2011

I've decided that 2011 is gonna be a great year for my translation business.  Without looking at prior projects I would say I've done a good 10 translations this year, 3 or 4 of which were large projects including a website.  I'm determined to double that.  This new year I have several small but very important aspects of my business to finish: 

1.  Get my business cards circulating - in the US and Europe. 

2.  To finally, finally get a professional picture of me taken to put on my website and ads. 

3.  Get to France this spring - it can only help to speak French 24/7 again for a while!

4.  Attempt to pass the ATA certification test and go to a convention.

Repeat business and clients

I think everyone would agree that doing business repeatedly for certain clients is a lot easier than going out and getting new ones.  The two projects I have going now are just that....one is kind of an ongoing project that my friend recommended me for and the other is from me contacting the client directly asking if they needed any work done. Not all my former clients needed work, I often got the response that they will contact me when they did have some, however, this one said yes, and here I am in the middle of translating a 6000 word document! I try to outdo myself when I have a repeat client.  I certainly don't want them going elsewhere.  Constant improvement is a definate must in this industry.  Of course I will continually be marketing myself and contacting and networking but it is nice to know that their are people out there very satisfied with my work!  It makes it all worth while to me!

Time management

I have had the good fortune to be working steadily for the past few weeks.  While I am very thankful and happy I am realizing that I have to learn how to manage my time more wisely.  It is difficult at times when I have to work my other job (which has odd hours).  I have started to print out the document that I am working on and bringing it to work so when I do get a little "down" time I can at least read it over again and get a good "gist" translation going.   Not wanting to call in at my job it is essential to find extra time to work on a translation. Sometimes I get up earlier in the morning.  If you have your coffee and favorite newspaper or magazine, how about the document instead?  Have an app or access to the internet on your phone to save time in case you have a question about the text or need to enquire about a particular word or phrase when not near a computer (at my job for example).  You would be surprised at how much time this saves as opposed to having to wait until you are at the nearest computer.  Little time saving tips are necessary when not yet doing translation full time and working other jobs.

Using your creative thinking and writing skills

I look at translation as an artform, the expression of one language into another.   Many times this calls for creative writing and thinking.  As we all know there are phrases and words that, when translated, sound too wordy or awkward.  This is when a translator's creativity comes into play.  Finding a way to communicate what the text says in a consice, accurate, and eloquent manner usually entails some sort of creativity from you. I'm not suggesting using flowery language or adding to the translation unnecessarily, but rather figuring out a way to satisfy your client and audience through a more creative lexicon.  Just as people have different communication levels when engaged in conversation, translators have different communication levels when writing.  Levels of eloquence are seen in both conversation and writing skills.  Eloquence is a form of creativity.  Creatively finding a way to convey a message is key in translation.

Asking for recommendations

How do you get clients to recommend you or leave a few words on your website about your work?  After asking once I really hate to ask again because I feel like I'm hounding them!

Anyone have any suggestions on how to tactfully and professionally ask and follow up with this?

Unexpected projects

I received a call yesterday from a fellow translator in France who was contacted by a gentleman for a rush project.  Not having the time to do it she in turn contacted me.  The document was several pages long - 5000+ words - and he needed it today by 1:00 Paris time.  He called me to discuss the job and I made a point of telling  him that the subject of the text was not one of my specialties (financial) and that it was a lot of work for the little bit of time that he needed it in.  He told me that he wasn't looking for it to be perfect, he was actually going to go over it himself as he was bilingual but just didn't have the time to do it.  I agreed to the project and his quote, which was under what I normally charge, but given the situation (a favor for a friend and the fact that he didn't need a technically perfect translation) I said yes, and am glad I did.

I got great feedback and I felt really good about what I handed in.  Who knows what this could lead to?  Hopefully he will hire me for future projects since he was quite satisfied with the work I did.  I thank my friend also for the opportunity.  You just never know where projects can come from.

