Professional translation services have been in demand for decades. In the U.S., for instance, there has been a spike in demand for Spanish translations for everything from smartphone conversion voice apps for travelers, to ordering prescription drugs over the phone, to voting at local polling stations, to providing surveys in Spanish translation. 

But now, the Spanish population, not only in the U.S. but all over the globe, wants to read their fiction and nonfiction in their native language. Moreover, they want to spend their hard-earned money on accurate translations. The same goes for many languages, including French, Italian, Japanese, and even Dutch, which are very popular regarding U.S. and U.K. English fiction and nonfiction translations. 

According to a new article from the book experts at Reedsyblog, back in 2017, the U.K. and the U.S. made up barely 34 percent of the world's eBook market. This means that anyone who published independently of the major New York publishers in English gave up 66 percent of all publishing opportunities.  

But while every author doesn’t benefit from having their books translated into Spanish, German, or French, authors who are searching for a solid reputation and sales in other countries may find it worth the effort and the cost to have their books translated. 

If you're one of these authors who publish independently and wish to create a global demand for your eBooks and paperback books, here are some rock-solid ways of having them translated. 

Find the Strongest Markets  

Reedsyblog insists that a writer knows his audience. This is important when selling your books in your own native country, but it becomes more important when selling to overseas markets. Translators of fiction and nonfiction eBooks and paperbacks are not cheap. That means you will only get a solid return on investment (ROI) if you believe you can recoup the sales. 

With this in mind, you need to have a good understanding of the global book-buying market and then start with the most ideal country or countries to dive into first. 

Most Popular Countries for Indie Authors

The most popular book-buying countries for indie and self-publishing authors are said to be Spain, Germany, France, Italy, India, China, and Japan.  

Germany is believed to be particularly popular with eBooks. That's why Amazon has opened its Amazon book advertising services to Germany before any other foreign country other than the U.K.  

Many indie and self-publishing authors are also finding great success in the Spanish, Italian, and French markets. The Indian and Chinese markets are also expanding rapidly. 

Decide which Foreign Market to Enter First

While traditionally published authors depend on their New York City publishing house to make foreign deals on their behalf (these usually never happen since the profit margin is so small), indie authors have the advantage of researching the most lucrative foreign markets. However, just because a foreign market might seem like it’s a money maker doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for your novel or series of novels. 

That said, here are some things to keep in mind while doing your research: 

--Take a good look at the general state of the foreign market. For instance, India might seem like a great place to translate your book, but there are 22 different languages in the country. Also, while you might do well with the fantasy genre in Spain, in Italy, you likely won’t do well unless you are writing noir/hard-boiled fiction, or what’s known as “narrative gialla.” 

--Examine the Amazon international markets. If you have your sites set on the German market, for example, check to see how well your niche is selling at Amazon.de. The same can be said of every other foreign market. Remember, you will be paying for the translation, so you need to do your research.  

--Take a close look at existing international sales, or so claims Reedsyblog. If you’ve seen that English-language fiction and nonfiction are selling well in France and Spain, you might want to target these countries with translated versions of your books. If you’re already selling well in English to a particular country, then it stands to reason you will sell better if your book is translated into its native language. 

Go With Experienced Professional Translators Only

Reedsyblog stresses that you never translate your book on your own. This means don't run the text through Google Translate. So many translation mistakes will result that your readers will not only want their money back, they will give you horrible reviews, which can tank your career. 

In other words, don’t even think about making this major translation mistake. Hire only professional translators. You can contact an independent professional translator for your books, or you can go with a reputable translating company.

I don’t know about you, but as the weather starts to cool and we begin spending more time inside, I start to look at what needs (or what I want) to be updated. Even small changes can make a big difference for updating and upgrading your home.

Some weekend home improvement projects are easy to do yourself. With the right tools and maybe a good online video tutorial, even the novice DIY-er can handle a weekend project. Other projects may require professional help. Knowing your abilities and limitations can help set the stage before beginning any home improvement project.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often regarded as one of the most important rooms in the house. In fact, according to a recent survey of home buyers, 80% ranked the kitchen on their top three list of most important spaces. Obviously, we spend a lot of time here to make food, eat and enjoy time with family. 

So, upgrading the kitchen can offer a big reward, both for you to enjoy now and in the future if you plan to sell your house. While complete kitchen remodels can cost a ton of money if you go for the best of the best, little things can also make a big difference.

In just a weekend, you can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen with some paint and fixtures. Below are some quick ideas for kitchen home improvement projects based on cost level and whether you can do-it-yourself or need to call in the pros.

Living Room

The living room is another focal point of your home. It’s where guests tend to gather (when they’re not congregating in the kitchen around food) and where the family tends to hang out. This space should be cozy and inviting and can also showcase your personality.

There are several projects you can accomplish in a weekend that can update your living room and make it feel like a new space. While living rooms don’t have as high an ROI as kitchens do, you still want your space to feel updated, fresh and comfortable. 

The most low-cost options could be painting the room a new color or rearranging furniture. More extensive renovations could include adding built-in custom bookcases or new flooring. The possibilities range based on your budget, time and comfort level.

One of the easiest projects you can do to help improve your home is having a yearly maintenance inspection done over the weekend. This could be a professional coming to your home to check on your roof, the furnace, or most importantly your septic tank. Septic tanks play a key role in your home. The friendly staff over at Scorpion Septic can help you with any questions, concerns and of course, checking that your septic tank is in working order. Thankfully companies like them are great with over 18 years of experience to help septic pumping near Marietta and have the process down to a science. You can go about your day and know that things are handled properly, professionally and in your favor. 

