Finding a decent translation provider is not an easy task. The number of questions you have to ask yourself: Is it expensive? What does the
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The Potential Benefits of a Standard File Format for Video Game Localization
For translators, game localization comes in all flavors. All developers seem to have their own way to present strings they need us to translate. While
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Translator Training: Getting Real
Translator training is a moving target. Working professionals regularly step up to give my students a clearer picture of what’s ahead. Over the last 20
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11 tips for new freelance translators on the hunt for their first assignments
A while ago a new colleague on a translators’ forum asked for advice on how to secure those all-important first assignments and set up shop
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Translator’s Guide to Contacting Translation Agencies by Email
Download this free guide — to help translators use email more effectively in the course of contacting translation agencies by email to seek project work.
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How do you get from a language degree to being a professional translator?
Here is an extract from an email I received recently: “I am in the final term of my undergraduate degree in Hispanic Studies. I’ve developed
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Becoming a Legal Translator
Unless you have studied Law, it is rather tricky to know how to specialise in legal translation, let alone find relevant high-calibre training. Fortunately, Roehampton
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Translator’s block: tips to get your translation juices flowing again
A translator’s journey to creativity – It’s not exactly writer’s block, yet we all suffer from it one day or another. Somehow, none of the
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Tips for setting your translation rates, for professional translators.
One of the first difficulties that a professional translator has to face is deciding their rates. Personally, I started researching what the current market rates
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Cost Components in Translation Agency Services
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
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10 Simple Rules Every Translator Should Live By
For my first blog post of 2015 I decided to start with something motivational. Something that can inspire.. And here comes the very
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Managing projects: tips for freelance translators
When you decide to be a freelance translator it is probably because you feel that you translate well, you have a good language knowledge and
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How to translate images with Paint.NET
One smart person once said that “a picture is worth a thousand words”. As a translator, I can say that this was an exaggeration. I
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Three Lessons: Humility, Collaboration, Perseverance.
All three – in that order – hold the key to becoming a world-class translator. An interviewer, who was also a writer, once asked me
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Why Translators And Interpreters Compare Themselves To Doctors And Lawyers
A professional translator and interpreter should be seen in the same way as any professional in the medical or legal profession, because ultimately all three
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8 Skills You Must Have to Succeed as a Freelance Translator And How to Get Them
Necessary skills to succeed as a freelance translator and how to improve them. Having been a freelance translator for over 10 years, I can definitely
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Mastering without a Master’s – Part 1
2 part-article. When I came to the end of my undergraduate language degree, I came very close to studying for a Master’s degree in translation,
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5 Excuses Translation Agencies Use When They Do Not Assign Their Project To You!
During my seven years of experience as a freelance translator, I have collaborated with countless agencies around the world, I have e-met fantastic people and
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Thinking About Taking a State Court Interpreter Exam? Here are my Top Recommendations
Last week I had a wonderful lunch with a talented young woman who is interested in becoming a court interpreter. I learned about her background,
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Translator Resources (English)
An extensive list of translator resources for those who enjoy acquiring new skills. Webinars, MOOCS, websites, blogs, books and more. Mainly English.
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Transcription: Everything you need to know
Transcription, as used in the literary community, refers to the process of turning an audio file into a written one. The audio file may contain
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Business School for Translators
Are you a translator or an entrepreneur? 5 ½ lessons of the Business School for Translators course will put you on the right track to
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Translation (style) guides – guides to nowhere
In the translation industry, it is common practice for the clients to issue style guides that aim to provide a translator with specific instructions to
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Resources for Translators
If you enjoy this blog, you might also enjoy… My online courses Getting Started as a Freelance Translator: for beginning translators who want to launch
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Navigating Translator Training
University translator training programs struggle to keep pace with technology while striking the right balance between new and traditional course content.
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How to survive in the world where everybody tells you to become an expert translator?
Do you want to survive in the world where everyone is telling you to become an expert translator? This article provides thorough grounding in the
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Translator scams and how to protect yourself from them
Freelance translators should think of themselves as business people. As such, they should pay serious attention to risk management, including the actions needed to minimize
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