To translate or not to translate

Ever translate a text that seemed much simpler when you looked at it than it actually turned out to be? It is essential to carefully read the document before agreeing to the project.  I transalated a project for a client and it turned out to be a lot more involved and time consuming than anticipated.  I found myself staying up until 2 or 3 in the morning just so I could meet the deadline.  I also realized that I quoted a price that was ridiculously low for the amount of time I put into it. When it was done I was very proud of what I submitted, however, I learned a valuable lesson. Ever translate a text that was too technical? This is probably a very common mistake amongst beginning translators.  Once again, read the text and really reflect on whether you have the time and knowledge to deliver great work. In my opinion a client would rather be told honestly if you can or can not do a project instead of diving into something you are unsure about and submitting semi-quality work where they might not be pleased.

Proofreading

Proofreading.  I can not emphasize the importance of having a translation proofread.  This might seem like common sense, but I have actually made this mistake (only once!) and it unfortunately caused me grief. I don't know what I was thinking.  If I recall correctly it was a case of having no one to go over my work and it was due the very next day.  After reading it over myself about five times and doing a little tweeking here and there I decided that I was pleased with it and handed it in ( I am still ashamed).....needless to say it apparently showed because the client contacted me with a few questions about my work that he found confusing. Lesson learned and never again did that happen!

Both of my parents actually proofread many of my documents. They are both very analytical and read a lot. It's nice to get each of their opinions on how something should be said.   If I know someone that is familiar with the subject of the document, I will have them look it over to verify certain aspects (my brother, for example, works in finance and proofread a project I translated on High Yield Investment Programs). 

It's just a good feeling to submit a translation knowing that your work was looked over and approved by another party.  Whether the client likes your writing style or not is another question, as it is a preference.

How to succeed as a freelance translator

This is the title of Corinne McKay's book.  She is a certified transalator with the ATA and also offers a course on line for us beginners. 

Let me tell you this book has helped me so much! Everything from the basics of the industry to self promotion and starting and organizing your own business is covered.  There are tips on writing resumés and cover letters, marketing, invoicing, following up, CAT tools and much more.  When doing marketing I often refer back to her advice and suggestions. After reading this book and incorporating many of her suggestions I feel ready to take on the translation world!  I do.  I feel more confident sending out my CV now that it looks more polished (thanks to her I rearranged mine in a manner that highlights what I should have been all along!).  I don't expect an inbox of projects overnight, but, I am sure that I am on the right track and feel much more professional!

New word learned

I came across the word ampoulé the other day.  In English it has two meanings, one of which is turgid -meaning swelling in style or language; bombastic; pompous; vainly ostentacious. A turgid way of speaking, for example.  I have never used this word in either language.  The constant learning of new words and enriching my vocabulary is just another little reason I love translation.  Finding different and concise ways to convey what the client is needing to communicate is essential in this field.

Discouraging

It is so easy to get discouraged in this field.  Someone else got "the" project, you're not getting as much business as a fellow translator, your marketing strategies don't seem to be pulling in the clients.  I am in this stage right now.  I refuse to let it get to me though!  I know that sooner or later (much sooner would be nice thank you very much!) "the" project will come along where I will be the best candidate for the job. 

I was really hoping to be able to work less at my two other jobs and have translation be a primary source of income.  Tant pis.....I will give it another year or two and if I don't feel that is worth my while I will find something else to do utilizing by language skills.  In the meantime I put my CV up on Monster.com because you just never know who will need your services. 

Find your niche

The tranlsation world can be highly competitive just like any other business.  It is essential to have specialty areas that you work in.  If you are not part of the group of legal, financial, engineering or medical translators out there, (which actually might be beneficial since there could be less competition), what is your specialty?  What do you know?  What is your passion?  Do you know a lot about fishing? cooking? sword fighting? Do you volunteer behind the scenes of a theatre or at the APL? In the competitve world of translation you must find your niche. There are definitely clients out there searching for the translator that is familiar with a not-so-common area.  This might mean fewer projects, but it could also mean bigger projects since clients will be much more apt to give them to you, as well as any related material, and hopefully continue to use you for future work (related to your specialty or not).

Professional translation associations



Certified Translator!!

Depending on where you live there is more than likely a professional translator association such as the American Translator's Association (ATA) in America or the Société française des traducteurs (SFT) in France, or the International Association of Professional Translators and Interpretors (IAPTI) which is based in Argentina. Many of these organizations also give certification exams.  Becoming a member is sometimes not cheap but worth it in my opinion.

