10 Simple Rules Every Translator Should Live By
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And here comes the very first post of 2015! The holiday season is long gone, New Year’s resolutions have been made. So let’s kick-start another great year full of pleasant surprises and new achievements! Some of you are still probably in holiday mode. I’ve noticed myself that my Januaries have been particularly slow in the past few years but not this time. I have successfully delivered my first English-Russian translation project for one of my regular clients. Interestingly enough not only my first project of 2015 was at my preferred rate and in my favorite filed (medical devices) but the client actually didn’t mind giving me extra time for proofreading. Something that you don’t see very often these days. This gives me hope that 2015 will be amazing for all of the freelance translators out there.
For my first blog post of 2015 I decided to start with something motivational. Something that can inspire me and my fellow translators to be a better versions of ourselves in 2015. Something that will help us scale new heights. This is when I came up with these simple yet very important rules every translator should live by. Of course those rules are based on my past experience and my personal ideas about the translation industry. But I’m sure that many of us can relate to these rules. And, as always, you’re more than welcome to share your personal rules that help you be a successful translator in the comment section below. I’d love to hear your opinions!
Rule 1.
Newbie Tip: If your per-word rate starts with $0.0 I have bad news for you. Start at least from $0.1, but aim at $0.2 or $0.3, etc. The sky is the limit, really.
Rule 2.
Rule 3.
Rule 4.
Rule 5.
Rule 6.
Rule 7.
Rule 8.
Rule 9.
Rule 10.
36 Comments
Olga · January 12, 2015 at 9:28 am
Great post! Particularly the bit about prices! And marketing, which is my weak point. Have a successful new year!
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 13, 2015 at 12:23 am
Glad you like it Olga. Yes, marketing can be a bit of a drag but we cannot underestimate its importance. Have a successful year too!
Alexandra · January 12, 2015 at 9:37 am
Jazzy and elaborated just as translation is!! Thank you so much!
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 13, 2015 at 12:24 am
Thank you Alexandra!
Yoasha · January 12, 2015 at 1:14 pm
Great rules. They apply to any profession. Good luck in 2015
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 13, 2015 at 12:24 am
Thanks Yoasha! Have an amazing year!
Jo Rourke · January 13, 2015 at 4:59 pm
So let me get this straight…marketing’s kind of a big deal, is that right?! I love this post, though I think Rule 10 is my favourite! Happy New Year 🙂
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 13, 2015 at 5:09 pm
Yep Jo. You got that one right 🙂 Glad you like it! Happy New Year!
Sandrine · January 14, 2015 at 7:55 am
So true !
I love rule 1 and I think we would all benefit that every single translator apply it, and I love rule 10 as this job really is for people living with passion, the passion of words & communication.
Have a great year 2015, and thanks for great articles !
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 14, 2015 at 3:06 pm
Thank you Sandrine! Yes, being passionate about your work is the key to happiness. As they say: if you do what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. Have an amazing year!
Aurora Humarán · January 15, 2015 at 5:09 pm
Brilliant. Excellent. And so necessary…
Thank you!!!
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 15, 2015 at 5:22 pm
Thank you Aurora! Have a great 2015!
Natalia · January 15, 2015 at 6:13 pm
Thanks for this wonderful tips. I really love my profession and I hope this 2015 comes with lots of work!
Have an amazing 2015!
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 15, 2015 at 7:06 pm
Thanks Natalia! I’m certain that 2015 will be amazing. If you truly love what you do it will definitely bring lots of work.
Brittany · January 15, 2015 at 9:48 pm
Great post! As a relative newbie in the industry who has gotten enough experience under my belt but is still taking low-paying jobs, it gives me encouragement to kick that old habit and proceed with confidence as a professional.
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 16, 2015 at 9:21 pm
Thanks Brittany! I’m glad I could give you some encouragement to kick that bad habit. It’s a long process but don’t worry you’ll get there! I once was literally working in a basement without any sunlight for almost a year. But then I quit and started freelancing. Best decision of my life! If you really love it, if you’re dedicated and if you’re not afraid of challenges you’ll be just fine. Feel free to ask any questions if you need any advice. I’ll be glad to help.
