Frequently Asked Questions What is the From Our Lips to Your Ears project?  This is the first book publication to assemble personal anecdotes from interpreters in a variety of settings, gathering them into a beautiful treasury that will reflect the important and meaningful work of interpreters everywhere What is the mission of the book project? The project seeks to give much-deserved recognition to interpreters while shedding light on the complexity and importance of this unique and fascinating profession. How can I participate? First, make sure you have read all of the guidelines and FAQs. Then, simply submit your story, either online, or by using an Interpreter Story Form via regular mail.  You may submit more than one story.  Each one requires a separate form.  Most importantly, make sure that your story shows, in some way, how interpreters are having an impact and making a difference. What kinds of stories are you looking for? Stories that are well-written. Stories that cause people to stop and think. Stories that provoke discussion. Stories that reflect our shared human experience.  Stories that show how you, as an interpreter, are truly changing the world, and the lives of the people who live in it. Are you only looking for happy stories? No. A story may have a negative or sad outcome, but if it demonstrates why an interpreter’s work is important, it will be in keeping with the goal of the project. What about confidential information? Confidentiality is a core ethical principle for interpreters worldwide. Do not include any confidential information in your story. You will be asked to remove it prior to submission.  All selected stories will also be edited for this purpose as well. You will also sign a release form if your story is selected for publication. Can I submit a story even if I’m not an interpreter? Yes. We encourage anyone committed to helping others understand the value of interpreters to submit anecdotes. Can a group provide a collective submission? Yes. If there are several interpreters in your group that are interested in working together to share a submission, you may work together on a group submission. What if my English is less than perfect?  f selected, your story will be professionally edited, so please do not be overly concerned with this.  When writing your submission, concentrate on telling a meaningful story and demonstrating why you feel it shows how interpreters are making an impact on the world.  If the story does a good job of showing this, editing for grammar, spelling and syntax are of a secondary importance, and will be handled during the editing process. As a university professor, I no longer interpret, but would my perspective about the value of interpreters in the world be of interest to this project? Yes. Anyone committed to helping others understand the value of interpreters may contribute.  Please contact the editor to discuss your ideas further. What types of interpreting will the project cover? All types of interpreting: medical, sign language, legal, police, telephone, video, government, and all other types of interpreting practiced by members of our interpreting family. How many stories will be chosen?  Approximately 50 featured stories are currently planned.  However, the book will also include numerous excerpts from some of the stories that are not selected as featured stories. How can I increase my chances of being selected? Write your story well.  Have some other good writers review your submission before sending it in.  Write in a manner that is clear.  Describe your experience with detail. Most importantly, have a good story to tell. How will I know if my story has been chosen?  If your story is chosen, you will be notified using the contact information you provide on your form.  If you change your contact information after your submission, just be sure to notify the editor. If my story isn’t chosen this time, could it be used later? Yes. After the initial volume of From Our Lips to Your Ears is published, it is possible that there may be future volumes.  If your story is to be published, you will be contacted. Will my story be published “as is”?  In some cases, a story may be published exactly as it was submitted.  In other cases, a story may need editing. Who is funding the project?  At this time, the project is self'-funded, and does not have any financial backing from any organization or company whatsoever. It does, however,  have extensive support worldwide from professional interpreting associations, organizations and individuals. What benefit will I receive for my contribution?  The authors of the stories that are selected for publication will be allotted a 50-word bio in which to share more information about their other publications and services.  This is an excellent opportunity for individuals to receive professional recognition and publicity. Most importantly, you’ll be helping your profession advance by gaining some additional recognition and respect for interpreters everywhere.  And, you’ll be able to point others toward a book that talks about the work you do in the words of those who know it best.  If your story is published, you’ll be able to share it with the world. Where can I get updates about the project? Visit the project blog for frequent updates and related comments, along with news items about interpreters who are making a difference. Share your story today.