posted 02 November 2002 22:13            

From what I have heard from all my sources, translating for academia is largely unprofitable for freelancers, at least when working with foreign language departments. Universities, colleges and other academic institutions almost always have ready access to language students who will translate for free. That's fine for students who are learning how to translate and need this type of educational opportunity, but not an option for translators who are already trained and translating to make a living. Then again, this area of academia does some fascinating, once-in-a-lifetime translation opportunities - like, for instance, translating official 16th-century documents from the reign of King Philip II of Spain, or the recently-uncovered letter of a famous 19th-century French Impressionist painter to a friend of his describing his success at an art exposition. Who'd want to pass that up?

If profitability is your top priority, however, you'd be better off focusing on the scientific/research & development side of academia, which is often financed by private or public institutions with somewhat deeper pockets.

Someone please correct me if I've overlooked something here.

Regards,

posted 04 November 2002 08:57            

this is what I charge for what I do

...hire me if you can afford it, or something close to it.

And if they don't, I can get on with something else profitable or enjoyable.

But as Mary says, if it is a particularly interesting project that you really want to do, or would have a high profile, it may be worth a go even for a lower rate. So never say never.