Brave New Bookshelf Episode 58: AI-Powered Translations: Expanding Your Reach with Marisa from ScribeShadow
In episode 58 of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite sat down with Marisa from ScribeShadow to explore how AI-powered translations are opening global markets to authors who previously couldn’t afford to go wide.
Marisa co-runs ScribeShadow with her husband, building on her background in small-press publishing. That experience shaped a clear mission: make professional-quality translations accessible, fast, and affordable, without sacrificing author control. Beyond manuscript translation, ScribeShadow also supports translated metadata and covers, with audio translation already on the roadmap.
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Languages, Markets, and Smart Expansion
ScribeShadow currently supports more than 19 languages, ranging from widely used markets like Spanish, German, and French to less saturated options such as Hindi, Thai, Swedish, Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian, some still in beta. German, French, and Italian lead in popularity, followed closely by Brazilian Portuguese and Dutch.
The discussion highlighted why German is such an interesting opportunity. Unlike Spanish, which varies significantly by region, German readers tend to share a more standardized language experience. This creates a concentrated, highly engaged audience for translated titles.
"We're just trying to give authors a platform to reach globally in a more efficient and affordable way compared to traditional translations."
Marisa, on ScribeShadow's mission.
How Accurate Is AI Translation Today?
AI translation quality has improved dramatically, but not all models perform equally across languages. ScribeShadow continuously tests multiple AI engines, recommending the strongest model for each language and accounting for nuance, slang, and tone.
While AI translations don’t yet replace the collaborative relationship authors can have with human translators, Marisa shared that many users publish AI-translated books without additional proofreading. In some cases, authors have even reported stronger reviews in translated editions than in English. For those who want added reassurance, ScribeShadow integrates with WordCount.ink to connect authors with professional proofreaders.
Inside the ScribeShadow Workflow
The translation process is intentionally simple:
- Create an account
- Upload a manuscript in .docx or .epub format
- Add detailed metadata to guide tone and voice
- Select a target language and start the translation
Depending on manuscript length, a translated book can be ready in minutes, exportable as an .epub. Proofreading tools are available directly within the platform. Importantly, Marisa emphasized that ScribeShadow does not store manuscripts or train AI models on author content.
Data-Driven Global Publishing
Looking ahead, ScribeShadow is building a global marketing trends database designed to help authors make smarter translation decisions. The goal is to show which genres perform well in specific regions, where translated books should be distributed, and how authors can market beyond Kindle Unlimited’s limitations.
Steph encouraged authors to start with their own data, reviewing where English-language sales already come from and researching comparable books in regional Amazon stores. These insights can quickly reveal unexpected opportunities.
"German seems to have the most success at least from what our authors are seeing right now...I feel like German is probably the easiest one to really kind of dip your toes into when you're translating."
Marisa, on the popularity of German translations.
Accessibility, Reach, and Community
AI has fundamentally changed who can afford to translate books. What was once reserved for authors with significant budgets is now accessible to far more creators. Translation doesn’t just increase revenue potential, it also improves accessibility for readers who prefer or require content in their native language.
Marisa recommends authors connect with the ScribeShadow community on Facebook and Discord, where experienced users share real-world advice on translation strategy and market selection.
Favorite Tools
Marisa’s go-to tools include ChatGPT for everyday tasks and ideation, Spoken.press for audio translation with natural voices, and image creation tools for adapting book covers to new markets.
Key Takeaways
- AI is dramatically lowering the barrier to global publishing.
- Language choice should be guided by market research, not assumptions.
- AI translation quality continues to improve, but proofreading remains a valuable option.
- Community insights and data can make the difference between translation and true international success.
Want more insights on the evolving role of AI in publishing? Listen to this episode of Brave New Bookshelf on your favorite podcast platform.
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