TRANSLATORS' TIPS

Have a tip to share? Share with us

TRANSLATORS TIPS
Sort By

  • Tomedes

    35% of Swahili vocabulary comes from Arabic

    2021 year(s) ago

  • Gordon t

    Look at your To Do List every evening to help you prepare for the following day. It makes a surprising difference!

    5 day(s) ago

  • Anna t

    If you're unsure about a particular phrase, step away from it and return to it later. That's better than going over it repeatedly until it loses all meaning!

    12 day(s) ago

  • Pietr s

    'That will do' is not good enough - all of your translations should be perfect, always!

    19 day(s) ago

  • Samantha parsons

    Don't translate when you're overly tired, as you're a lot more likely to make mistakes

    26 day(s) ago

  • Ana

    I find that reading contemporary fiction in my second language is a great way to keep up with how language is changing over time while also enjoying the fun of reading!

    33 day(s) ago

  • Zolt d

    Keep your working life interesting by mixing up where you get your translation clients and which online groups you engage with for professional support/companionship

    40 day(s) ago

  • Sandra

    If you're juggling things like lockdown and home-schooling, be open with your clients about it. Many will be in the same boat and will be extra understanding as a result.

    47 day(s) ago

  • Mary

    Don't leave your translations to the last minute - you won't have time to complete them if something crops up that delays your work!

    54 day(s) ago

  • Cara

    Mix up your working days with a variety of tasks to keep things interesting. Each day being the same can end up sapping your motivation. My preference is to throw in some learning activities to keep my language skills fresh and break up my workload a bit.

    61 day(s) ago

  • Clare

    Work to live, don't live to work. If your job is consuming every waking moment, take a step back and make some changes. You'll find that you enjoy the work more as a result.

    76 day(s) ago

  • Melanie king

    I like to keep up with the English language as it develops by reading the quarterly OED updates. They're fascinating and really capture the way that the language and the way that we use it are changing

    82 day(s) ago

  • Zara

    Have a dedicated workspace at home, even if you don't have room for a home office. I find it helps to separate my working time from my family time. It helps to make that mental distinction between the two.

    89 day(s) ago

  • Lola

    Don't work yourself into the ground. Take regular breaks and your levels of productivity and motivation should both benefit

    96 day(s) ago

  • Zara

    Always be sure you understand the client brief fully. A lack of clarity can end up costing you a great deal of time and emotional energy!

    103 day(s) ago

  • Freddy

    How often do you review or try out different translation memory tools? Finding the right one has helped me to translate so much faster - it's well worth putting some time into tracking down your perfect match

    110 day(s) ago

  • Claudia

    Always remember your worth - don't drop your rates just because a client asks you to!

    117 day(s) ago

  • Sarah

    Never rely on a single source of income when you translate as a freelancer. The more clients you have, the less at risk your income is!

    124 day(s) ago

  • Sami

    Prepare for you holidays WAY in advance when you translate freelance, so that you can get a decent break when the time comes

    131 day(s) ago

  • Claire p

    Always give yourself daily and weekly goals. I find that doing so helps to keep me motivated, which is really important when you work mostly on your own.

    138 day(s) ago

  • Vishna

    Have a website about your translation service and update your blog regularly to show that you know your stuff!

    145 day(s) ago

  • Karl

    You don't have to have just one career. If you can translate well, you can probably also proofread and edit. I like to take on a mix of all three, to keep my working life interesting.

    152 day(s) ago

  • Sharron

    Freelancers need breaks just as much as employees. Be kind to yourself when you're your own boss. Your work will improve as a result of you being well rested.

    159 day(s) ago

  • Demelsa

    Keep your tech skills up to date as well as your language skills for maximum success!

    166 day(s) ago

  • Ben

    Find your own working patterns - it doesn't matter what works for others, it's what works for you that counts!

    173 day(s) ago

  • Emmie

    I use a step counter to make sure I get enough exercise, even when I'm working on a huge translation project. I find it helps me be more productive and have a clearer mind to exercise regularly, plus it helps de-stress me.

    180 day(s) ago

  • Rachel

    If you're feeling overwhelmed and you have too much work on, step outside and breathe. A quick walk in the fresh air can do wonders for my productivity levels and help me tackle my work with a clearer head.

    187 day(s) ago

  • Mike

    Stay one step ahead by keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date, sharing relevant translation articles and posting regularly. Then, when you need work, potential clients should be familiar with your expertise already.

    194 day(s) ago

  • Annabel

    Make the most of the summer sunshine by scheduling your work around fun activities. After all, isn't that a big part of why being a freelance translator is such a great career choice?

    201 day(s) ago

  • Marisa

    Learning a specialist area of translation is a great way to keep your interest in the profession alive. It can help with getting more clients too!

