The Savvy Newcomer aims to serve newcomers to the translation and interpreting professions by publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed content on a weekly basis. We strive to provide you with the answers to the many questions you face as a new or aspiring translator or interpreter.
Starting your career as a freelance translator or interpreter is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Beyond your linguistic skills, you’re stepping into the world of independent contracting: contracts, marketing, professional development, taxes, technology, and more. It’s not always intuitive at first, but the good news is that you can build a successful business with a strong foundation. Here’s a guide from A to Z covering the essentials every new freelance translator and interpreter should know: A – Agreements Never begin work without a signed agreement. Contracts clarify deadlines, rates, payment terms, confidentiality, and expectations, and they protect both…
Read MoreManaging the Ups and Downs of Freelancing
By Jamie Hartz; reblogged from DVTA (Delaware Valley Translators Association) blog with permission from the author The choice to be a freelancer comes with a lot of fluctuation—there are slow times and busy times, and there are stressful projects and easier projects. The ups and downs that come with freelancing are aplenty—we often deal with loneliness, the stress of making all…
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In January 2015 I joined the American Translators Association for the first time and was ready to give it my all. When I logged into my online account with my shiny new member number and password, I felt like a deer in the headlights… How do I make the most of my membership? What resources are available to me? But…
Read MoreTech Talk: Software and Tools for Translators
In 2014, I made two life-changing decisions: I committed to working as a freelance translator, and I purchased a PC after years of Apple use. I bought a cheap Lenovo, and told myself that, if I wanted to make money (which I wasn’t, then), I needed to spend it. Simple enough. Then I tried opening a Microsoft Word file, only…
Read MoreNeed advice or want to share your wisdom? Join the ATA Mentoring Program!
The Mentoring Program is an ATA membership benefit. Any ATA member can apply to become a mentee; this is a valuable privilege many members don’t know they have. If there is some new skill you want to learn but don’t know how, this is a good place to come. ATA counts many talented translators and interpreters who are experts in…
Read MoreIn Defense of Working with Translation Agencies
Amidst all the chatter about rates, discounts, treatment of freelancers by agencies, etc., the commonly suggested solution seems to be to stop working for agencies and get direct clients. I, for one, have absolutely no desire to work for direct clients and wish to speak in defense of the practice of working solely for agencies. While working for direct clients…
Read MoreWhat is the Hardest Foreign Language to Learn?
By Alison Kroulek Reblogged from The Language Blog by K International with permission from the author (including the images) No matter what, learning a foreign language takes some effort. But some languages are easier than others. Which languages are the hardest for English speakers to get a grip on? This infographic, based on information provided by the Foreign Service Institute…
Read MoreSavvy Technical Translators: What do They Have that You Need?
When you come into the translation business, you usually know deep down if you have what it takes to be a technical translator. As a basic starting point, you need good technical instincts in the field you are interested in. That may come from a prior career, a course of study, a family business, or a hobby that you are…
Read MoreMultilingual holiday carols and wishes
The Savvy Newcomer team would like to wish you happy holidays in some of the languages our team members know. Thanks for interacting with us in 2015, and we look forward to staying in touch in 2016. 2015 has been a fantastic year to share with you! We’ve traversed the seas of translation and interpreting and covered as many topics…
Read MoreMy Transition from College to Professional Life: A whole new kind of juggling act
by Cynthia Eby Just a little under six months ago, on June 13 of this year, I graduated from college at Seattle Pacific University, with a major in Linguistics and Cultural Studies and a minor in Spanish. Over those months my life has changed in many ways, some of which were quite unexpected and difficult to handle. Before graduation, I…
Read MoreFinding good translators
By Kevin Lossner Partly reblogged from Translation Tribulations with permission from the author Over the past decade I’ve spent many hundreds of hours helping clients and colleagues find suitable translators to collaborate on their projects, mostly involving German and English, but occasionally venturing into other languages such as French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese or even Vietnamese and Sinhalese. Unfortunately, it can be…
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