Translation 101

This career guidebook explores the realm of translation, the benefits and working conditions, the types of translation work and tools available. It gets down to details regarding the tools a translator uses every day, providing information not only from the translator's perspective but also from the viewpoint of the translation engineer and translation project manager. It provides a hands-on approach to CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) Tools, on how you can take advantage of them regardless of your CAT Tool of choice.

You'll also learn how to successfully run your freelance translation business. You'll be presented with "inside" information on how clients (especially translation agencies) choose their translators. You'll learn how to set up profiting rates and how to find promising clients. You'll be given ideas for efficient organization of your work process and tips for successful customer relationship management. And, you'll be shown how to stay away from fraudulent companies too.

Cleverly written to cover all skill levels:

• Entry-Level - An all-in-one guide for you to start out in the translation profession.
• Mid-Level - Boost your knowledge of the translation field and take it to the next level.
• Senior-Level - Sharpen your skills and learn a few more tricks that will make you a master of the craft.

Here's a glimpse of the Table of Contents:

Part 1: So, You Want To Be A Translator...

• Why Become A Translator
• Do I Need Any Special Skills Or Experience?
• Types Of Translation Work
• In-House Translation Jobs vs. Freelancing
• Software Tools Of The Trade

Part 2: Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools: A Crash Course

• So, What's A CAT Tool?
• Translation Memories (TMs)
• Word Counts, The Trados Discount Model & Weighted Words
• Terminology Databases (TermBases)
• Handoff & Delivery Packages
• A Typical Translation Project Workflow
• Machine Translation (MT)
• Avoiding CAT Tool Lock-In
• CAT Tools On A Mac Or GNU/Linux

Part 3: Running A Freelance Translation Business

• Defining Your Core Language Pairs
• Setting Up Your Pricelist
• Choosing Your CAT Tool
• Marketing Your Business (Or How To Find Clients)
• Organizing Your Work
• Client Relationship Quick Tips
• Avoiding Fraudulent Clients

Appendix 1: Translation Industry Glossary
Appendix 2: ISO Language Codes
Appendix 3: List of Translation Companies