I get lots of questions from beginning and experienced translators about volume discounts (charging a lower per-word or hourly rate for larger projects). I actually think that after "how much should I charge?", "should I offer a volume discount" might be the second most frequently-asked question … [Read more...] about Some thoughts on volume discounts
Marketing
The importance of aiming low
...well, maybe not "low." Maybe "The importance of setting realistic expectations" is a better way to put it. Over the years, I've noticed that many translators fail to reach their long-term goals because (paradoxically) they aim too high. Typical case scenario: a translator who has been in the … [Read more...] about The importance of aiming low
Putting 40 cents a word in context
Well, it seems that something about money and income always hits people's urge to discuss! At 65 comments and counting, "How much do freelance translators earn? Is it enough?" is far and away the most-discussed post in three years of Thoughts on Translation and everyone's comments have provided me … [Read more...] about Putting 40 cents a word in context
Reader question: LinkedIn strategies
Recently I've received several questions from readers about connecting with people on LinkedIn. Most of the questions are something like this: "I receive connection requests from people I don't know at all, with no explanation of who they are or how I might know them. Is it rude/unwise to just … [Read more...] about Reader question: LinkedIn strategies
Neat product: Moo mini-cards
We all know that one of the primary rules of freelance marketing is "always have business cards with you." However, this can be harder than it sounds: first, you have to have a good location for the cards. The positive impression you're trying to create is definitely ruined if you have to rummage … [Read more...] about Neat product: Moo mini-cards