Translator tools for the
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There's never been a better time to jump into the field and you've got an exciting journey ahead of you. However, before you get too far, there are some things you're going to need in order to make the journey a lot more manageable.
Before you sign that first contract (or even go looking for that first one), you'll need the right translator tools to keep your business running smoothly. If you're transitioning from a job as an in-house translator to freelance translation, you won't be able to rely on resources you had as an in-house translator. Also, if you're just getting started in the business, it's good to make sure you have the resources you need.
While a lot of translators like to show-off the latest translation equipment and gadgetry, you'll probably already have what you need to get started.
Computer
You've got to have a computer. The days of translating in long-hand or even on typewriters has long since gone the ways of the dinosaurs.
Translation customers demand (and deserve) that translators use adequate translator tools to get the job done and that is simply not possible without a computer.
So, why a computer? Well, think of your computer as the portal or hub for everything you do as a freelance translator. You'll use this fundamental translator tool to find work, do the work, and get paid for the work you did. You're not going to get too far if you can't do one of those things. It's pretty simple:
No computer = No translation business
(It goes without saying that you're also going to need software translator tools on your computer to get the job done.)
Phone
Some translators might disagree with me on this one, but I say that you're going to need access to a phone. You probably have this one covered, but if you just have a landline, you might consider investing in a cell phone.
This isn't necessary, but remember: The goal is to prove to each client that you're a professional translator who is willing and able to provide him/her with the most correct translation possible.
If you'll be using your landline (home phone), try to get a cordless one that you can take someplace quiet if World War III all of a sudden breaks out and your kids are fighting over who gets the prize in the cereal box.
You're going to be communicating with your clients on issues that come up and some of them won't be resolvable through email. Email is pretty fast, but the phone is still here to stay. Make sure you have one of these translator tools.
Email
OK, email isn't going to replace phones, but you still need one. A lot of your communication with your clients can be done through email (except for pressing issues). Also, nowadays, work is usually sent to the translator and back to the client using email.
Without email, you'll be at a big disadvantage (There's no reason why you shouldn't have an email address. They're free and easy to get.)
There are a couple of different types of email accounts. The easiest to get (if you don't already have one) is through the Internet. Yahoo and Hotmail both offer free web-based email accounts that are easy to sign up for. They've also increased the amount of space available for your emails, which is a big plus, especially for translators (sending and receiving attachments can tax the memory resources pretty quickly).
With these types of accounts, you can have access to them anywhere you can connect to the Internet, which is an essential characteristic of an adequate translator tool.
A quick note on email addresses: I can't stand unprofessional email addresses being used for professional purposes. Often I'll get an email from an email address like cuddly_rainbows_2005@somecompany.com.
An address like this is fine for personal communications but nobody is going to request a translation from someone with that address. If you have an email address like that, consider getting another for your freelance translation business that is a little more professional.
If you'd like to have an email address that is even more professional, consider getting a website for your translation business. Usually you'll be able to have some email addresses associated with that site that you could use. (This isn't necessary but it might be something you're interested in.)
Internet Connection
The two translator tools I just mentioned above help you to run the administrative side of your freelance translation business. In order to help you with the actual translating you'll be doing, you're going to need access to the Internet.
The web will be very valuable in helping you do research on the translations you do. Rarely will some work come along that you don't have to check on something, whether it's a currency conversion question or spelling or an actual translation of a word or phrase.
This doesn't mean that you need a high-speed Internet connection to do the job. Connecting through a modem is slow, yes, but it's still the most economical way to do it. You can get a Netzero connection for $10 a month and it works fine. I've been happy with it.
Miscellaneous tools
There are plenty of tools you'll find useful as you do more in your freelance career. Below I'll be posting some of the freelance translator tools I've found to be helpful in my work:
I'm passionate about Spanish translation. What are you passionate about? Want to turn that passion into profit? Here's how I did it...