Literary Translator

Laura Lima

Connecting worlds through words

Editorial translation between English and Portuguese, along with institutional translation, localization, and proofreading. I represent both publishers and authors in international markets, specializing in rights and royalties negotiation, licensing, and cross-cultural publishing strategy.

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About

Laura Lima
5

Translated books

375k+

Published words

4

Languages

“Translation is more than matching words — it is understanding what they evoke and rewriting them so the reader experiences the same nuances, emotions, and intentions as in the original text.”

I’m from Minas Gerais, Brazil, with a degree in Communications and a translator by calling. I live in the United States with my family and work on projects that involve multiple languages and cultural contexts.

Before dedicating myself to translation, I built a 15-year career in communication, marketing, and editorial content, working with both national and multinational companies. Today, I bring that experience into every text I work on: the same eye that guided campaigns and content strategies now shapes each translation decision — from tone and rhythm to precision and natural flow.

To me, translation is a privilege and a responsibility.

Languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French.

Highlights

Overview of My Work as a Translator & Editorial Partner

Works & Recognition

  • • Newbery Medal — Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (Robert C. O’Brien)
  • • New York Times Bestseller — A Wolf Called Wander (Rosanne Parry · 2 consecutive years on the list) and Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth (Ina May Gaskin)
  • • Amazon #1 Best Seller — Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth — the world’s best-selling book on childbirth
  • • Published in 14+ languages — A Wolf Called Wander and A Wolf Called Fire (Rosanne Parry) · hundreds of thousands of readers
  • • Bestseller in the U.S. and U.K. — Simplicity Parenting (Kim John Payne), a global reference in parenting

Work Beyond Translation

  • • Negotiation and acquisition of translation rights with major international publishers (HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster)
  • • End-to-end management of editorial projects, from concept to publication
  • • Partnerships with leading printing companies

Localization & Market Expertise

  • • Content adaptation for Brazilian audiences, with focus on clarity and cultural relevance
  • • Direct collaboration with literary agents and national and international publishers
  • • Participation in positioning and launching strategies within the Brazilian and U.S. publishing markets

Translated Books

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Robert C. O’Brien · Translated by Laura Lima

Newbery Medal American children’s literature classic 20+ languages

Translator’s note

In Portuguese “Dona Frisby e os Ratos de NIMH”

Mrs. Frisby was my first translation for children and middle-grade readers — and it was love at first letter. A beloved and acclaimed classic written in the 1970s.

With its gentle pacing, short sentences, and meaningful lessons, Mrs. Frisby (and O’Brien) guided me through a deeply fulfilling experience: bringing high-quality adventure and storytelling to Brazilian children.

Fun fact

The Portuguese edition was completely re-illustrated, bringing new life and beauty to the characters. I had the privilege of participating in the selection of scenes and illustrations, which made my involvement in the project even more special.

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A Wolf Called Wander

A Wolf Called Wander

Rosanne Parry · Translated by Laura Lima

New York Times Bestseller 750k+ readers 14 languages True story

Translator’s note

In Portuguese “Um lobo chamado Vento”

A unique, poetic, and deliberately paced narrative, using uncommon words to describe simple things — as the story is told entirely from the perspective of a wild wolf. Translating this book meant experiencing every emotion he goes through, holding my breath as the journey unfolded. A deeply moving, at times intense story, beautifully brought to life in Portuguese.

Fun fact

All character names had to be translated, as they reflect each character’s traits and could not remain in the original language. Renaming each wolf was a uniquely interesting challenge in this project.

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A Wolf Called Fire

A Wolf Called Fire

Rosanne Parry · Translated by Laura Lima

Companion to A Wolf Called Wander True story

Translator’s note

In Portuguese “Um lobo chamado Fogo”

A companion to A Wolf Called Wander, this book carries the same emotional depth, with an added sense of tenderness. I became Fire, immersing myself deeply in his journey, bringing to Brazilian readers the gentleness and courage that unfold throughout his story.

Fun fact

As with Wander, I added an informational note at the end about wolves in Brazil. In the process, I learned a great deal — including that the maned wolf (lobo-guará) is not actually a wolf, but a unique species within the canid family.

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Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth

Ina May Gaskin · Translated by Laura Lima

New York Times Bestseller #1 Best Seller The world’s bestselling book on childbirth

Translator’s note

In Portuguese “Guia do Parto por Ina May Gaskin”

I am a mother, and while working on this book, I felt pregnant all over again. I only wish I had read it before giving birth to my daughter.

Ina May inspires, teaches, and embraces — and should be read by every woman planning to give birth, regardless of how she wishes to experience that moment. I feel honored to have translated this work.

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Simplicity Parenting

Simplicity Parenting

Kim John Payne · Translated by Laura Lima

International best-seller Global reference in parenting

Translator’s note

In Portuguese “Criação com Simplicidade”

My first translated book — and the one that introduced me to the world of editorial translation. This project was born from a desire to explore its themes with so many mothers and friends in my circle. I wanted them to have access to this content so we could deepen the conversations the book inspires.

That’s how this translation came to life: with Brazilian families in mind — families who can, and should, embrace a life with fewer things and more calm. This book transformed the rhythm of my own home, and I hope it does the same for many others.

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Contact

For translation, localization, proofreading, literary scouting, or international rights and royalties negotiation projects:

laura@lauralimabooks.com LinkedIn