Marketing yourself: Samples, Glossaries

Ruben Berrozpe wrote:

Concerning samples: How do you build them? Maybe from previous engagements - requesting the client's (or agency's) permission? Or do you create a mock translation out of the blue from a random internet text? I guess the first option will be more common, but there's always the problem of getting a suspicious agent's permission... Well, any suggestions?

(BTW, what if your translation has been made 'pubic' by the client in its web site? Could you just refer your prospective employer to the URL stating that you were the translator of this text? Is it possible that problems arise out of this with your current agency?)

Concerning glossaries: Are they confidential? Are they owned by the translator or the final client? Do you provide clients with glossaries? My first thought is: No, you don't. I mean, think glossaries should be my private tool and I don't think I should be making a company's specific terminology available to others. Is this right from a general point of view? Have you ever faced any conflict with agents or final clients about this?

Rb

MarcPrior wrote:

Hi Ruben,

Firstly, you need to distinguish between agencies and end clients. As far as agencies are concerned, it is better to forget about trying to use any material you have translated for them. Concentrate on material you have produced for end clients.

An ideal sample is one on a client's web site. It has the advantage of being within the public view and obviously being genuine. Whether you can simply claim it as "your work" and, for example, link to it from your own web site, is something of a grey area: it depends upon the type of text and probably also upon the jurisdiction. The easiest solution is to ask the customer for permission - and also to include your name as the translator within the text. Customers are likely to be co-operative, as it is a good sign that a service provider wants to use work done for them as an example of good work.

Much the same applies to any other form of publicity material. If you have translated a printed brochure, catalogue, etc., scan some sample pages and post them on your web site. Don't just reproduce the text; publishing the final layout underlines the fact that you produced final, print-ready copy and makes a better impression.

If nothing you have ever translated has ever been published on the web, think of offering your services to translate a charity's web site for free in return for the free publicity.

Translators of printed publications sometimes reproduce the cover on their web sites. This doesn't provide any indication of the content, but it does look good to potential customers.

Glossaries can be a great way of demonstrating your expertise. A comprehensive glossary on a particular subject, posted on the Internet and indexed by the major search engines, is certain to attract some attention. It will only be any use though if it really is comprehensive, in which case you needn't worry much about terms coming from particular customers. Apart from the fact that the terms in a public glossary shouldn't be customer-specific anyway, the glossary should be so comprehensive that the influence of a particular company or body shouldn't be apparent. An automotive glossary for example which only includes Nissan's buzzwords isn't going to impress other auto manufacturers.

Marc