Stress Management for Freelance Translators

Stress is experienced by all of us from time to time, thus the one experienced by freelance translators is no exception. It can arise due to the fact that you are working by yourself the whole day, issues concerning payments from delinquent clients, finding freelance translation jobs, and meeting deadlines. The golden rule in stress management for freelance translators is never to avoid it as a side-effect of hectic work schedule. To combat stress, find out its source. This will make things easier to take appropriate action. You may face situations when there are looming deadlines and not considerable time to work on the concerned translation project. Instead of getting stressed and working furiously on it, take a minute to think of possible alternatives. You can always ask the client for extending the deadline. If you think that doing so can hamper your reputation as a freelance translator, outsource fraction of the work to another translator. Always be mentally prepared for alternatives and solutions to relieve stress. Along with the various solutions that you will keep handy, you must also remember to take occasional breaks from the monotonous work you are engaged in. It is not possible to sit glued to the computer screen the whole day while working as a freelance translator. Combining work with pleasure will aid to relieve stress, especially in the field of freelance translation services. While you are on freelance translation jobs, try to take time off to call a friend, read a book, go for a walk, and exercise to keep a clear mind. These small activities also boost up your energy level and keep the stress level at the lowest.

Free Tools for Translators

Google Index Notification http://www.jrbtech.com/googleindex/ Want to be notified when the Google, MSN, and Yahoo! search engines crawl your Web site? What if you could be told which pages the search engines index? This really cool tool also keeps a history of all of the pages indexed, and the folks at this helpful Web site will even install it totally free of charge! WOW! FILExt ­ The File Extension Source http://filext.com/ Do you ever come across a file extension that you simply have no idea what program to connect it to? FILExt is a detailed database of file extensions and programs that use them. Googlesearches Tool http://www.algotech.dk/googlesearches.asp Use this advanced search tool to search The Mighty Google in virtually every way you can imagine, even in language- or country-specific searches. This handy tool is definitely one you’ll want to bookmark and come back to again and again. Hotscripts.com http://hotscripts.com/ Do you think that 28,959 resources in over 1,000 categories will keep you busy for a while? Someone asked about counters and log analyzers. This site has quite a list to choose from. Enjoy! Bookmarklets ­ Add Extra Functionality to Your Browser with these Simple Scripts http://www.yourhtmlsource.com/accessibility/bookmarklets.html What are they? Bookmarklets are easy-to-use little programs that you can integrate into your browser to make your coding, debugging, and researching lives much easier. Give them a try! Search Engine Decoder ­ Relationship Chart http://www.search-this.com/search_engine_decoder.asp This cool chart shows the relationships between the various search engines and directories. Click on any search engine, and you’ll see which search engines/directories supply results back and forth to that engine. It loads extremely fast, even with a 56K modem, and it’s up to date. Very impressive. Martindale’s “The Reference Desk” http://www.martindalecenter.com/ Though not a “tool” per se, Martindale’s is a reference site that you’ll want to bookmark and refer back to time and time again. What can you find at Martindale’s? How about 19,575 online calculators? Can you imagine? You’ll find calculators for every type of project imaginable. You’ll also find translators, patent and trademark information, and world maps. The list is virtually endless. 125 Legitimate Link Building Strategies http://www.searchengineworkshops.com/articles/leglinkpop.html We all know the importance of off-page factors when it comes to search engine rankings. Link popularity is one of the crucial off-page factors that can make such a difference to the success of a Web site. In this article, which can also be downloaded in e-book format, over 30 SEO authorities offer their best suggestions for increasing the link popularity of your Web site. HTML Tags ­ A Free Online Cheatsheet http://html-tags.info/ This HTML quick reference guide is excellent. All HTML tags with attributes and values are for XHTML 1.1, also known as HTML 4.01. Print out the guide and keep it beside your computer. Color Marketing Group ­ Forecasting the Color of Profit The Color Marketing Group is an international association of color designers involved in the use of color as it applies to the profitable marketing of goods and services. Its major function is to identify the direction of color and design trends. You might ask, so what? Who cares? Do you realize that color can impact a buying decision? The Web is a visual medium, and we need to be very aware of the colors we choose on our Web sites. Even swapping out background colors can impact a buying decision. What are the “in” colors for 2005? 2006? Visit these URLs to learn more. http://www.colormarketing.org/media/news/2005_consumer_col_dir .htm http://www.colormarketing.org/media/news/2006_consumer_col_dir .htm CSS Tutorial at W3Schools.com http://www.w3schools.com/css/ Learn how Cascading Style Sheets can make your life as a search engine marketer much easier, and how it can help you clean up your source code. W3Schools provides an excellent CSS tutorial free of charge, complete with a lot of examples and quizzes. Parts 1 and 2 of the Cool Tools Articles Cool Tools that are Also Free! http://www.searchengineworkshops.com/articles/cool-tools.html Yet More Cool Tools that are Also FREE! http://www.searchengineworkshops.com/articles/cool-tools- part2.html Again, thanks to all of you who shared these “cool tools” with me. Be sure and send me YOUR list, and I’ll add them to the next article. Thanks so much! (robin@...) Robin Nobles teaches 2-, 3-, and 5-day hands-on search engine marketing (http://www.searchengineworkshops.com) workshops in locations across the globe as well as online SEO training (http://www.onlinewebtraining.com) courses. They have recently launched localized SEO training (http://www.searchengineacademy.com) centers through Search Engine Academy, and they have expanded their workshops to Europe with Search Engine Workshops UK (http://www.searchengineworkshops.co.uk).