Agnieszka · January 15, 2015 at 9:57 pm
Dmitry, great website, great tips, I’ve been working hard on No. for the past few weeks and NOW is the TIME to move to No. 5 & 6. Have a great New Year 2015.
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 16, 2015 at 9:24 pm
I’m glad you like Agnieszka! Good luck with your marketing and have a fantastic year!
Miguel · January 16, 2015 at 2:56 am
Great rules to live by! Passion and more passion for what you do will definitely give you a fulfilling life. Thanks a million
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 16, 2015 at 9:25 pm
Thank you Miguel!
Pawel · January 16, 2015 at 6:11 am
A bit OTT but I still absolutely LOVE it 🙂 Just what I needed this morning 🙂 Thanks 🙂
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 16, 2015 at 9:26 pm
Haha! Maybe they are a bit OTT indeed. But this is exactly what we need to motivate ourselves isn’t it Pawel? 🙂
Amadou M. Sall · January 17, 2015 at 12:59 am
A great way to start the year! My favorites are: Rule 5 (Marketing) and 7. Happy New Year 🙂
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 17, 2015 at 3:21 am
Thank you Amadou! Indeed, you can’t underestimate the power of those rules. Have an awesome 2015!
Karina · January 17, 2015 at 1:08 pm
Great! Thanks a lot!
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 17, 2015 at 3:17 pm
You’re most welcome Karina! Have an awesome weekend!
Janiva Lacayo · January 18, 2015 at 6:25 am
Loved 3, 4, 7, and 10. I tend to take on projects that are not exactly my cup of tea, but I enjoy the mental exercise, though it may take me more time to finish them than other easier projects. But on the other hand I have problems drawing the line when too much is really too much!!! I also have problems saying no to trashy projects because I have serious problems saying NO. Overall, this was a very interesting post that highlighted my difficult areas as well as the areas I am very comfortable with. Loving my customers, loving what I do and, if possible, loving the subject of the translation are the best drivers for me.
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 18, 2015 at 5:23 pm
I’m glad you like it Janiva. I think many of us can relate to these rules because we recognize our problematic areas. But it’s great that you acknowledge them! Now you can easily tackle them. At the end of the day if you love what you do you’ll overcome all difficulties no matter what. Have an amazing year!
Marsha · January 18, 2015 at 4:27 pm
Great rules, esp #2. I found that deciding what you will not translate is much easier than determining what items you will accept, but it is just as important.
Only 1 observation – cursing and crude language are just not becoming to professional T&I. Leave that to rap artist and actors.
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 18, 2015 at 5:28 pm
Thanks for the observation Marsha! Yes they seem a bit over the top but that’s the whole point. I love what I do and write with passion. Besides this is a great way to motivate yourself and start actually improving you weak areas. The effect wouldn’t be the same without these words I think.
Scott Barrenechea R. · January 18, 2015 at 8:13 pm
Wow. Thank you so much, Dmitry. I really needed to read this.
Best wishes.
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 18, 2015 at 8:19 pm
You’re welcome Scott! Have a smashing Sunday!
Diego Muñoz · January 19, 2015 at 4:23 pm
Great post. My favorite rules (that I have proven to be true) are 5, 6 and undoubtedly #10. Doing your job with passion is definitely the best way to go.
Thank you for sharing!
Dmitry Kornyukhov · January 19, 2015 at 4:28 pm
Thank you Diego!
Marlene · February 1, 2015 at 4:49 am
Great rules – or reminders! It took me a while to ‘learn’ #9… and I still have difficulties with #5 – but word-of-mouth works fine !! It’s how I have reached (current) client companies.
Dmitry Kornyukhov · February 1, 2015 at 4:04 pm
Thank you Marlene! I’m glad you can apply them in the real world.