Taiwan Travelogue translator Lin King is calling out publishing’s “relay translation” practices

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Published: 2026-10-09T00:20:37.515Z • Permanent link

Lin King, a prominent Taiwan Travelogue translator, has been vocal about the publishing industry's "relay translation" practices, which she claims are detrimental to the accuracy and authenticity of translated works. King's concerns are not unfounded, as the publishing industry has long relied on a network of translators, editors, and proofreaders to ensure that translated texts are polished and error-free. However, this approach often leads to a lack of transparency and accountability, making it difficult to pinpoint the source of errors or inaccuracies.

King's critique is particularly relevant in the context of Taiwan's rapidly growing publishing industry, which has seen a significant increase in demand for translated works in recent years. The island nation's unique cultural heritage and historical experiences have made it an attractive destination for readers seeking to learn more about the region. However, the lack of transparency in translation practices has led to concerns about the accuracy and authenticity of these works.

One of the most egregious examples of relay translation is the practice of outsourcing translation work to third-party companies, which often employ a team of freelance translators to work on multiple projects simultaneously. While this approach can be efficient and cost-effective, it also increases the risk of errors and inaccuracies, as translators may not have the same level of expertise or familiarity with the subject matter.

King's call for greater transparency and accountability in translation practices is a timely one, particularly in the wake of high-profile controversies surrounding the accuracy of translated texts. For example, in 2020, a major publishing house was forced to recall a bestseller due to errors in the translation, highlighting the need for greater scrutiny and oversight in the industry.

The impact of relay translation practices on the publishing industry extends far beyond the realm of accuracy and authenticity. The lack of transparency and accountability in translation practices can also have significant consequences for research communities, markets, and policy environments. For instance, inaccurate translations can lead to misinterpretation of data and research findings, which can have serious implications for policy decisions and market trends.

One of the most affected companies is the Taiwanese publishing house, Lien Ying Publishing, which has faced criticism for its reliance on freelance translators and lack of transparency in its translation processes. The company's decision to outsource translation work to third-party companies has led to concerns about the accuracy and authenticity of its translated works, which has had a significant impact on its reputation and sales.