars and workshops for many years, as well as the practical aspects of literary writing – for instance, how to put together a proposal, reach out to agencies and publishers, and organize readings.
What are some of your professional achievements?
I have a portfolio of more than 30 published novels and stories, which have been awarded numerous prizes, including the Brandenburgische Literaturpreis and the Goldene Leslie from the State of Rhineland-Palatinate. Most recently, I wrote a three-volume crime series set in Berlin for Aufbau Verlag.
At the same time, every semester I teach a 14 week ‘novel lab’, in which I accompany authors on their way to publication, and coach people one-on-one.
I’ve been called on to serve on an array of literature juries: among others, the Berlin Senate, the Freier Deutscher Autorenverband (FDA), the Union Sozialer Einrichtungen, and the Syndikat authors’ alliance.
I am a member of Syndikat e.V., serve on the board of a literary foundation, and am a founding member of the authors’ group Plus quam perfectum. I also gained experience as chairman of the FDA Berlin and as founder of the authors’ groups Berliner Heldenreise and Textremisten. In all these roles, I have organized countless readings, as well as authors’ conferences, workshops, and literary awards.
What were your greatest challenges in the early years of your career?
I always took on new projects without having any experience in the task. I can still remember the first time I received a translation request for a book. After saying yes, I felt a bit weak in the knees.
Twenty years later, I asked a new client how he found me. His answer: ‘I just looked up who had translated the most bestsellers in the field.’ The point being: plunging into cold water is worth it.
What advice would you give to those interested in working in your field?
Get informed, network, stay tenacious – and meet others with the enthusiasm you yourself wish to receive!