Service tax in India for Translators

We are sending this message to all Indian translation community members from Trans Infopreneur Inc., Bangalore. This is to inform that service tax (12.24%) is applicable for domestic translation and allied services w.e.f. 01.05.2006 under the head 'Business Support Services'. Tax is not applicable for overseas business (if payment is received by your bank in foreign currency). Work done for few organisations like UN etc. is also exempted. List available on service tax website. We had already informed about this to all interested translation companies who had contacted us in past few months. This message is addressed to all those who may not be aware of this issue. Pl. do forward this to other interested members/associations. >01. Background: We had consulted several leading service tax consultants regarding service tax applicability to our industry. It took nearly three months for this issue to be resolved. Translation services is not mentioned specifically under any head of service tax and hence the confusion. The consensus is that it falls under business support services. Later we seeked Service Tax Department opinion and they also issued a formal notice that tax is indeed applicable (well obviously we cannot expect an opinion to the contrary) under Business Support Services. This notice must have been circulated by the Bangalore Commissioner to all other cities. The department may bring out a circular on the ST website (http://www.servicet ax.gov.in/). So even if we get opinion to the contrary from any consultant, it would be of no use as department has already taken the stand that tax is applicable. > >02. Who is liable to pay: All individuals/ companies whose total receipts from domestic translation- related activities from May 2006 to March 2007 is/would be Rs 4 lacs. Actually you are supposed to register once the receipts crosses Rs 3.5 lacs. Please note that tax is payable on your actual receipts (payments received from clients) and not on your total turnover for the period (as used for calculating sales tax/VAT etc.). This is not applicable for your turnover from overseas sales. > >03. Is tax to be paid even if you have not billed the client for it: YES. This is the major problem. Even we had to bear losses running into several lacs as clients refused to pay tax for bills which we had raised in May/June without service tax. So in case you have not paid dues for all bills raised since May 2005 onwards, pl. do so. If desired, you can deduct Rs 4 of taxable receipts from May onwards and pay tax on the balance. For example, if your receipt from 01.05.2006 to 25.07.2006 is Rs 4 lacs, you have to pay taxes for receipts from 26.07.2006 onwards. But if you had charged your clients tax from May 2006 onwards itself, then you obviously have to pay from May onwards. Other than this waiver, there is no other concession. Please do not be under the impression that one can wish away this issue. If you are a freelance translator, then you could always raise invoices in different family members names but this may not be feasible for an established agency/company. Onc e the depart > >04. Service tax on input (note for agencies): If you use the services of overseas translators, you have to pay service tax on the total amount paid to them (under reverse charge concept) even if the total payment made to them is under Rs 4 lacs. This is not applicable for Indian translators as they do not fall under tax net unless their receipts is above Rs 4 lacs. But there is a provision in tax rules that this tax can be credited against the tax paid on your output (tax charged by you to your clients). You could also claim credit for other service tax paid by you (for telephone bills, professional fees of accountants, broadband connection, other service providers and such like) as the rule states that credit can be claimed for tax paid to other providers provided the service used is for the betterment of the business. Input tax has to be paid earlier than the output tax (this will be explained in the example given below). Do not take credit for the tax paid to other ser vice provide > >05. Payment date: For private and public limited companies, by 5th of the next month. For example, tax for January has to be paid by February 5th. For all other assesses (individuals, proprietership, HUF, partnership) , tax has to be paid by 5th of the start of the next quarter i.e; by July 5th, October 5th, January 5th, April 5th. Half-yearly