Literary Translator

Laura Lima

Connecting worlds through words

Editorial translation between English and Portuguese. I also work on institutional translation, localization, and proofreading projects, as well as literary scouting and negotiation of international rights and royalties.

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About

Translated works

375k+

Published words

Languages

“I’m from Minas Gerais, Brazil, with a degree in Communications and a translator by vocation.”

I live in the United States and work on projects involving different languages and cultural contexts.

Before dedicating myself to translation, I built a career spanning over 15 years in communications, marketing, and editorial content at national and multinational companies. Today I apply that experience to working with text — with a strategic eye, focus on clarity, consistency, and audience fit, with sensitivity and creativity, always aligned with each project’s needs.

Languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French.

Highlights

An overview of my work as a translator and editorial partner

Works and recognition

• Translation of award-winning works, best-sellers, and titles with wide international reach
• Newbery Medal — Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (Robert C. O’Brien)
• New York Times Bestseller — A Wolf Called Wander (Rosanne Parry)
• Internationally translated series — A Wolf Called Wander and A Wolf Called Fire (Rosanne Parry) · 14+ languages · hundreds of thousands of readers
• #1 Best Seller — Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth (Ina May Gaskin) — the best-selling childbirth book in the world
• International best-seller — Simplicity Parenting (Kim John Payne) — global parenting reference
• Translated authors with international recognition: Rebecca Stead, Wendy Mass, Ina May Gaskin

Beyond translation

I also work with acquisition and negotiation of international rights.

• Translation of 5 literary works — over 375,000 published words
• Rights negotiation for 7+ titles with major international publishers (HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster)
• Full management of editorial projects, from start to publication
• Partnership with major printing houses

Localization and market

• Content adaptation for Brazilian audiences, with focus on clarity and cultural fit
• Interface with literary agents and international publishers
• Support for positioning and launch strategies in the Brazilian and American publishing markets

Translated Books

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

Mrs. Frisby was my first literary translation, and it was love at first letter. A classic written in the 1970s, beloved and acclaimed worldwide.

With its measured language, short sentences, and many life lessons, Mrs. Frisby (and O’Brien) guided me on a path of pure fulfillment. A classic I had the honor of bringing to Portuguese, carrying adventure to Brazilian children and their families.

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, making my involvement with the project even more special.

A Wolf Called Wander

Rosanne Parry · Translated by Laura Lima

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

Translator’s note

A unique narrative told from the perspective of a wild wolf. Translating this book was like living the emotions the wolf experiences, holding my breath as the adventure unfolded. A poetic and deeply moving text, at times harrowing, that gained a beautiful version in Portuguese.

Fun fact

All character names had to be translated, as they represent traits and couldn’t remain in the original language. Renaming each wolf was a special challenge in this project.

A Wolf Called Fire

Rosanne Parry · Translated by Laura Lima

Companion to A Wolf Called Wander True story

Translator’s note

Following A Wolf Called Wander, this companion book carries the same emotional weight, with added tenderness. I became the wolf Fire and dove deep into his journey, bringing Brazilian readers the sweetness and courage that unfold throughout Fire’s story.

Fun fact

Just as in Wander’s book, I added an informational text about wolves in Brazil at the end. 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.

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth

Ina May Gaskin · Translated by Laura Lima

#1 Best Seller Best-selling childbirth book in the world

Translator’s note

A beautiful book that moved me deeply to translate. As a mother, I felt pregnant all over again while working on it. I wish I had read this book before giving birth to my daughter.

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

Simplicity Parenting

Kim John Payne · Translated by Laura Lima

International best-seller Global parenting reference

Translator’s note

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

This translation was born thinking of the many Brazilian families who can — and should — enjoy a life with fewer things and more calm. This book transformed my family’s dynamic at home, and I wish it does the same for many other families.

Localization and Proofreading

Nalu’s Adventures in Hawaii

Editorial proofreading (English)

Jesus’s Little Letters

Localization and proofreading (English)

Contact

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

contato@lauralimabooks.com LinkedIn