As technology makes our world smaller, many businesses choose to promote themselves beyond the borders of the English-speaking world. This means translating their marketing materials into one or more different languages.
Do you write or read in a language other than English? If so, you can tap into individuals, colleges, and businesses seeking your services as a freelance translator. Whether you're translating or simply proofreading someone else's translation, you can find plenty of paying freelance jobs in this field.
Who is hiring freelance translators?
Many international and domestic businesses that serve various ethnicities need freelance translators. In the US, it is often essential to have your promotional materials in Spanish as well as English. In Canada, people are usually looking for French/English translation.
More often than not, companies with websites are the ones that hire freelance translators. It makes sense: it's more cost-effective to reach international clientele through the Internet. Yes, they have a website, but now they want to market to Japan - that's where, you, the freelance translator, comes in.
On the other side, foreign businesses want to market themselves in the US or Canada. That means they need someone like you to translate from the foreign language into flawless English.
What skills do you need as a freelance translator?
Your skills depend on the job. Writing in a foreign language is more difficult than reading in one. Even if you have a solid command of a foreign language, you may not have educated yourself to the extent that you can write it effortlessly, with all the colloquialisms and nuances of a native speaker. If that's the case, stick to the jobs where you're translating to English.
Of course, if you can write in a foreign language as a foreigner can, go for it - you are a rare commodity!
Tips :
1. Emphasize your translation skills and what qualifies you as an expert translator.
2. Reassure the client that your English is of a professional caliber, so the documents will be appropriate for a business meeting.
3. Estimate your fee based on the time you need to complete the project.
Remember that people usually need translators because they can't do it themselves. Demonstrate your ability and integrity, and you should enjoy substantial success as a freelance translator.