    208 day(s) ago

  • Francis hilton

    Don't rely on just one client or one type of work these days - variety is key to survival!

    215 day(s) ago

  • Clarissa

    Did you get into translation through experience and without professional qualifications? If so, would it help to add those skills to your portfolio now? Personally, I found doing so to be a really valuable experience

    222 day(s) ago

  • Karolyn

    Remember to focus on improving your non-translation skills as well as your translation skills. There are plenty of courses online on topics like customer service that can help translators to grow and develop.

    231 day(s) ago

  • Janet

    Keep your work varied to keep it interesting

    236 day(s) ago

  • Viola

    Make sure you keep up with industry trends so that your translation services are always in demand.

    243 day(s) ago

  • Kiara

    You might be used to working from home, but are your clients? Be aware that they may be struggling in certain ways - and you can be there to help them!

    250 day(s) ago

  • Kris

    Distractions are all around us. We might not be able to change the distractions but we can alter how we respond to them.

    257 day(s) ago

  • Faisil

    When did you last learn something new? There's always an excuse to put off learning. Why not find a reason to make it a priority instead?

    264 day(s) ago

  • Demelsa

    Can't attend a translation conference in person due to lockdown? Then why not seek out one online? There are plenty of excellent virtual events to attend

    271 day(s) ago

  • Zacky

    Being organised is the key to effective remote working when you translate for a living - as well as language skills, of course!

    278 day(s) ago

  • Harry s

    Work/life balance is more important than ever during lockdown. Try to carve out some time for yourself every day

    285 day(s) ago

  • Bryan

    Are you still social distancing? Take this time to expand your vocabulary and take the time to learn terminologies in a specialized field.

    286 day(s) ago

  • Samantha khan

    Don't let the COVID-19 pandemic grind you down. Translate, learn and remember that the situation won't last forever

    292 day(s) ago

  • Carrie-ann

    If you can, work for multiple clients to spread your income and your risk.

    299 day(s) ago

  • Lucy

    Working from home and educating your kids too during the lockdown? Give yourself a break from time to time - you might not feel you can fit it in, but you'll feel so much better for it that your productivity levels will soar!

    306 day(s) ago

  • Winnie

    You are never too old to learn something new, whether that means sharpening your translation skills or learning a new language entirely to keep your mind alert and youthful!

    313 day(s) ago

  • Scotty

    Until the world gets back to normal, just do what you can in terms of managing work and other responsibilities!

    320 day(s) ago

  • Mairie

    Stuck at home due to coronavirus? Try to see it as a chance to focus on your translation career and professional development!

    327 day(s) ago

  • Hakim

    Remember that we are all only human. Sometimes that means you reach your limits. Give yourself kindness and understanding during times of work pressure.

    334 day(s) ago

  • Luis

    If you're juggling work and childcare at the moment thanks to the coronavirus, make sure that you don't burn out. Remember that many others are in the same boat and you don't have to do it all!

    341 day(s) ago

  • Kirsten

    Don't present your clients with problems if something goes wrong, present them with solutions. They'll appreciate your efforts far more!

    348 day(s) ago

  • Claire rollings

    Keep your interest in the languages you speak in whatever way works for you - make sure that translation remains the career that you love over the years

    355 day(s) ago

  • Phil s

    Always review a document thoroughly before you quote to translate it. Offering a price without understanding the job fully is a recipe for disaster!

    362 day(s) ago

  • Chloe

    Don't panic if you take too much work on - it won't help! Stay calm and you will be able to find a way to deal with it all.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Johnny evans

    Be sure to build time to relax into your working week. It's not always a priority for freelancers, but it should be if you want a decent work-life balance.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Tamara

    Be timely - your clients will appreciate it, whether or not they realise it consciously!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Olive

    Keep you accounts in order - strictly! As soon as you lose a grip on your finances, it's really hard to reestablish control.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Pete

    Be careful how much work you quote for - bear in mind that you'll need to deliver on all of those quotes if clients accept them!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Carole james

    Why is it that no matter how many times I try to avoid it, I always book out every hour of the day and leave no time for contingencies? Remember that all it takes is one of your kids being ill and off school for a day to completely disrupt your workload. Be sure to build in contingency time!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Mohammed

    Make it your goal to deliver amazing customer service and your customers will keep coming back for more

    1 year(s) ago

  • Sarah dee

    You can always be better at what you do - never stop learning!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Mark

    If you're not inspired to return to work after the holidays, think about why that is and what you can change about your career in order that you can wake up each day fired up about translating for a living!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Lou h

    Use the Christmas holiday season to take a proper break from work - you'll likely feel refreshed and re-inspired as a result of doing so

