Getting started as a freelance translator
In an ever-globalised world, the choice of becoming a freelance translator seems attractive to many. Although not without its downsides, there are many reasons why people choose this career, for example to have greater control over their earnings and professional progression. Just like other professions, before you start sending out CVs, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure you get off to a great start and make a good, professional first impression.
1. Skills check
Do you have a professional working level in another language? If not, how can you get there and have your level certified? Are you a good writer in your native language (the language into which you will translate)? Have you ever translated anything in the past?
Answering these questions will give you the first steps you have to follow before engaging in any professional translation projects. Which brings me to my next step...
2. Training
Assuming you already have a professional working level of another foreign language and sound knowledge and writing skills in your native language, your next step should be to get some kind of translation training. This need not necessarily be a university degree in translation, although there are many on offer at universities worldwide. It can be through a mentoring programme or self-study. Some associations offer to organise mentorships between experienced translators and serious candidates. Otherwise, there is a wealth of literature available in many different languages on translation theory and practise. I will include a list of recommended reading below. It is worth noting that ISO 17100 standard has established that translation professionals should have one of the following :
- Diploma in translation/interpretation after completing a bachelor’s degree
- Recognised university degree
- University degree in a language or related field with at least two years of dedicated experience in translation work
- At least five years of professional, full-time experience as a professional translator
3. Requirements in your country and specialisation
Minimum requirements to work as a freelance translator can vary from country to country and from specialisation to specialisation. For example, in the UK there are no specific requirements to work and provide services as a freelance translator in most fields; you just need to register as self-employed. There is a nuance in that in order to legally certify official translations you must have member grade of either the Chartered Institute of Linguists or the Institute of Translators and Interpreters. In Spain, there are also no formal requirements in order to be a freelance translator, however to be able to legally certify official translations you must have sat the official exam organised by the Spanish government, have passed and have been named a Traductor Jurado, or Sworn Translator. The requirements vary from country to country and specialisation to specialisation, so be sure to check what you need to do where you live to translate the kinds of documents you want to translate.
4. Join or follow translator associations
Wherever you live, there is likely to be a translator association nearby. These translator associations are not only useful for showing off that you're part of a group, they're essential for networking, training and gaining reliable contacts. As previously mentioned, some associations also run mentorship programmes for new translators. There are even translator associations for specific specialisations and some associations have different divisions for these purposes. For example, if you are a literary translator and you translate into English, it might be useful to join the Society of Authors as an emerging author or student member. Associations are a great place to meet other, more experienced translators and to learn about the profession; many associations hold conferences, courses and social meet-ups which are all very helpful to the new translator.
5. Advertise and get translating!
Once you have informed yourself about the different requirements, checked you have the skills required to offer a professional standard of work to your future clients and completed the appropriate training, you can then start to look for clients. Getting your first clients is no easy feat and you may find that, to get things off the ground, you have to advertise through translation and freelancer platforms.
There are some advantages to this approach, but the main one is that it is easy to have direct contact with potential clients this way. On many platforms, you can search for projects requiring your skills and bid on them. The downside to these platforms is, invariably, the rates offered are very low. You can consult professional rates and how to charge in many translator forums and information of this kind is available on the websites of different associations, so be sure to check what a fair price is before you make your offer. Another great way to find clients, in my opinion, is to network and you can do this by joining associations, going to conferences and events, and getting to know your fellow translators.
The best way, however, is to make sure potential clients find you. As is the case with most issues, the best way is the most difficult. Having a presence online takes ongoing work, time and money, but in the long term, it yields greater results. Whether you work on this presence by yourself, hire someone to design a website or pay an SEO consultant to improve your website and its content, or all of the above, this approach often attracts more and higher-paying clients, because it connects those who need your services to you. It also gives a great first impression.
Breaking into any career isn't easy and the translation industry does pose its challenges, but if you follow these steps, you could be on your way to building a long and successful career as a translator. There is not only one way to become a translator and many translators have built their careers by following different paths, this is just how I did it.
Are you a translator? How did you get started? Let me know!
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