return has to be filed. You also receive intimation about the date of audit. You have to produce all your records at that time. > >06. How to register: Registration is free. Certificate and the certificate number is received within 7-10 days of filing. Help desk at the department can help you fill the form. The tax number comprises of your PAN no. and a prefix. This number should be printed on your bills to your clients. You should maintain some sort of bill numbering system. > >07. Is tax payable for bills raised to clients prior to May 2006 for which payment is received after first May 2006: NO > >08. Is input tax payable for overseas translators invoice which is dated April 2006 and payment made in May/June 2006: This is a fuzzy issue. As there is a possibility that the audit team of the department may raise a query about this, it is better to pay this. Anyway you will be claiming credit for this against your output tax. > >09. Is tax paid on the TDS amount which is deducted from domestic translators bills. TDS at 5 % (+ surcharge, under professional fees head) is deductable for translation services if the annual payment to a particular entity is more than Rs 20,000 in a fiscal year. Service tax is computed on total bill amount. For example, if you receive a bill from a translator for Rs. 30,000 + ST (3672) = Rs. 33,672, you will pay the translator Rs 33,672 less TDS amount. TDS amount will have to be paid by you within 7th of next month. > >10. Is tax payable on advance: YES if the advance is not adjusted with a subsequent bill to the client within 15 days of receipt of advance. Either way the tax on the advance amount has to be paid (either at time of receipt of advance or at time of receiving the balance payment). > >07. An illustrative example: > >For a particular month, fol. is your receipts/sales: > >(a) Domestic sales: Rs 3,00,000 (sales is immaterial for purpose of service tax) > >(b) Payments received from Indian clients (for bills after first May 2006) : Rs 2,00,000 > >(c) Payment made to overseas translators (before bank charges) : Rs. 50,000 > >(d) Service tax paid for phone bills, other providers: Rs. 500 > >(e) Service tax paid to other translators and agencies: Rs. 1000 > >INPUT TAX: for (c)- Rs 50,000 * 12.24 = Rs. 6120 > >OUTPUT TAX: for (b)- Rs 2,00,000 * 12.24 = Rs. 24,480 > >Deductions for output tax: (d) + (e) + input tax = Rs. 500 + Rs. 1,000 + Rs 6120 = Rs 7620. >Hence output tax payable is: Rs. 24,480 - Rs 7620 = Rs. 16,860. >So you have to issue two cheques to the department for this month. This follows the principle that input tax is to be paid first before claiming deductions for output tax. As you would have already paid service tax for (d) and (e) at time of making payment to them, input tax deduction can be claimed on that basis. As you are also issuing cheque for (c), input tax credit can be availed for that. Technically you are issuing the cheques simultaneously but there is no problem for availing credit for input. > >08. Credit for other taxes: Credit cannot be taken for taxes paid to state governments (VAT, octroi, local taxes, etc.). Service tax is a central government levy. Credit can be taken for certain portion of customs duty paid (this is rather complicated, please consult your CA for that). > >09. Need further information: You could visit the Help Desk of the department. They are adept in filling forms and helping with procedural queries. >Or consult your CA. We are not the right entity to answer queries on this issue. We just wished to present the facts as known to us. > >10. Final advice from our company: The department has a special cell for catching evaders (taking the plea that the tax is not specifically listed in the list of service tax will not help nor the plea that as I have not collected from our client and hence I cannot pay from my pocket). This cell is adept in net surfing. It is very easy for them to get addresses of all agencies who have a website. Freelancers do not have to worry per se but agencies with receipts more than Rs 4 lacs definitely should pay the taxes immediately else there is imminent risk that your comapny may face immense financial burden after couple of years if the department sends a notice with penalty. At times, having a website may be a curse ! Source: Ashok Bagri Managing Partner Trans Infopreneur Inc. Managing Partner 'KSL Kantoor' ite no. 01, 445/1, Outpost Police Station Road (Off Kodagehalli Main Road), Sahakaranagar, Bangalore - 560092, INDIA

