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New ATA e-book for Translation Newbies: Your Go-to Guide for Starting Out

August 3, 2021 | The Savvy Newcomer | 4 Comments | Business Strategies, Starting Your Career, Student Resources

So, you’re interested in starting a career in translation… chances are you have a lot of questions! You might be wondering whether you need a website or blog, how to find potential clients and market your services, what kind of hardware and software you’ll use, and how to approach your business structure and finances. These questions can be daunting. We know, because we all started out where you are right now.

Luckily, ATA’s Membership Committee has published the ATA Guide to Starting Out as a Translator, a new resource to help newbies get started by addressing these questions—and more. This free e-book, available to download in PDF format, is jam-packed with guidance and information on a variety of topics of specific interest to newcomers. Over 30 pages of content cover technology, networking, pricing your services, marketing strategies, and more. And, because we’re all word nerds, the book also includes a handy glossary and acronyms list to make sure you know all the appropriate lingo.

The e-book also features testimonials from ATA members who share how the association has helped them throughout various stages of their careers, including being student members, earning their ATA certification credential, and attending the ATA Annual Conference.

Anyone who is new to the translation profession will benefit from reading this e-book. Whether you’re currently studying translation, a recent graduate, or making a career change, this resource will help you start off on the right foot and set you up for success in this dynamic and exciting field. The intention of this e-book is not to teach you how to translate, but to help you build a strong launchpad for your new translation career.

From drafting your resume and building a website to working with agencies versus direct clients and attending professional conferences, this e-book is your guide to set you on the right course as you get started. It’s also chock-full of links to additional resources, including webinar recordings, blog and magazine articles, books, and more.

And, yes, the interpreter e-book is in the works! Stay tuned for updates on its release.

Author bios

Meghan Konkol, MA, CT is an ATA director and an ATA-certified French>English freelance translator specializing in international development, marketing and communications, and human resources. She received her MA in French>English translation from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2010. She serves as chair of ATA’s Membership Committee, and also serves as the coordinator of ATA’s School Outreach Program. meghan@fr-en.com

Ben Karl, MBA, CT is a French and Mandarin to English translator and copywriter based in Los Angeles who specializes in commercial, financial, and marketing texts for the US and Canadian markets. Ben is ATA certified for French, serves on the ATA Membership Committee, and chairs the Translatio Standing Committee of the International Federation of Translators (FIT). www.bktranslation.com

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4 Comments

  1. Sara Sogoba on November 3, 2021 at 4:06 pm

    Thank you for this information. I grew up in Mali, West Africa and did my schooling in French. I’ve been in the U.S for about 13 years now. I have a Masters degree in TESOL and Business Admiration.

    If I want to get ATA certification what do I do? I’m interesting in French>English. I don’t need to take classes. Can I register to become a member and get ready for the test? I’m interested in starting a translation business. Thank you for your advice.

    Reply
  2. Helen Eby on December 8, 2021 at 12:43 am

    Dear Sara, I am so glad you are excited about translation! I would recommend that you join ATA and then join the French language division. The ATA certification exam pass rate shows that translational action (the action of taking a message from one language to the other accurately) is a skill that not all bilingual people have. The French Language Division would be a good place to discuss how to prepare for the ATA exam and improve your skills as a professional. We look forward to hearing how you do!

    Reply
  3. Lourdes Triana on October 5, 2023 at 6:44 pm

    How do I get the e-book for Newbies? Could not find a way from the website. Sorry
    Lourdes Triana

    gbnp.biol@gmail.com
    707-502-4983
    850 Bayview Street, Arcata CA 95521 EEUU

    Reply
  4. Anne Degnore on March 6, 2025 at 3:17 pm

    Good afternoon,

    Wondering where I can find the e-book for Newbies, same question as Lourdes Triana.

    Thank you,
    Anne

    Reply

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