Comments on: A little bit about my background

By: Jonathan GOLDBERG

Jonathan GOLDBERG — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:43:06 +0000

Would you be kind enough to add my blog to your blog list :
http://www.Le-mot-juste-en-anglais.com

You can judge for yourself the standard of the articles and the frequency of postings.

Many thanks,
Jonathan Goldberg

By: Michelle Mead-Armor

Michelle Mead-Armor — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:56:06 +0000

Martha,

Just wanted to let you know that they paid up – exactly what I asked for and quickly, too. I was very pleased – and a bit surprised.

I was gratified that, even though I hadn’t translated anything legal in several years, I wasn’t half bad at it.

All the best to all of you for a very happy and healthy New Year!

By: Martha

Martha — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:32:39 +0000

That’s depressing. Did they think that because you ran into them outside of your office it somehow wouldn’t involve work on your part? I have a friend who works as an artist (successfully; I’m sure it’s not easy!) and she said that people ask her to make them free things all the time, as if she has all day to work for free. I think you’re right that people not familiar with translation assume it’s nearly automatic. Thank you for your post! I appreciate the support.:)

By: Michelle Mead-Armor

Michelle Mead-Armor — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:21:23 +0000

Wish I could help you on that one. I did my first long, serious translation recently since I moved to Western North Carolina (18 pages of legal) for people in town who are selling their house in France. They emailed me the document, and later (when I ran into them socially) when I wouldn’t translate it on the spot, gave me a dirty look and said, “Oh, well, I guess we’ll have to pay you for this, huh?” I replied, “I don’t work for free; do you?” My ex-husband, who freelances now, but used to work for the UN, says that because of this, he never deals with individuals, only companies and agencies. Other folks don’t respect what we do. Most people have no idea how difficult translation is, and what it takes. Good luck! It’s always hard to get respect when you’re just starting out, especially in these times.

By: Mary W.

Mary W. — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:22:45 +0000

I have to say that as a new translator, I’ve read these ideas to keep rates standard 100 times but find it very difficult to find any work at all if I can’t show I have much experience in any field yet. Does anyone have a good strategy of how to hunt for potential jobs (besides proZ.com)? I thought working for one agency and showing them that I could complete a quality translation would be an effective way to start and yet I finished a large project for my first employer and am now questioning whether I’ll be paid a dime for it or anything I’ve done since. Other translation agencies do not seem to be interested once they find out I have limited knowledge of a trial version of a CAT tool and have only offered small and sporadic work so I’m starting to feel overwhelmed. Do you seasoned translators have any suggestions?

By: Michelle A. Mead-Armor

Michelle A. Mead-Armor — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 03:09:21 +0000

Just finished my column for the local paper, and indulging myself with some internet surfing. Found your website, and thought I’d leave you a message. Alive and well and living in Highlands, North Carolina with my two very spoiled cats, Orion and Weasie. My precious husband, John, died 15 months ago from complications following colon cancer surgery. Hope all’s well with you, and that life is treating you kindly.
Warmest wishes, Michelle Mead-Armor

By: lydiastrong

lydiastrong — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:51:04 +0000

Dear Jill,

what a great find your blog is! I have just subscribed to follow you after registering on wordpress for the first time. I am a freelance translator from London, UK and I have been procrastinating about creating a blog for years now:) Finally the need to have it outweighed my laziness and fear; now I need to fill my blog with info and posts. Was just looking around wordpress for inspiration – thank you for your informative and entertaining blog! Looking forward to new posts,

My best wishes

Lydia Strong

By: tehsin from Kuala Lumpur (malay translator)

tehsin from Kuala Lumpur (malay translator) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:28:10 +0000

Hi,

Interesting background indeed Law and Order is just so addictive…hehe…hope you could open an fb page and link your updates..easier to catch up…your blog and your blogroll are really great!

By: Jill (@bonnjill)

Jill (@bonnjill) — Thu, 19 May 2011 04:28:34 +0000

I’ve heard quotes range from $40,000-100,000. I guess it all depends on how busy you are, who your clients are (agencies vs. direct clients) and how much you charge.

By: Eldridge Reinboth

Eldridge Reinboth — Wed, 18 May 2011 15:47:15 +0000

Hi,I just discovered your blog and I have to say that I am truly enjoying it. As an aspiring translator (I’m still in school…), I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind telling me, in the average month (and I know that jobs vary but I’m trying to get a respectable figure) How much money you actually make from translating? It seems like people do really well in this business but I’m curious what a seasoned translator actually pulls in nowadays. Thank you very much and I expect to enjoy reading the rest of your blog!
+1