SERVICES
Translation
Starbird Word offers accurate translations of Danish texts by a native English speaker and wordsmith who is based in Copenhagen and fluent in Danish.
Every project receives the individual attention it deserves and is turned around as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Books, manuscripts, articles, creative writing, websites, and business documents are all accepted. Without understanding the cultural contexts of the writer and the audience, things can quite literally get lost in translation.
Editing and Copyediting
Starbird Word provides editing and copyediting services for translations as well as English language documents.
These are rigorous revision processes. A thorough edit improves the flow of the writing, ensures clarity of expression, and adds nuance. The style of the text is refined to suit the target audience.
Copyediting focuses on the technical quality of your content, while editing focuses on its meaning and the progression of ideas.
Editing is a collaborative process, where suggested changes in language and overall structure involve feedback from the author.
Proofreading
Proofreading involves correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling to ensure that your text is free of errors.
Writing
Original written content for newspapers, websites, and other texts can be generated independently or in a collaborative process depending on the project.
Voice Work
Starbird Word offers English speaking for audio and video recordings. Language coaching is available for clarity of pronunciation and assistance with delivery.
PROJECTS
Danish to English Translations
A Dream of Europe is a photographic reportage by award-winning photojournalist Jacob Ehrbahn, documenting the lives of refugees and migrants seeking refuge from war, political suppression and poverty. These powerful images and the accompanying essays remind us that behind the numbers, statistics and policy decisions, there are real people struggling to survive in inhumane conditions. Dewi Lewis Publishing
In this autobiography, Josef tells the story of his life including a chapter about living as a Jew in Denmark under the German occupation.
This limited-edition, hardbound book includes family photographs. Beautifully printed by Narayana Press. Private commission.
Roaming Sapiens examines the impact of humans on the biosphere. Through scientific storytelling Søren Rasmussen presents the evolution of biological complexity and explains how humans are inseparable from the microorganisms and the ecosystems that surround us. (For this book project I did stylistic editing.)
Wild and Wonderful Denmark is a nature series made for DR that presents dramatic events in the animal kingdom of Denmark. The animals play the leading roles but the unique Danish geography and natural locations are also essential elements of the narrative. I translated the manuscripts from Danish into English, which is the source text for all of the international translations. I also worked in the recording studio with the Danish actor who did the English narration, making edits and refining the scripts.
Yoko Ono – Conceptual Photography. Creative legend Yoko Ono, collaborated with Danish brand Tiger on a conceptual art book centered on the idea that art should be accessible to all. Its release coincides with the artist’s latest exhibition, Yoko Ono: One Woman Show 1960–1971, at the Museum of Modern Art, New York.
The Idealist (Idealisten) is a 2015 Danish thriller film directed by Christina Rosendahl about the investigation into medical problems of workers who cleaned up after the 1968 Thule Air Base B-52 crash.
Facing Reality – An Introduction to Yoga Philosophy presents basic concepts of Indian philosophy and how they can be applied in all contemporary societies. It is not necessary to practice yoga poses to benefit from the philosophy of life that is becoming more widespread internationally.
Teens Using Cannabis – A Guide for Concerned Parents is intended for parents who have a cannabis using teen living at home. The book offers strategies and solutions for successfully navigating life with a teen who is experimenting. It can also be used by professionals who work with teens using cannabis and their parents. Published by Édito Forlag.
Masters and Method, a volume of etchings by Tal R., published by Hatje Cantz. See more information here.
Pantomime Theater, a book of photographs by Annett Ahrends with essays by theater critic Henrik Lyding, published by Forlaget Vandkunsten. See more information here.
Fuck You Art Lovers Forever, a monograph featuring reproductions of paintings by the artist Kristian Hornsleth, Futilistic Society Publishing. Five essays by art critics, approximately 6,000 words. See more information here.
Frederik Wenzel’s Journey, by Benn Q. Holm, People’s Press, approximately 40,000 words.
Neo Feng Shui, by Sagar, approximately 50,000 words.
PRICING
As is standard practice in Denmark, fees are based on a rate per word.
Prices for translation, editing, and text production depend on which service you select, the length of the text and the level of difficulty. All projects are discussed in detail and the rate is determined before work begins.
For a price estimate or more information please send an email to: info@starbirdword.com
REFERENCES
“Pamela has translated some of The Clooney Brothers’ songs from Danish into English. They were to be used for a performance at Bådteatret, which was staged during the World OutGames in Copenhagen. I have to admit that the lyrics were in many ways better and more idiomatic in English. Pamela works both creatively, effectively and very professionally. I have been extremely happy with our collaboration, and I give her my highest recommendation.”
– Nadia Auda, Owner of Mind Unwind
“Pamela Starbird has translated my books Neo Feng Shui and Living Between. She is extremely professional and delivers high-quality translations. There is a constructive dialogue throughout the process. Her work is faithful to the author, the style and the content.”
– Sagar, author
PAMELA STARBIRD
Language is my passion.
Translation, editing, and writing and are my crafts.
I have had a broad and rewarding career as an English language consultant since 1989. I am based in Copenhagen and my work is largely centered on translating from Danish into English.
Early in my career I taught English as a second language. I have lived in Taiwan and the Czech Republic and have studied several languages (Danish, Mandarin, Czech, French).
I have done English language voice work for professional audio recordings and worked with non-native English language speakers assisting them with pronunciation and presentation.
I have done major translation projects in the following fields:
- Arts and humanities
- Architecture and design
- Culture and travel
- Healing traditions and natural health
- Literature and nonfiction
- Natural and social sciences
- Philosophy, psychology and religion
Project types:
- Books
- Academic texts
- Film and television manuscripts
- Museum/gallery exhibition catalogues
- News articles
- Creative essays
- Professional profiles
- Advertising and promotions
- Business communications
- Website content
Professional experience:
- Launched Starbird Word in Copenhagen in 1999 offering translation and editing
- Taught English at a private college in Tainan, Taiwan, 1991-93
- Taught English at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, 1993-95
Memberships:
- Dansk Oversætterforbund (Danish Translators’ Association)
- Foreningen Danske Soloselvstændige (Association of Danish Solo Self-employed)
Personal and Educational:
- Born in Chicago, Illinois, raised in the US
- Bachelor of Arts degree in English and American Literature, Iowa State University, 1989
- Danish language lessons at AOF, 1995-1996
CONTACT
email: info@starbirdword.com
cell phone: (45) 50 53 13 23
All translation and editing inquiries are welcome.
Please send a message describing the nature of your project.
