| Pages in topic: [1 2] > | Poll: If I could write a chapter in a book on "How to Be a Successful Translator", it would be on: Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "If I could write a chapter in a book on "How to Be a Successful Translator", it would be on:".
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| | | | | Client training? | Nov 15, 2010 |
I imagine that would strike a chord with readers who are translators.
| | | | | | jacana54 (X) 
Uruguay
English to Spanish
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| I'd like to read the book | Nov 15, 2010 |
when the rest of you have finished writing!!!
I'm still not sure of the perfect recipe and have to work on it every day.
Have a great week.
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First, I would never write a book about any of the things listed, I still learn so many things from colleagues even here on forums, so I would not even try to "teach", but I may write a short introduction... the challenge of being a freelance translator and how much you must love this job to avoid frustration!!!
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Success in my opinion is first and foremost self satisfaction. Therefore, in order to be a successful something one just has to LOVE his chosen profession.
| | | | John Cutler
Spain
Local time: 18:03
Spanish to English
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I'm not an expert on the subject, but I'd write about money matters.
I'd comment on how to balance income between "fat cow" months and "thin cow" months, establishing a retirement fund, savings account, money set aside for holidays, emergencies, etc. It's all part of being self-employed, and is especially important if a family is involved.
| | | | Fabio Said
Germany
Local time: 18:03
German to Portuguese
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| Writing books for translators x writing books for translation clients | Nov 15, 2010 |
It's interesting that most books about the business of translation are focused on the translators. Examples: Judy & Dagmar Jenner's, Corinne McKay's, Chris Durban's (*) and my own book. But I think the bigger challenge would be writing with a focus on the client. The challenge, of course, arises from the fact that translation clients (not only direct clients, but also agencies) do not care about learning how translators work. They just want the job done - and done well! But the more you stay in ... See more It's interesting that most books about the business of translation are focused on the translators. Examples: Judy & Dagmar Jenner's, Corinne McKay's, Chris Durban's (*) and my own book. But I think the bigger challenge would be writing with a focus on the client. The challenge, of course, arises from the fact that translation clients (not only direct clients, but also agencies) do not care about learning how translators work. They just want the job done - and done well! But the more you stay in this business, the more you realize that clients desperately need to be educated. For instance: they need to know what a translator really does, how to best use a translator's background in a job, how to cut costs while not estranging talented professionals, and so on.
Of course, there are articles on the internet, especially here on ProZ.com and on translation blogs like my own, that deal with exactly those kinds of educational points. The information is out there for those who search for it. On the other hand, how many translation clients would buy a book about the translation business? If we could make them interested enough as to buy a book and not feel it is just sermonizing, it would be a great service for both the translation industry and the economy in general.
*) On a side note, I just wanted to share with you what Chris Durban wrote on my copy of her book during her book signing at ATA's Annual Conference in Denver. Her book "The Prosperous Translator" had just come out, and she wrote, "Down with the poverty cult!" Isn't that a great way of making translators aware that they MUST be successful entrepreneurs? ▲ Collapse
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Tatty
Local time: 18:03
Spanish to English
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I love it. I think that successful translators tend to specialise so I plumped for education.
BTW, if you work with agencies, then you don't really have to worry too much about educating clients, as that is part of their job. I also think that translators should be able to make a good/very good living working in conjunction with agencies.
[Editado a las 2010-11-15 11:27 GMT]
| | | | | Post removed: This post was hidden by a moderator or staff member for the following reason: post removed by the poster | Michael Harris
Germany
Local time: 18:03
Member (2006)
German to English
| | Writing about client education - to draw fire | Nov 15, 2010 |
I think I'd most like to write about client education and budget-planning support to them, for translation/interpretation services. I agree with John, above, though; I wouldn't write from the position of 'knows it all'. I'm happy to share what I know already, but would definitely study the reviews - and even flak - from colleagues in order to learn more, myself.
Incidentally, in our present e-world I automatically included blogging and writing articles on professional websites in... See more I think I'd most like to write about client education and budget-planning support to them, for translation/interpretation services. I agree with John, above, though; I wouldn't write from the position of 'knows it all'. I'm happy to share what I know already, but would definitely study the reviews - and even flak - from colleagues in order to learn more, myself.
Incidentally, in our present e-world I automatically included blogging and writing articles on professional websites in the core of this forum question, along with writing a book. I contributed an article on ProZ a few years ago that centered on 'payment rates for translation', but touched on client education and other translation-related topics. I received some great feedback from experienced translators that broadened my own perception of the situation, at the time, or suggested approaches that I hadn't thought of.
My regards to All! ▲ Collapse
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| Client/Public general education; disclipine and motivatio for freelancers | Nov 15, 2010 |
I agree with that one chapter, should be focused on educating not only the client but also the general public on the role of the translator. It is important that clients understand clearly what is that we do and how.
I would also include an explanation of the different services offered by the translation industry, meaning, what does a proofreader, what is the job of an editor, what is localization/globalization, what does it mean to transcreate, etc.
This should be, I... See more I agree with that one chapter, should be focused on educating not only the client but also the general public on the role of the translator. It is important that clients understand clearly what is that we do and how.
I would also include an explanation of the different services offered by the translation industry, meaning, what does a proofreader, what is the job of an editor, what is localization/globalization, what does it mean to transcreate, etc.
This should be, I believe, a critical chapter on the book. Not many people now, even professionals, know the exact difference among the above mentioned services. So we should also educate ourselves.
Another thing, would be educating professionals, agencies and clients on quality issues and how to comply with quality standards.
Finally, I would do a chapter on discipline and motivation for freelancers or entrepeneurs, two very important things if any one wishes to be sucessful in the translation business as their own boss. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Elías Sauza
Mexico
Local time: 10:03
Member (2002)
English to Spanish
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Everything mentioned is important. But what about writing about oneself as a translator? I mean with this about one's attitude, dedication and love to the profession. To me, that has been a core aspect of my translation career. I would write about that.
Elías
| | | | | More about educating the translator | Nov 15, 2010 |
I personally would write about educating the translator. It's all very well (and completely valid!) to say that clients/agencies need educating about reasonable deadlines, processes involved, extra fees, rush work, and so on, but I think there are a lot of translators who also need this education.
I've certainly been there myself - especially at the beginning of my career - and it's taken me a while to "grow out of" doing all-nighters, working for peanuts, working every weekend, sa... See more I personally would write about educating the translator. It's all very well (and completely valid!) to say that clients/agencies need educating about reasonable deadlines, processes involved, extra fees, rush work, and so on, but I think there are a lot of translators who also need this education.
I've certainly been there myself - especially at the beginning of my career - and it's taken me a while to "grow out of" doing all-nighters, working for peanuts, working every weekend, saying yes to everything for fear of losing a client, and to learn to know my limits and what is reasonable.
Many translators I've met are highly-educated, extremely intelligent people, but few of them realize the importance of the service they are providing and what it is worth to clients/agencies and to end-users down the line. We've all got stories about friends and neighbors who don't think we have "real jobs" because we often work from home - I also think there are a lot of translators who are too humble about what they do and the contribution they make to their families and to their clients' operations. I'm not sure WHY that is, but I think that we as a profession need to take more pride in our work and value the services we provide. After all, if we don't, who will?
[Edited at 2010-11-15 15:54 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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