Clear and Simple Media is pleased to announce that the Spanish translation of the Travel Guide to the Bible has entered the field-testing phase. 

“Field-testing,” as the word implies, means to test something under the actual conditions in which it will be used. Although that does involve proof-reading and translation editing, it is a bit more involved than that. For this Spanish translation, the text will go through several steps before we release the book for distribution.

First, the text came under review by a native speaker for a preliminary reading. Then we sent the book to our designer to produce a cover design and a set of “galley proofs” of the layout. Because we use a just-in-time printer, we then did a small print run and now have multiple copies of the book in hand.  

Next, we will send these copies to our first readers. After we receive their preliminary feedback, we will send copies to readers in Spanish-speaking countries throughout the world. Each reader will be asked to assess the translation and design for use in their ministry context. In this instance, we will be sending the draft to readers in North, Central, South America, and Spain for evaluation. 

Our goal is to solicit feedback from people who will use the book in both rural and urban contexts. When we have collected their responses, we make the needed adjustments, modify the design (where necessary), and send the book off to the printer for an initial print run. 

We are very happy to have the first proof copies in our hands. But there is still a great deal of work to be done. Please continue to pray that God will use the book to encourage many people to read and understand the Bible – and come to love the Savior of whom the Bible speaks.