In the present paper we advance the concept of prototypical version, which we apply in some cases to the self-translated text that acts as a source (text) for rendering the original text into other languages, in lieu of the original text proper (written in a first language). We think that the author who translates himself frequently deems the self-translated text to be a version of higher rank, since he has introduced into it relevant aesthetic modifications or else has resolved in it linguistic and cultural problems with a view to facilitating the task of other translators. The concept of prototypical version is hereby illustrated through numerous examples belonging to several cultural domains.