Finding Your Market Niche As A Freelance Translator

FINDING YOUR MARKET NICHE AS A FREELANCE TRANSLATOR You may be familiar with the term “market niche” – which is simply a focused audience within the general audience. The easiest route to finding your niche in the market is to look to your specialization – your area of expertise and match it to the appropriate users. Income is a consideration for selecting a niche, if your specialization is not in demand in the marketplace, then it is not serving your purpose. On the other hand, joining the masses in a very popular specialization raises the level of competition you are facing in securing clients. The other point to consider is the market itself, where is the demand strongest and how closely is it related to your expertise? If you specialize in literary translations of the classics, what products or services are related to this theme? Offering your services to archaeological organizations such as museums or companies that market items from a certain historical period that you know well can provide you with some lucrative opportunities. Looking at individuals who work for themselves or have small companies can provide you with the opportunity to broaden your skills with a variety of translations projects. Translating a novel for an author or the website of a designer who want to enter the market of another country represent two types of projects you could consider. The bottom line in choosing a market niche is your interest level because you will be spending a lot of time researching, developing and promoting your services to this market. Be aware that you will have competition no matter what market niche you choose. You will have to study what they are doing and then find a way to present what makes your services unique.

A Freelance Translator Website: Is It Worth Having One?

Your freelance translation business needs include promotion, and an Internet website is an excellent way to provide a consistent method to gain exposure for your services. However, you need to review your options to taking your freelance translation services online, so that you will not become overwhelmed. Creating a simple website can be accomplished within a reasonable amount of time. There are many domain name/web hosting packages available to help you get your website online. In addition, the number of web authoring software packages that work from the “what you see is what you get” approach has increased tremendously in the last three years; you can design a five page website in one evening if you have all of your required information ready. However, what many people do not realize is that there is more to having a website than just the basics discussed in the last paragraph, websites require maintenance, which can be time consuming and you have to also keep your eye on the ball to make sure that your website is being indexed properly by the search engines. If designing a site is a task that you are not comfortable doing, there are many professional website designers for hire at reasonable rates that will do this work for you. The most important aspect of working with a website designer is to be sure that they are competent and that you give them a clear understanding of what you require from your site along with the budget you have to spend for the project. Some website designers will also work as webmasters; maintaining your site, fixing errors and listing your site with the search engines. Seeking a package of services from a website designer is the best way to stretch your budget and gain the benefits of website exposure.

9 Differences between Sylheti and Bengali Languages

Over the years I have often encountered several questions regarding connection between Bengali and Sylheti languages. Very often translation service buyers consider Sylheti and Bengali are the same and any Bengali translator can also do Sylheti translation. The truth is that a Sylheti translator can translate into both Bengali and Sylheti but the opposite is not always true. Here are the 9 differences between these two languages, the knowledge of which would help translation seekers to choose proper translators. 1. Sylheti (native name Siloti; Bengali name Siletee) is the language of the Surma valley region, consisting of most of Sylhet Division in Bangladesh and Cachar District in Assam, India and is spoken by over 9 million people. Large expatriate communities in the UK, USA, Canada and the Middle East also speak it. 2. Over 90% of the 220,000 Bangladeshi people in Britain can trace their roots back to this one district Sylhet region in northeastern Bangladesh. 3. Sylheti has never been recognized as a language in its own right, even though it is quite different from standard Bengali, in its sound system, the way in which its words are formed and in its vocabulary. 4. The Sylheti script is not related to Bengali. The Siloti Nagri alphabet is derived from the Kaithi script of Bihar, though with a number of differences. The script, Sylheti Nagari, was never officially recognized, despite having been widely used. 5. Sylheti is unique among Indian languages in having its first printing font designed, and its subsequent printing and publishing industry developed, by nationals. 6. Approximately 70-75%% of the Sylheti vocabulary is derived from Bengali, while the rest from Arabic, Persian, Hindi, Assamese and some of the other Bengali dialects and has its own distinct grammar. 7. Sylheti is the chosen language of not only villages, but also of urban Sylhetis who are fluent in both the languages. 8. Sylhet has a rich heritage of literature in the Siloti Nagri script going back at least 200 years. Books in Siloti Nagri, whether manuscript or printed, are known as ‘puthis’. Sylheti is the only regional language related to Bengali, which developed its own folk literature in its own Script. 9. The Sylheti language as spoken by the rural population residing in their home district is largely unintelligible to other Bengalis.

