The concept of online job boards is great. Clients who need a translator (writer, graphic designer, etc.) can post their project and get a bunch of bids, then pick the person they like best. Translators (etc.) can connect with pre-sold clients: clients who already know what they need and are ready … [Read more...] about Reverse-auction job boards: is there a better way?
Freelancing
“I get too much work from one client”: problem?
"I get too much work from one client. Should I be worried?" This is a question I often hear from freelancers, especially those who work for agencies. Is a client that/who provides 50%, 60%, or even 80% of your income a problem? On the one hand, someone with a full-time salaried job earns 100% of … [Read more...] about “I get too much work from one client”: problem?
Reader asks: “Is this whole freelance thing worth it?”
"Is this whole freelance thing worth it?" It's a somewhat pessimistic question, but one that I hear with some frequency from readers and students. Corollaries include "I worry about machine translation putting us out of business." "I'm 57 and only plan on working for another 8-10 years." "I'm … [Read more...] about Reader asks: “Is this whole freelance thing worth it?”
Six things every beginning translator needs to know
Last week's ATA conference reminded me how very intimidating and scary one's first few years as a freelancer can be. What's stressful? Basically everything. Everything you write or say to a client or a potential client; every translation you proofread and re-proof and re-proof, worrying that there's … [Read more...] about Six things every beginning translator needs to know
How to fire a client
Numerous students have asked me: "I motivate myself to work on marketing by looking at my bottom-rung client, and thinking that I wouldn't have to work for them anymore if I brought in a better client to replace them. But once that happens, how do I actually fire the bottom-rung client?" Definitely … [Read more...] about How to fire a client