I found these links that list translator and interpreter associations worldwide and thought it might be helpful:  Hot links for translators  or Foreignword.com.  Membership to any of these associations can prove to be a very resourceful tool for the freeelance translator/interpreter and they often offer a range of services for both clients and members such as advice, training, and basic information.  They also hold seminars and meetings which provide the opportunity to meet others in your field - a great networking experience!

Do you think that agencies feel that it is advantageous to be a "certified" translator?  Personally I think it helps but I don't deem it essential.   The topic of certification is controversial.  I have a degree in French translation but I am not a "certified" translator so to speak.  I have come across clients that want a "certified" translator and then those that do not specify.  Would a "certified" translator get the project before one that was not?  The ATA gives certification exams. I am a member and have even went as far as buying a "practice" exam to assess my translation abilities (they mail it back to you with your mistakes), and to get a feel for the real exam when, and if I decide to take it.  I am still on the fence about this subject but will probably eventually get certified,

If it sounds too good to be true it probably is!

The other day I received an email inquiring about my translation services and to please send my rate per word.  All seemed fine. I sent my rate and asked to see the document in order to give a proper quote.  The sender got back to me and was in agreement with my rate, but then proceded to ask me to sign a contract but did not send me a copy of the document.  I responded asking them once again to send me the document, even a portion of it, to get an idea of the subject matter and so forth and reiterated that I would not sign a contract without seeing it.  The email I received in response went on to explain how they were a reputable agency, that the document was some 1 million words (a little odd), and that I would be given a period of 6 months to complete the translation.  Scrolling down to the bottom of the page, expecting a copy of the document, I found nothing.  Needless to say I wrote back explaining that I can not do business with them. Naturally I have not heard back.

This is amazing to me! This email was certainly cause to be on alert. First, the1 million words was a bit fishy and secondly it is definately a red flag when, even after asking twice, they refused to send a copy or even part of the document and I was still asked to sign a contract. 

If it sounds too good to be true it probably is!

Keeping up my language skills

Obviously living in the U.S. doesn't call for speaking French on an everyday basis.  All around me is English.....this is one thing that I really miss about living in France....hearing it daily, 24/7.  With this said it is even more important for me to keep up with my language skills.  As with any language that you don't speak on a regular basis you tend to lose it. You're not as fluid as before, and you might even lose some vocabulary.

To avoid this problem, besides the not-as-often-as-I-would-like trips to France (I work for an airline so this is semi-easy to do), I read novels in French.  I found a wonderful bookstore in Manhattan that sells untranslated literature -the livres de poche that you find in the bookstores in France.  I also try to buy magazines in French or Le Monde when I can. I also try to watch Scola TV which broadcasts news directly from the foreign countries. If I'm lucky I get to talk to a French speaking passengers at the airport or my great French aunt.  There are also groups out there that get together and talk in your language.  Join in! 

Keeping up with your language skills is essential, especially for the translator that doesn't live where their source language(s) is/are spoken. 

Getting motivated

So I'm trying very hard to contact at least 5-6 translation agencies a day. Sometimes this number is less  but my daily goal is at least 5 total.  I have a sort of cover letter (in both French and English) that I have prepared and send out via email. For some reason, however, I find that this task is easier said than done.  This is not a difficult or challenging thing to do, I copy and paste the letter into the body of my email and send my CV in an attachment (usually PDF), it only takes a total of 3 minutes for each contact I make.  A total of 15 minutes a day if I want to get all 5 done.  Amazingly, these 15 minutes are hard to find for me!  I don't know why.  I have a tendancy to put it off until later.  Why?  Maybe because this is the part of the business I like least....maybe because I usually only hear back from one or two agencies and start feeling like it's all usless...or maybe I'm just lazy sometimes. 

Making these contacts is such a necessary and important part of the translation business.  Keep a record of who you did contact and if they responded to you.  You might be surprised by how many responses you do get back and how much work can come from it.  You never know.  That agency that you contacted a year ago might finally have a great project that fits into your specializations and they give it to you!! 

For me getting motivated is one of the hardest things to do, especially when things are slower than usual.  The slower times are the best times to do some contacting since you have a little more time on your hands.  During the slow periods maybe strive for 7 contacts a day.  There is definately enough translation work to go around but no one will know of your services if you don't promote them.

