Training for Translators

Freelancing gives us the freedom to work when we want, how we want—but let's be honest, it often feels more like 'work all the time or risk not getting paid.' That delicate balance between freedom and hustle can sometimes tip us straight into burnout. In this episode, I take a look at the realities of overwork, why burnout happens, and—most importantly—10 tried-and-true strategies I use to keep burnout at bay. In this episode, I mention my "Deciding what to charge" worksheet, which you can download here if you'd like to try it! And if you're not on the Training for Translators mailing list, you should join so that you don't miss anything!   

If you listened to episode six of the Training for Translators podcast, you already know that nudging dormant clients is a) the world' most boring marketing method, and b) the world's most effective marketing method (or close to it!).  We all know the value of nudging, but we don't do it, because we tell ourselves (usually incorrectly!) that if a client wanted to work with us, they'd contact us without us having have to "chase after" them. In reality, I've heard from people who send work to freelance translators and interpreters that those who nudge receive 25%-50% more work than those who don't! Why now? The winter holidays are the perfect time to send every one of your clients (dormant or not) a holiday availability nudge, letting them know when you're available between approximately December 1 and January 10. Listen in for tips on what to say in these nudge e-mails!  And if you're not yet on the Training for Translators mailing list, you can join right here! 

In this episode, host Corinne McKay discusses the question of whether translation is even worth pursuing as a career. Is it a dying profession? And if not, who's doing well right now, and where does the "dying profession" idea come from? To learn more about Training for Translators, visit trainingfortranslators.com 

Host Corinne McKay discusses freelance translator and interpreter income! Posts from the Training for Translators blog mentioned in this episode: Corinne's 2021 income wrapup Corinne's 2022 income wrapup Corinne's 2023 income wrapup To learn more about Training for Translators visit trainingfortranslators.com  

In this episode, host Corinne McKay discusses why nudging dormant clients (getting back in touch with clients you haven't heard from for a while) is the world's most boring and the world's most effective marketing method. Learn who to nudge, and how to nudge!  For more content for ambitious freelance translators and interpreters, or to learn about our online course offerings, visit the Training for Translators website at trainingfortranslators.com. 

In this episode, I (host Corinne McKay) discuss how I make the Training for Translators podcast, in case you're interested in creating your own podcast, or if you're just curious about how podcasts get made.  Links mentioned in this episode:  Join the Training for Translators mailing list!  The archives of Speaking of Translation  Libsyn podcast hosting service  Audacity, free audio recording and editing software Shure MV7+ podcast microphone  Shadow Studio, who recorded my intro and outro  

This episode is based on the blog post titled, Reader asks, "How do I find the motivation to market?" This post originally appeared on the Training for Translators blog on June 19, 2024. Host Corinne McKay discusses the amount of time and effort that it takes to market a successful freelance business, as well as some mental habits we need to cultivate in order to stay consistent with our marketing.  Links mentioned in this episode:  Carter Kilmann's LinkedIn article about prospecting to 100 clients after taking a class with Ed Gandia  More about Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies framework and how it can help you understand your productivity tendencies   

I launched my freelance business in 2002 by applying to over 400 translation companies in my first year of freelancing. Is it still worth applying to agencies? Does the answer depend on whether you're a translator or an interpreter? And where do those online applications to agencies go? In this episode, we'll discuss six ways to make contact with an agency, rather than applying, hearing nothing, and assuming the agency doesn't need you. This episode is based on two Training for Translators blog posts: you can read them here, and here. 

If you've never worked with direct clients, it's easy to feel stuck before you even get going, because you don't know what types of clients might need your services. In this episode, host Corinne McKay discusses four sources of potential direct clients for your translation or interpreting services.  Resources mentioned in this episode: The blog post that this episode is based on Devex, a news and jobs platform for the international development sector Ed Gandia's website  Ed Gandia's book on e-mail marketing   

Pricing is stressful, no matter how long you've been a freelancer! In this episode, host Corinne McKay discusses the advantages and disadvantages of pricing by the word, by the project, and by the hour.  For more resources, visit our website, trainingfortranslators.com