As some of you may know, I have quite a bee in my bonnet about proper pricing and strategic positioning when it comes to freelance translation. Pricing is complicated, and I could easily dedicate an entire blog to the topic. Instead, I would like to share two tools - two different spreadsheets for calculating translation fees.
I've been inspired by all the wonderful, skills-focused CPD around lately and decided it's time for me, too, to throw my hat into the ring. Today I am really excited to let you know about my new webinar series: The Hydrated Translator. As an expert tea-maker, I decided to share my insights with my colleagues
Today I am inspired by a post by in The League of Extraordinary Translators, where a colleague asked what to say to qualified people who have never translated who have come to you for advice on how to succeed in translation. What advice to give The first part of this question is less problematic; essentially,
First off, let me give my apologies for my long absence. You can read more about my long break – my journey, my reasons, and my promise – here. It’s a full-length post, but since it's all about me, I’ve not directly promoted it. Thank you. The first post in this series was the most successful post
When I was just starting out, I fell into a lot of traps. I was taken advantage of, manipulated, ripped off and kept under the thumb. So many traps! But I am free now, and I'd like to expose some of these traps so others can tread safely. From tenders to test translations, from CV
Business travel essentials for trade shows, conferences and similar events. Get the most out of your trip!
Everyone seems to be finding new ways to make translation cheaper while at the same time promising good results. Not possible. It's time to tear apart some of the myths of "quality" in the bulk translation market and show that professional translation is most definitely not getting cheaper.
I recently became a Qualified Member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting. This has coincided with a time of great change: the existing associate category is being replaced by more specific categories. Now is a great time to upgrade to MITI or AITI, or join the ITI for the first time. Read on for an explanation of the changes, my experience of the process and Q&A with the ITI's Elizabeth Dickson.
What games do you play when translating a badly written source text? What about when proofreading a badly done translation? These are the games I play. Please share yours!
The Horrors of Proofreading continues: From full snouts, to criss-crossing the Atlantic, to chauvinistic pronoun choice: my 10 "favourite" mistakes in into English translations with the usual understanding commentary. Enjoy!
2011: A year in review, with Google Analytics of the best of the Translator's Teacup in 2011, as well as a review of some of the best posts from around the web.
Second part of a set on how to be a good, successful and happy translator. In this part, I will tell you what makes a successful translator and how you can improve. Part 3 is coming soon.
First part of a set on how to be a good, successful and happy translator. In this part, I will tell you what makes a good translator and how you can improve. Part two is coming next week.
A guide to various computer options (laptop, powerful desktop, netbook) as well as basic necessities for a translator, based on my own hardware. Also appropriate to many other industries.
After searching for my post, "The Ethics of Proofreading", on Google, I was surprised to find that someone has 'written' a very similarly titled article, entitled "Proofreading Ethics (Tips to Proofread Translation of Other Linguistics)" [sic.!].
A guide for parents containing advice to encourage their interest in languages, through some fun and less commonly known methods.
A discussion of the problem of the over-zealous proofreader and why this often backfires, whereas honesty and fairness pays. This is summarised in a set of ethical guidelines for proofreaders.