IS THERE ANY BENEFIT IN TAKING A FREELANCE TRANSLATION TEST?

IS THERE ANY BENEFIT IN TAKING A FREELANCE TRANSLATION TEST? When you are seeking clients as a freelance translator, applying to agencies is a logical place to begin. However when an agency or a client asks you to take a test as part of your application for project work, you need to tread carefully. Some agencies will tell you that they require a test to ascertain your proficiency level. All too often, these so-called “tests” have an unnecessarily large word count, making them appear to be more of an attempt to have text translated without charge than anything else. In addition, many of these agencies are notorious for their lack of communication regarding the tests results with the freelance translator who has submitted the application. So using this process to gauge your own proficiency is not viable. On the other hand, when a prospective client requests a test translation, you can communicate with them and make sure that the basics required for an accurate translation are included with these four tips: 1. Provide the client with a standardized word count format for the test translation can avoid confusion. Keeping in mind the time required to perform a translation, 250-300 words should be adequate to gauge your ability 2. Ask the client for materials that are relevant to the translation; such as reference material or technical information. 3. Ask the client to provide the context. This is especially important in technical or scientific translations. 4. Make sure you know who will read the translation. Writing about computer technology to professionals requires a different approach than writing on the same topic to teenagers. The bottom line to translating text at no charge is be sure that there is value in doing so; either it will give you the opportunity to gauge your skill or it will lead to an assignment.

FREELANCE TRANSLATORS INDUSTRY JARGON - WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW IT

FREELANCE TRANSLATORS INDUSTRY JARGON - WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW IT Every industry has its own terminology and the translation world is no different. However sometimes industry jargon can obstruct clarity in a translation. There are some professional freelance translators who feel that the overuse of industry jargon opens the door to misunderstanding; you are using a term that in your mind has a certain definition, but the readers’ understanding of the term is completely different. With that said the fact remains that members of every profession use jargon simply because it is an easy way to convey an idea. Having a clear understanding of your own industry jargon can be used to identify terms in documents from other industries as well. When a client presents you with a document for translation that has many terms that fall in the jargon category, you have to work closely with the client to refine the term into one that will be understood clearly by the reader. Generally the rule of thumb with industry jargon is that the broader the audience the simpler the language. Limiting your use of jargon in your daily communications is good practice if you want to stay focused on being clearly understood; even within the freelance translation world not every individual is on the same page with all of the terms. In conclusion, while the use of industry jargon is a widely accepted practice, the benefits of using it is coming under more criticism, due to the confusion that it produces when used inappropriately. It is to your advantage to be aware of industry jargon in the translation world and within the area of your specialization, but for the sake of clarity, it is best to limit your use of it when you are translating a document to make sure that the integrity of the content is maintained.

FREELANCE TRANSLATORS HOW TO GET JOBS FROM A CLIENT – NOW AND ALWAYS

FREELANCE TRANSLATORS HOW TO GET JOBS FROM A CLIENT – NOW AND ALWAYS With the growing competition in the freelance translation market, you have to be aware of how the big picture relates to your situation and goals. There are some freelance translators who try to be all things to all clients, thinking that this will bring them future jobs or more direct referrals. However, although client types are as varied as freelance translators, it is to your advantage to develop a profile of your marketable skills and research the segment of the market where these skills are most in demand. With the creation of your profile, specialization is easier. If you concentrate your freelance translation on computer technology, with each successful project completion, you are adding to your knowledge and experience on the subject-one of the key factors most clients use when selecting a freelance translator. It is very important to be able to stand in the shoes of client. Many freelance translators devote a lot of their time and energy to finding and securing projects, but once the project is completed, they lose out on referrals because they fail to request feedback from the client and maintain contact with them. Develop a customer care strategy for each phase of the process and make your concern for customer satisfaction clear when you are promoting your freelance translator services. Make sure you focus on what the client needs from you in the work arrangement; some clients want daily updates and others are content to wait and review the project once it has been completed. Once you have delivered the freelance translation project to the client, remember to thank them for their business, ask them for their comments on the experience and suggestions to improve your service. Gaining a reputation as an experienced, skilled freelance translator who also provides excellent customer care will bring you the long term business relationships and referrals that you need to increase your income.

