Any freelance translators out there?

[scouserabroad]

Does anyone have any experience of working as a freelance translator? I'm thinking this would be a good idea, but I'm not sure how to go about finding work. I would translate from French to English, but I'm guessing this is quite a common language combination so maybe too much competition?

I have a degree in business studies & french, but no actual translation qualification, is this likely to be a problem?

I work as a freelance translator, as does my DH. Neither of us has any translation qualifications, though we both have PhDs in German, and have both taught at universities. The lack of translation qualifications has never been a problem, fortunately!

Finding work is the tricky bit. I translated a book as part of a series for Penguin (my name was passed on to Penguin by an ex-bf), and was put in touch with other translators on the same series. So I wrote to various names, asking for advice on getting started. One was very kind indeed, and offered to pass my name on if she had too much work on - which she duly did. All the work I've had since then has come about as a result of her passing my name on (ditto DH).

I can't guarantee that the same would work for you, but something like that might be worth a shot?

Good luck!

there was a thread about this recently. it might still be there if you look.

here it is

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I should have added that all the translation I've done is literary - I wouldn't touch techie stuff with the proverbial bargepole! (I don't know the terms in English, never mind German...)

Should also have added that payment for lit. translation in this country (and the US, normally) is £80 per 1,000 English words (Society of Authors rate). Royalties are very rarely paid (only Penguin pay me royalties). I have worked for less, but wouldn't do so again unless it was sooooo tempting that I just couldn't resist!!