There were so many excellent comments on my last post about translation rates that I think the topic deserves another post. First, thank you to everyone who commented; I think that your insights are more valuable than what I originally wrote, because they represent the viewpoints of people in all … [Read more...] about Lowering your translation rates, continued
Marketing
Lowering your translation rates: why/why not
Lately it seems that many freelancers are considering lowering their rates because of the worldwide economic downturn. In most cases, I think that lowering your rates is an unwise business decision that devalues not only your own work, but the work of other translators as well. In addition, I really … [Read more...] about Lowering your translation rates: why/why not
Utilizing your local World Trade Center
If you're interested in expanding your international business contacts, the website of the World Trade Centers Association is an excellent resource. The World Trade Centers Association reports that it has 300 centers in 100 countries; most medium to large cities in the U.S. have a World Trade … [Read more...] about Utilizing your local World Trade Center
OT: Freelance frugality
I'm not normally one to talk about personal topics on my blog, but a few people e-mailed me about my last post, asking how the Thoughts on Translation household lives so cheaply. Given that financial management is an important part of making it as a freelancer, I thought that this question merited … [Read more...] about OT: Freelance frugality
Very part-time freelancing
Most beginning translators I talk to have similar goals for their nascent freelance businesses; they currently have a full-time job and they want to start freelancing part time, then gradually ramp up to full time freelancing as their work volume increases. Lately, I've come across a few beginning … [Read more...] about Very part-time freelancing