Thoughts on Translation is back from a relaxing camping vacation in the deserts of Western Colorado. This vacation was completely unplugged; I didn't take my laptop or netbook and only turned my cell phone on once a day to check my office messages. In other words, a real vacation! I highly recommend … [Read more...] about Ethical dilemma: when services cost less than you expect
Rates
Responding to a request for quote
When you receive an "out of the blue" request for a quote from a potential translation client, what's the best next step? Is it more advantageous to call the client, e-mail them, ask for more information or send them a rate sheet...or something else entirely? The beauty of impromptu inquiries from … [Read more...] about Responding to a request for quote
Some thoughts on rush charges
Recently, the e-mail list of our local translators association erupted with posts on the topic of rush charges, and I'm assuming that the level of interest on this topic isn't restricted to translators in Colorado. I was really intrigued by the variety of ways in which people handle rush jobs; some … [Read more...] about Some thoughts on rush charges
Lowering your translation rates, continued
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
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