    1 year(s) ago

  • Chris

    Always have a contingency fund when you translate freelance - the life (and specifically the income) of a freelancer can turn on a dime!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Jeremy

    Make sure you trust your instincts!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Felicity barnard

    Remember that looking after yourself and your mental and physical health is an important part of freelancing effectively

    1 year(s) ago

  • Paola

    Don't leave things until just before their deadlines if you can help it. It only takes a single unexpected occurrence to create a whole load of stress if you do!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Chris

    Don't leave translations to the last minute or the quality of your work is likely to suffer!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Pierre

    Never stop learning and you will always enjoy your translation career!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Keisha

    Don't let the fact you work freelance lead to unhealthy habits. Keep snacks healthy and fit in time to exercise and you'll perform better at work as well as feeling better!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Brindy

    Some days, you're just not feeling it. If your workload permits, give yourself a break on those days and you'll most likely feel re-inspired the following day and be more productive as a result. It certainly works for me!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Mindy thompson-jones

    Set some of your translation income aside every month. That way you won't need to panic when your tax bill arrives or unexpected expenses crop up.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Benji p

    Always communicate positively and swiftly with your clients - they will appreciate it and choose you over those whose communications are more sporadic!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Carol-ann

    You never know where your next translation job might come from, so nurture your business contacts and make the most of social networking sites like LinkedIn!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Ishmail

    I network online with fellow translators so that I have peers to engage with for moral support

    1 year(s) ago

  • Mohammed

    Beware of translation contracts that sound too good to be true because they probably are!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Clarissa

    Make the most of people's 'back to work' enthusiasm this month in terms of getting projects moving!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Sarah t

    You can never predict when you'll catch a bug. Sometimes when you work freelance you have to work through it, but if your illness is compromising the quality of your work, it might be time to push back your deadlines. Never an easy decision!!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Claire

    Keep your translation skills alive by both studying and using your second language during your leisure time. Doing so will keep you language skills up to date and (I find, at least) keep your love of your second language alive

    1 year(s) ago

  • Flo

    If you're struggling with too much work temporarily, knuckle down and do it, but if you're regularly feeling stressed and overloaded, work out what you can change to either reduce your workload or work more efficiently

    1 year(s) ago

  • Shona

    The summer break can be hard when you juggle kids and work, but remember that you can only do as much as you can do - and that it won't be long until school starts up again!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Kirstin peters

    If a client vexes you, take a deep breath before reacting and try to see the situation from their perspective. There's often a positive solution just waiting to be found!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Melissa huntingdon

    Try not to be too despondent when you have a dip in your freelancing income. It can be tough at times, but the right attitude and some good marketing of your translation service can turn things around!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Teresa maria freixinho

    Remember to update your key information on clients' online portals. It is particularly important for emails and CVs. A failure to do so may result in exclusion, especially when it comes to new emails. It is always time to improve and learn from our silly mistakes.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Cressida

    Be sure to squirrel away some savings when you work freelance, as you never know when a client will disappear, even when you've done everything right for them

    1 year(s) ago

  • Jaime t

    Remember that you can always improve your language skills. I read everything I can get my hands on in the languages that I speak. It's good to mix up the content you read too, from glossy magazines to classic fiction!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Reward yourself as you complete tasks - the harder the task, the bigger the reward!

    2021 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    For long, tedious tasks, track your progress in order to feel a sense of achievement as you undertake them

    2021 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Tackle tedious tasks first thing in order to get them out of the way and stop yourself procrastinating

    2021 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use 'to do' lists to enjoy a sense of achievement throughout the day

    2021 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Shut down social media sites for the duration of the working day and enjoy being more productive as a result

    2021 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Time hour-long bursts of work in order to laser-focus your productivity

    2021 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Everyone needs professional support from time to time. Whether you need an accountant, a mentor or a counsellor, the sooner you ask, the sooner you can focus on your translation work again

    2021 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Identify the aspects of translation that you love the most and develop your freelance translation offering to include more of them

    2021 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Maximise your downtime by switching off your phone and ignoring emails - you'll be better rested as a result

    2021 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Prioritise your downtime - without the right work/life balance, the quality of your translations will suffer

    2021 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Mix with fellow freelancers to receive support and understanding from those who appreciate the pressures of the freelance lifestyle

    2021 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Remind your video translation clients that different languages use different numbers of words - so they need to leave plenty of room for subtitles

    2021 year(s) ago

  • Ceriann

    I believe that it's important to trust your instincts when it comes to new translation clients. You're never obliged to accept a job if something doesn't feel quite right about the client, so listen to that inner voice - it's there for a reason!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Zola

    I've just started using a proper accounting software program to raise my invoices - it's so much less painful than doing them manually!

    1 year(s) ago