Final Thoughts

Weekend home improvement projects can be fun and rewarding. Whether you are looking for low budget do-it-yourself projects or higher cost professional remodels, there are plenty of ideas to fill your weekend to do list.

Many of the projects listed above can be done on your own, but if you want or need to hire a professional, it’s important to find someone you can trust. It’s a big decision to spend money and invest in your home, so you want to make sure you can hire someone with experience and passion for helping you reach your home goals.

At the end of the day, any weekend home improvement projects can add value to your home life and home value. Take time to work through what’s best for you, pick a weekend and get started!

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It may seem hard to believe now, but Lisbon wasn't always the vibrant and exciting place to visit it currently is. When visiting the Portuguese capital, it's easy to forget that Portugal was ruled by an authoritarian regime until the 1970s. 

But modern Lisbon is a vibrant and exciting place that is increasingly attracting visitors from around the world, and not just as tourists. Portugal is now recognized as one of the best places in Europe for startup tech companies, and Lisbon attracts workers from around the world to enjoy its great weather, fascinating culture, and relatively low cost of living.

All of this combines to give Lisbon some exceptional nightlife. And if live music is your thing, you'll find plenty of places to enjoy it throughout the city. Whether you're looking for a traditional Portuguese fado bar or a state-of-the-art arena that hosts the latest touring musical acts, you'll find it here. Drop off your bags at a Lisbon luggage storage and get ready to dance the night away.

A Tasca do Chico

If you want to enjoy something traditionally Portuguese, look for fado. This is a musical tradition that is known throughout Portugal but is thought to have originated right here in Lisbon during the 19th century. 

Fado is an often mournful and generally moving type of music with a highly regimented structure designed to conjure a feeling of loss and longing, or as the Portuguese call it, saudade. And while this may not sound like fun, talented fado artists find ways to bring something new to this historic art form in fado bars around the city.

In Lisbon, you never have to search hard to find a fado bar. But A Tasca do Chico is one of the best-known and most well-regarded in the city. 

The walls of this traditional bar are completely covered in photographs and posters of fado artists from the past, and you're guaranteed an amazing atmosphere whenever you visit. Mondays and Wednesdays are amateur nights, whereas the rest of the week, you'll find professionals plying their trade. Either way, this is probably the best place to begin your journey into Portuguese fado.

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Clube Ferroviário

This railway-themed venue is divided into three different spaces that all offer a different atmosphere. The Terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a warm Lisbon evening and relax under hanging lamps. The Railway Room and the TGV Room offer a livelier vibe where you can hear both local and touring acts that cover the full range of musical styles.

This is one of the most popular clubs in the city, so it's best to arrive early if you want to get a good spot. The club also has a restaurant where you can enjoy some traditional Portuguese food before the show. Perhaps best of all, the club is located in a converted train, so if you've ever wanted to say that you've partied in a railway carriage, now's your chance.

TMN Ao Vivo

Once an abandoned warehouse, this venue has been converted into one of Lisbon's top live music hotspots. With a capacity of a thousand people, this club is big enough to host some major events, including dance festivals, raves, the Lisbon Blues Festival, and a constantly rotating list of national and international performing artists.

This eclectic venue also hosts comedy shows and theater performances in between musical acts, so it's always worth checking the schedule to see who's in town during your visit.

Plus, unusually for live music venues, Ao Vivo is also worth visiting during the day. The sun-soaked terrace gives magnificent views of the river and the city beyond, and the on-site restaurant is a surprisingly good place to try local food and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Santiago Alquimista

Another former industrial building transformed into an art space, Santiago Alquimista is divided into the main floor and an upstairs balcony to give you a better view of whatever show happens to be on. The live shows here are legendary, and it is known throughout Lisbon as one of the best venues for alternative music acts.

The building has a unique history. It was originally built in 1883 as a tobacco factory before being abandoned and left to ruin for many years. In 2007, it reopened as an art gallery and performance space, and it has been packing them in ever since.

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Coliseu dos Recreios

Go big or go home. The Coliseu is Lisbon's biggest music venue, and it's here you'll see major international touring acts like Echo and The Bunnymen, Madonna, My Chemical Romance, and any other superstars that happen to be in town. This venue also hosts operas and classical music performances, so it's the place to go in Lisbon if you enjoy a spectacle.

This grand old building was built in the 19th century and has played host to a wide variety of events over the years, including circuses, bullfights, and even political rallies. But nowadays, it is firmly established as one of Lisbon's top music venues, and if you're looking for a truly unforgettable concert experience, this is the place to be.

Paradise Garage

If you're looking to get your metal fix in Lisbon, track down Paradise Garage for the best venue in Lisbon. This club has hosted bands like Sepultura, Fear Factory, and Amon Amarth in the past, and it remains the epicenter of Lisbon's metal scene. Whether they're hosting local outfits or more internationally renowned bands, you'll have a great time at this lively club headbanging with local metal fans, so don't miss Paradise Garage if you like your music on the darker side.

Live Music in Lisbon

Music has always been a part of Lisbon's culture, and that's as true today as it was centuries ago. But nowadays, the range of music available to both locals and visitors to the city is much greater than it used to be. You'll find everything in the city, from fado bars to jazz clubs to nightclubs, so whatever your musical tastes, you can find something you like in the Portuguese capital.