What does one need when starting work?
Thread poster: LottaJ
LottaJ
LottaJ
United Kingdom
Local time: 13:49
English to Finnish
Aug 16, 2007

Hello

I am wanting to start freelancing but find it somehow difficult to plan and do not know where to start. What does one need to have before starting advertising and contacting client? I guess I should have a CAT tool of some sort, dictionaries, have registered as self-employed, but what else? Am I forgetting something essential?

Lotta


 
Jande
Jande  Identity Verified
Australia
Local time: 00:49
Danish to English
+ ...
Try some test translations first Aug 17, 2007

You should do some test translations first e.g. for a community group or church, translate your CV etc. Then you'll know what you'll need to start.

You can then use the translations as examples of previous translation experience.

[Edited at 2007-08-17 02:37]


 
Aniza Borhan
Aniza Borhan  Identity Verified
Malaysia
Local time: 21:49
Member (2007)
English to Malay
+ ...
Try registering at various localization sites Aug 17, 2007

Hi,

I'm new too. This advice was given by many. Other than here, you can also post your resume at various agencies on the web. Get registered into their database.

You'll never know when they will call you. Based on my own, it'll be like a few months before they do, but keep posting and scout around.

Hope this bit helps.


 
Hilde Granlund
Hilde Granlund  Identity Verified
Norway
Local time: 14:49
English to Norwegian
+ ...
What I did... Aug 17, 2007

After registering here at proZ, I put in a quote for a very small job, and said I'll do it for free if you will give me positive feedback in my profie - provided you are satisfied with the translation.
I think it also helps to be active in helping others - answer JudoZ questions in your language pair.
At least that will probably be a good thing when it is your turn to be stuck and need their help.
Good luck!


 
wonita (X)
wonita (X)
China
Local time: 10:49
Liability insurance for translator Aug 18, 2007

Lotta Jansson wrote:

Hello

I am wanting to start freelancing but find it somehow difficult to plan and do not know where to start. What does one need to have before starting advertising and contacting client? I guess I should have a CAT tool of some sort, dictionaries, have registered as self-employed, but what else? Am I forgetting something essential?

Lotta


I concluded a liability insurance for translator before I started, though I have never needed it.


 
zsuzsa369 (X)
zsuzsa369 (X)
Local time: 13:49
English to Hungarian
+ ...
A few more things... Aug 19, 2007

Don't forget to check if your PC has full language support for your target language(s), eg. special characters, spelling/grammar check, hyphenation, thesaurus, etc. A good electronic dictionary is also recommended as it can save a lot of time over paper dictionaries.

Good luck!


 
ANA IVETTE DE BURGOS
ANA IVETTE DE BURGOS
El Salvador
Local time: 07:49
English to Spanish
+ ...
set your fees Aug 20, 2007

do a little marketing research to see what others are charging in your area. think whether you will give any discounts for large volume of work.

How much work can you take, do not be too optimistic about this, remember that there is always the chance of a delay so take that into consideration when making a quotation.


 
Ayob Salleh
Ayob Salleh  Identity Verified
Local time: 21:49
English to Malay
What does one need when starting work? Sep 26, 2007

Different people have different way -
Mine
1. Develop a translation prosess - basically what would you do when you received enquiry from client, what are the procedure for before translation, during translation and after translation, what is your quality policy
Prepare a script -

2. What do you intend to specialise - find out whether there is glossary, previous translation available
3. Market your service eg. proz, word of mouth,
4. Market intelligen
... See more
Different people have different way -
Mine
1. Develop a translation prosess - basically what would you do when you received enquiry from client, what are the procedure for before translation, during translation and after translation, what is your quality policy
Prepare a script -

2. What do you intend to specialise - find out whether there is glossary, previous translation available
3. Market your service eg. proz, word of mouth,
4. Market intelligent - find out what other translator charge and what customer are willing to pay - and are you willing to accept counter offer - how low can you go
5. Research on translation agency eg the internet - what is their requirement- do they want you to have CAT, which CAT, payment policy, their specialty - can you meet their requirement e.g
6. Prepare resume - be prepare to show sample
Collapse


 


To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator:


You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request »

What does one need when starting work?







CafeTran Espresso
You've never met a CAT tool this clever!

Translate faster & easier, using a sophisticated CAT tool built by a translator / developer. Accept jobs from clients who use Trados, MemoQ, Wordfast & major CAT tools. Download and start using CafeTran Espresso -- for free

Buy now! »
Anycount & Translation Office 3000
Translation Office 3000

Translation Office 3000 is an advanced accounting tool for freelance translators and small agencies. TO3000 easily and seamlessly integrates with the business life of professional freelance translators.

More info »