Getting Started as a Freelance Translator

Questions You Ought to Ask Yourself before Embarking on a Career as Freelance Translator

Do you have any language qualifications apart from being a native speaker?

Do you have any experience in providing a translation service?

Do you have practical translation experience in a specialist area?

Do you have thorough knowledge and/or practical experience in any specialist area?

Do you have a natural talent for writing?

If the answer is no to any of the above, your chances of earning a living by being a freelance translator are restricted.

Before you make any further inquiries, try to remedy the situation. Obtain a formal translation qualification. Alternatively, there are numerous jobs out there that need language skills without restricting yourself to "translation only".

Once you are qualified, gain employment as a translator with an agency or with a company where you can put your language skills into practice. This will also help you later with your areas of specialisation. Agencies and customers expect a high level of knowledge in your chosen subject. Earning a living as freelance translator is not a soft option!

Once you have obtained some practical experience as a translator (see also the page on finding a work placement), you have to decide which career path you wish to take. Do you want to work as a staff translator, employed by an agency? Would it suit your personality better to work for a company that has dealings with countries in which the language/s you know is/are spoken (import/export, market research, tourism - to name but a few)? Have you got what it takes to work freelance or do you have no other option?

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