Getting a new translation client can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack. No matter how much you polish your freelance profile and do online marketing, you may still struggle to find consistent and well-paid freelance translation work.

Freelancing is a big wide world and building up your client list takes time. But if you can’t find enough freelance translation work on your own, you might consider partnering with translation agencies to gain experience and make industry connections.

Let’s break down how to get freelance translation work by building professional relationships with translation agencies.

The Myth of Blood-Sucking Translation Agencies

It’s true that some agencies seem to mistreat freelance translators. If you’ve had a bad experience before, you know what this looks like: very low rates, very quick deadlines, asking for free tests, using harsh language, not paying on time and generally making you feel unappreciated.

My best tip is to avoid agencies like this at all costs and instead focus on finding better translation agencies. Many of them are honestly searching for great freelance translators to become part of their team. They’re willing to pay you fairly and treat you professionally.

Professional agencies like this can be beneficial for your translation career. They can offer you steady freelance translation work. And since they handle marketing and client acquisition, you can focus on what you do best: translating.

Red flags of abusive translation agencies (and clients!)

As you make initial contact with translation agencies, be on the lookout for these red flags.

• The rate is way too low.
• The deadline is way too fast.
• They mention that the translation is “very easy” but you cannot take a look first.
• They can’t show you the document to translate until you sign a contract.
• They suggest that payment will be lowered if any mistakes are found.
• They don’t give specifics about how you’ll be paid.
• You can’t find the agency’s contact info online or on LinkedIn, and they don’t have a website.

If you spot one or more of these red flags, tread carefully. Search for freelance translation work elsewhere – there are plenty of professional translation agencies out there!

5 Steps to Get More Translation Work from Agencies

The freelance world is competitive, which is why you must stand out from the crowd. But you don’t have to be Wonder Woman to work with an agency. You simply have to show you’re a real professional: that you communicate well and deliver high-quality translations.

Here are five steps to both land jobs and wow agencies to get more freelance translation work in the long run.

Step 1: Identify professional translation agencies

Do some research online first to find good agencies to work with. Here are some good places to start looking for good translation agencies:

• Translator association databases: Translator associations often keep lists of certified translators and agencies. Sometimes governments also keep lists with contact info of translators and agencies. Check out these sites first to find agencies started by real pros.
• LinkedIn search: LinkedIn has an excellent search feature that you can use to find translation agencies. You might even be able to see who works for them and what clients have said about them.
• Translation portals and freelance platforms: Freelance platforms can sometimes be a minefield, but you might have success finding agencies through active jobs they’re posting. This could be a good chance to introduce yourself to an agency.
• Google Maps: Often translation agencies are right under your nose. Go to Google Maps and type in translation or translator for your city. You’re sure to get an initial list to start with. You can even search in big cities with your language pairs. For example, if you’re a Portuguese-English translator, try Google Map searches for Brazil, Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking places.
• Industry word-of-mouth: The internet is an amazing tool, but sometimes word-of-mouth within the industry more effective. Look up translator conferences, talks and contests. Interact with the translation industry to make connections. It could help you find a wonderful agency to work with.

Step 2: Wow with your first impression

After sending an effective first email to an agency (or applying online), you’ll often be asked for an initial test translation. If they like what they see, you’ll get added to their database and hopefully get your first project from them.

You’ll want to give this initial translation your best. Exceed their expectations by making sure to deliver before the deadline and delivering high-quality work. High-quality means that you’ve checked the translation for accuracy and polished the wording at least twice. If time allows, you might even submit it to another translator for peer review.

Step 3: Show quality commitment with the comment feature

Translation can be a practical art: you find an expression that works and move on. But you can show an even higher commitment to quality by highlighting problematic areas of the translation.

Create a list of comments in Word, Google docs or any other program you’re using to give more information about key areas of the translation. This may include:

• Asking questions about ambiguous areas.
• Offering alternative translations for key wording.
• Adding source links of your research into any problematic wording.
• Explaining any difficult decisions you made in the translation and why.

Of course, you don’t want to overwhelm your project manager with comments. Just add ones that make sense and support any wording the manager might question during quality control.

Step 4: Communicate like a pro

It’s sometimes surprising that freelance translators, working with words, are not always communicating well with their clients. Every email you send is key to building your relationship. You can get some sample wording for successful emails from PacTranz here.

Here are a few pointers to getting more freelance translation work in general:

• Read and follow instructions: A translation project often comes with instructions, either in an email or in a PO. Make sure you read and follow these, and double check before delivery that you have.
• Manage frustration and stay friendly: It’s annoying when agencies or clients come back with “corrections” that aren’t correct in your native language or offer vague feedback that doesn’t help you understand how to revise. Take a deep breath before you reply. Don’t dive into pedantic lectures and don’t show anger. Try to ask better questions and explain as concisely as possible.
• Download the Grammarly extension: Seriously, it’s free and easy to use. It will highlight any egregious mistakes in your emails before you send them.
• Say please and thank you: Generally speaking, managers give work to freelance translators they like. And they like those who are friendly and easy to work with, even when the task is difficult or the feedback substantial. Be clear and firm in what you need to express, but also don’t forget to say please and thank you.

Step 5: Stick with translation agencies you enjoy working with

You’re the boss of your freelance life. If any agency is asking to compromise your standards, then don’t continue your relationship. And if you don’t enjoy working with a certain agency, then maybe it’s time to move on.

No need to burn bridges. Just tell this agency that you’re too busy with other projects, or that you’re changing directions in your translation career. This way, you can focus on building relationships with clients that you truly value. Typically, these relationships are the ones that last and help you improve your translation skills in the long run.

Final Takeaway

Building your freelance translation career from the ground up takes time. It’s essential to be smart about who you work with by avoiding abusive clients, connecting with professional translation agencies and delivering wonderful work.

By following our steps on how to get freelance translation work, you’ll soon be wowing translation agencies – and landing more and more jobs every day.