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.