Getting Started as a Freelance Translator: An Online Course

• Is translation for you? In our introduction, you'll learn the nuts and bolts of the translation industry: what qualifications you'll need to get started, whether you'll need to be certified, where you'll look for clients, what a typical work day will be like, and how to evaluate your income potential.
• Laying the groundwork We'll learn how to create a resume targeted toward translation, set up a home office, make use of translation technology, and maximize productivity.
• Your clients and how to find them It's time to look for work! We'll learn about working for translation agencies and direct clients, how to market yourself effectively and how to evaluate clients before you accept a job. We'll also discuss how to get some translation experience if you have none.
• Developing a specialization Whether it's pharmaceuticals, contracts, textiles or philately, developing a specialization can help you increase your client base and your income. We'll discuss how to develop a specialization and how to find clients who can use your talents.
• Contracts, payment and terms of service Whether you work for agencies or direct clients, it's important to know how to get the relationship off to a positive start. We'll find out what a typical translator agreement specifies, how to negotiate rates and ensure on-time payment, and what to ask for from your clients.
• As your business grows Although you're just starting out, it's important to plan for the day when you're kept busy by regular clients. We'll learn how to manage workflow highs and lows, how to manage cash flow, when and if to partner with other translators, and how to set up your business so that it can grow along with you.

Getting Started as a Freelance Translator is a six-week online course; course registration is $350. Every Monday, I'll e-mail you a PDF of the week's information module, modeled on the topics listed above. You'll also receive practice exercises that you will e-mail to me for feedback. For example, you will create a translation-targeted resumé and cover letter, identify your potential translation specializations, calculate your potential income and develop a marketing plan for your translation business. Throughout the course, you'll be able to discuss your questions with the course's other students on an online discussion board as well as communicate with me by e-mail. If, after the first lesson, you feel that the course isn't for you, $300 of the registration fee is refundable.

If you'd like to register for Getting Started as a Freelance Translator, click here to go to the online registration form. If you have additional questions, please e-mail Corinne McKay.