Ask a group of translation clients whether consistency in style and terminology is important from project to project and many will say yes. Still many translation projects are performed without the benefit of a translation memory or even a simple glossary of key terms. The absence of these resources virtually ensures some variation from project […]
So your translation business has been cruising along at a good clip (e.g., 15- 20% or more above last year’s YTD numbers) and then comes a period of a week or 10 days when things slow down noticeably. What should you do? 1) Locate the contact information for that truck driving school you’ve always considered to be […]
Not all prospective translation projects happen of course. It’s not only true in the translation business, the same is true for every profession, some project pursuits are successful and others are not. When a potential project does not materialize it’s often not wasted effort. Many times a relationship forms with a client during the pursuit and […]
For translators that want to work with agencies, give them these things and you’ll gain their undying love. 1. Quick responses to emails especially when a client is involved. Project pursuits are among the highest urgencies. The difference between securing a project and not can be a matter of a few minutes. 2. Do everything you […]
Four words from a translation client that can strike fear in a project manager’s heart are: “We’re reviewing your translation.” Okay so maybe it’s five words depending on how you count contractions. Why are these words so dreaded? Well it’s not because we don’t have confidence in our translators and the processes they follow to […]
What are the costs incurred in translation services that ultimately factor into the price paid? Among the ones I can identify, listed in no particular order are: 1. The translator. A skilled linguist sits down and translates. 2. Proofreading. A second skilled linguist proofreads the translator’s work. For full TEP (translation, editing, proofreading) a third phase of […]
