Breaking up with clients--agencies or direct clients--is sometimes painful, but it's a necessary part of a thriving freelance business: if a client treats you poorly, a breakup is a must. If you're ready to move on to better-paying or more interesting work, a breakup may be in your best interest. … [Read more...] about Breaking up with a client: how and when to cut the cord
Freelance money mistakes you’re probably making…and how to fix them
I say "probably making," because these are all mistakes that I've made along the freelance path--hopefully this post will save you from repeating them! Of course, everyone is at a different stage of freelance financial management; if you answer no, no, and no to these...great. That means you can … [Read more...] about Freelance money mistakes you’re probably making…and how to fix them
How much marketing is enough?
When you're actively looking for new clients, how much marketing is enough? I hear this question frequently, from beginning and experienced translators alike: beginners need more work, while experienced translators need better work. I'll admit that I often give subjective answers, such as "Until you … [Read more...] about How much marketing is enough?
How to ask clients for feedback
Working as a freelance translator means working in a bit of a vacuum. The upside: no pointy-haired boss! The downside: no on-location colleagues off whom to bounce ideas, and very little feedback on how you're doing. If you work as an in-house translator, your work is probably reviewed by a senior … [Read more...] about How to ask clients for feedback
New online course: English to Spanish legal translation
Earlier this year, I decided to expand my usual offering of online business classes for translators (going strong since 2006!) and begin offering translation skills development courses. The inaugural course in that vein was Translation Workshop: French to English, and--thanks to the efforts of the … [Read more...] about New online course: English to Spanish legal translation