FREELANCE TRANSLATORS 5 WAYS TO START MAKING MONEY

FREELANCE TRANSLATORS 5 WAYS TO START MAKING MONEY If you are looking for ways to increase the money you make from your freelance translation services here are few ideas: 1. Join a new translation marketplace There are many marketplace for freelancers online. Join them first as a free member and when you have earned your money be a featured member. 2. Create a blog. This is the easiest way to get the word out to the audience you want to inform about your services. There are several free blogging sites which you can use without knowing any web authoring language. The other bonus about creating a blog is the syndication feature that feeds your post into a listing for blogs in your category. 3. Post your information in discussion boards. Joining discussion groups will give you valuable exposure to a variety of products and services. It is worth the time to investigate the translation opportunities that exist with the manufacturers and providers. Select the group that has a large membership for the best exposure. 4. Create a website. Designing a full website gives you the freedom to provide details about your service as well as create your own marketplace for selling articles or creating a free reprint directory of articles to gain more exposure. You can also create your own forum for translators or publish a newsletter of translation tips for other translators. 5. Network at local business events. Having a well designed printed business card or brochure to distribute when you attend events can bring you new professional contacts as well as clients. Another source of freelance translator work can be with community organizations that service a bilingual client base.

WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR YOUR INTERNET FREELANCE TRANSLATION BUSINESS?

Taking your freelance translation business online is a smart move for a variety of reasons; greater exposure, a place to display your portfolio, build customer confidence and make valuable professional connections to name just a few. Using the Internet has become such an integral part of doing business now that when you go online to find information about a topic, it is easy to overlook the multitude of factors at work to make your visit to the website possible. Many of these factors will have to be considered if you want to have a successful Internet business that meets your expectations. Here are a few points to keep in mind: Choose a domain name that is easy to remember and reflects your specialization. You are one freelance translator among thousands of freelance translators – you have to find a feature of your freelance translation services that makes you stand out from the crowd. A reliable web hosting company is crucial. There are hundreds of horror stories about web hosting companies that do not have competent technical support required to keep a website online and accessible to visitors. An easy to navigate web design is essential to retain visitors. Whether you design the site yourself or hire a professional, design your site with accessibility features that visitors prefer; make sure the text is easy to read and that your entire menu of links work. Educate your visitors. The value of translation may be clear to you as a freelancer, but that is not the case with all of your visitors. Even when a real need for translation services, you still have to make the case of why and how you are best for the job.

SECRETS TO WINNING FREELANCE TRANSLATOR PROJECTS

SECRETS TO WINNING FREELANCE TRANSLATOR PROJECTS Whether you are just starting out as a freelance translator or have years of experience, the bidding process of winning projects remains a creative endeavor. When you are working through an agency, there is a wide range of client types; some are easier to do business with than others. But no matter what type of client you prefer, it is to your advantage to pay attention to the clues they give when they describe their project and make sure the subject is of interest to you. What is the most important ingredient of the winning bid formula? A cup of experience, a quart of communication skills and a gallon of luck plus as much patience as you can find. But one thing is certain, if you cannot follow the train of thought of the service buyer, it might be best not to bid on the project. From an experienced freelance translator’s point of view, the service that we offer is very different in the sense that we regularly use intuitive skills in order to translate languages. For me the secret of winning bids on projects is to first make sure that the subject is within my sphere of interest. Second, I read the description of the project carefully and look for the language clues that tell me if the client is organized or not. Because I am genuinely interested in the subject, it is easier for me to relax and see what happens. It all the elements add up positively, more times than not, I win the project. Try this approach and see how it works for you.