Volunteer translations

So you want to be a translator do you?!  As with any job, however, you usually need some kind of experience.  For translators this experience can very well come from, (and often does) doing volunteer translations.  You can translate for non-profit organizations, free newsletters, newspapers, etc....the list goes on.  There is always a need for volunteer translators.  I did several translations for both Ashoka (a global assocation of entrepreneurs) and IAI  (International Alliance of Inhabitants), both very reputable organizations, when I started my career and let me tell you it helped enormously!!  Not only do you get a feel for the subjects you like to work in, which eventually can become specializations, but you can assess how you work and where you need to improve before you dive into paid work.  I'm not insinuating at all that volunteer work is any less important, however, with a paid client the stakes do tend to be a little higher.

Today I still do the occasional volunteer translation when I have the time.  Not only does it keep me on my toes but I also know that I am doing a good deed for someone who needs my help.

Inaccurate translations

Ever see a bad translation? Be it on the label of a new purse or on the internet? Being a translator really opens my eyes and makes me realize the importance of not only proper spelling but having a good, solid understanding of your maternal language and its grammar. Sometimes I would love to see the original text of something I have read in English (supposing it was from French), just to see what the translator had to work with. I hate to say it but there have been times where I have seen translations and can't imagine it having been edited by a proofreader. If it was, the editor needs a new job!

Of course we are only human and everyone overlooks things from time to time, translators and editors alike. Everyone makes mistakes. However, for someone who has always been an overall good speller, being a translator has really forced me to become extra particular when sending emails (even to my family) for example.

And then there is the meaning you are trying to convey. Ever read something in your native language that just doesn't sound right or is ambiguous? This is the main reason I love translating. I love having to rack my brain at times to figure out how something would be said logically while still keeping the message of the source text. To me this is fun! Though it can be frustrating at times - especially when working on a text that is not really in your comfort zone, which we all do from time to time.

I really do love my job!

*For those of you who commented on this post on my old blog on my website I thank you!  Just giving my old blog a facelift!

That fourth revision is important

Go over it again a fourth time. Come back after a break and read it again. Send it to your parents to read it. The more times you revise and the more people you have read it the better it will be!

That extra minute or that extra verification is key and you will be happy you did!!

Details, details.....

If there is one thing that being a translator has taught me, it is to slow down. And it has. I'm the type of person that shoots from the hip, I am spontaneous and don't always think things through. A little ADD maybe. They say most creative people are. So translating is good for me. I have to concentrate. I have to pay attention to detail. I have to SLOW DOWN. By slowing down I have realized what I need to work on as a translator. For instance, I sometimes tend to overtranslate or translate too literally (which I have been called out on). I have been really working on these two faults recently. I know I have made progress. People are happy with my work and give me more. This doesn't mean it ends here. We are always improving upon our selves and our work. Slowing down really gives us the occasion to look at what we do, see where we can make improvements, and lets us produce quality work. I will never give up my spontanaeity, I will always be somewhat impulsive...the challenge is to not let that influence or become part of my work.

Your website

Your website is one of your most important marketing tools you have to promote your business. Updating it and "revamping" it are essential to keep clients and entice new ones. I have had several friends in France look at my site and give me their suggestions...."it would be more elegant to say this.." "in France you would say this more so than this...", "cela cloche un peu...." all these suggestions I think about. I usually do make some changes if I agree that they will improve my all round reputation and I keep what I originally want to say. It can't hurt that's for sure!

Especially if your website was not necessarily done by a professional company. It is crucial that you pay more attention to the vocabulary you use.....is it more "franglais" then proper french? With a website, as with translating, it is of the utmost importance to remember who your audience is and who is going to be "surfing" the web looking for a translator.

A website needs to catch the eye. Play on words a little. Throw in a pun or two. I'm a big believer in showing your personality a little (not too much) also. Business and marketing are always evolving - so should us translators (any small business owners really). If we don't move forward with the times or keep our business stategies and marketing tools consistant, up to date, and of the best quality, we will be left behind.

Not a career yet........

For a while I've been thinking that this translation thing has been a failure. Well, maybe not a failure, but not going as well as I would like it to, but then a thought came to me the other day. Even though I'm not making a fortune from translation and it's not yet a career it is definately getting me out of debt!! For this I am thankful. AND I enjoy doing it! My ability to speak French has not been wasted!

Perseverence is the key!