Posted by Betina Frisone on December 18, 1999 at 18:08:41:
In Reply to: Re: freelance translators can ask questions here posted by Sylvia Gilbertson on December 08, 1999 at 13:50:39:
: I have recently relocated to the United States from Italy, where I've been a freelance translator for about 10 years. I see that billing in the United States is by the word, not the page, so I'll be changing my form of billing here. My question is: does the word count come from the target language or the source language?
: Thanks.
: Sylvia
Sylvia --
Welcome to the world of freelancing in the U.S.!
I've been a freelancing for over 15 years (I'm in the
Chicagoland area) and have *never* charged a client
by the word. Then again, I only have direct client, i.e.,
I do my own marketing and enjoy direct relationships
with the authors and users of my work. Because so many
factors can affect the amount of time and effort a
specific project will take (formatting, research, etc.),
work is always quoted and invoice "by project". I've
also quite a few long-standing relationships with clients
who don't even request a quote and are happy with my
invoice -- they know my work and know that I don't take
advantage, but they also know I don't cheaply!
Keep in mind that once you establish a certain billing
practice with a client, it will be difficult to change
it in the future.
I wish you success!
Betina
___________________________________________
BETINA FRISONE
Spanish Translation / Interpreting Services
(USA) 847 / 632-1252 -- Fax: 847 / 255-5873
