Description
Getting Started as a Freelance Interpreter is the essential guide for anyone looking to build a successful career as a spoken-language interpreter. Written by Corinne McKay, author of How to Succeed as a Freelance Translator (15,000 copies sold across three editions), this book walks you through everything you need to know to launch and grow your interpreting business.
As a certified French court interpreter with a Master of Conference Interpreting degree from Glendon College, Corinne shares insights from her 20+ years in the language industry. She breaks down key steps, including how to decide if interpreting is right for you, set up your business, pursue certification, find your first clients, set your rates, and improve your interpreting skills.
Strong language skills alone won’t make you a successful interpreter—business and marketing know-how are just as crucial. Many aspiring freelancers struggle to get started because they don’t know how to attract clients or run a sustainable business. Getting Started as a Freelance Interpreter helps you avoid common mistakes and build a thriving career on your own terms. Whether you’re completely new to the field or looking to transition into freelancing, this book gives you the tools and confidence to succeed.
Testimonials
“Corinne McKay is all solid advice and no hype. She’s the advisor and friend that every interpreter wishes they had, and through her invaluable books and contributions to social media, we can all benefit from her down-to-earth and always strong guidance and support. Corinne is proof that getting started as a freelance interpreter, even later in your career, is doable, and she shares step-by-step how to make it possible. In our profession, Corinne is one of the big believers that sharing her knowledge is good and that we are all stronger together – and our profession is better because of it. This book is sure to become the bible for freelance interpreters.”
-Judy Jenner, Federally certified court interpreter, author of The Entrepreneurial Linguist
“Corinne has that special knack for taking almost any subject and making it interesting while teaching you information you didn’t know you needed. Her approach is methodical so you don’t miss any good stuff, but also engaging, so you have fun too. If you are even thinking about becoming an interpreter, get this guide now — you won’t regret it!”
-Eve Bodeux, CT, author of Maintaining Your Second Language
“Through her books, blog posts, and presentations, Corinne McKay has consistently delivered practical, actionable guidance that helps language professionals thrive in an evolving industry. Her ability to break down complex topics into clear, implementable steps has made her an invaluable resource for translators and interpreters at every stage of their careers.”
-Josh Goldsmith, EU & UN-accredited conference interpreter, Geek-In-Chief, techforword
Athena Matilsky –
Beautiful writing with lots of practical advice! This step-by-step guide is a must-read for anybody curious about a career in freelance interpreting. Enjoy!
Veronika Demichelis –
This is a must-have for those curious about the interpreting profession or those getting started as an interpreter! Corinne shares practical and honest advice on taking your first steps on the interpreting journey, working on the interpreting skills, preparing for and taking interpreting certification exams, working with different types of clients, setting your rates, marketing your services and much more. The book is such a fun and easy read, and you’ll want to keep it close by and refer to it often. It is very well-structured, clear, and engaging, and it has answers to all of the most common questions freelance interpreters have when they’re starting and growing their business—plus tips on where to find more information. As a freelancer, you often have questions or encounter situations when you wish you could phone a friend who gets it. This book makes you feel like you’re having a friendly chat with a lovely colleague who sincerely wants to help, encourage, and lift you up. You’ll feel more confident, re-energized, and have a clear idea of what steps to take next.