Traduccion

Getting Started:
A Newcomer's Guide to

Translation and
Interpretation

A publication of the ATA

American Translators Association

Compiled by Sandra Burns Thomson

Copyright©2001
American Translators Association

This Guide is a compilation of articles that have been published in The ATA Chronicle, the
Proceedings of the ATA Annual Conferences, or other ATA publications.All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the written
permission of the publisher.

ISBN: 0-914175-09-2

Price: ATA Members: $15; non-members: $25

Order from:

American Translators Association
225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590
Alexandria, VA 22314
USA
Phone: (703) 683-6100; Fax: (703) 683-6122
Email: ata@atanet.org

Cover Design: EllenBanker

PREFACE
When I first learned about the American Translators Association, it was a
professional organization of 2000 members based in upstate New York. The decade since
has seen our membership grow to over 8000. Our budget and our publications have
expanded as well. The World Wide Web has changed translation, in some respects,
almost beyond recognition.
One thing has remained thesame, however—there is still a deep and ongoing
need for information about how to get started in the professions of translation and
interpretation. In the United States we have very few academic programs and even fewer
opportunities to learn on the job. The ATA has prepared this compilation of material
from our magazine, the ATA Chronicle, the Proceedings of our Annual Conference, andother ATA publications as a resource for those new to the field, and those seeking more
knowledge about how to advance their career.
It is my hope that this book will be a useful guide to anyone wishing to plunge
into the inspiring, maddening, ever-changing and ever-challenging worlds of translation
and interpretation. They are marvelous professions practiced by fascinating people. Maythis volume help you make your way to success.

Ann G. Macfarlane
President, American Translators Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1
American Translators Association................................................................................................... 2
Profile of a Competent Translator and of an Effective Translator Training Program .................... 3
An Introduction to Translation, John Bukacek ................................................................................ 5
ATA Publishes Translation and Interpretation Services Survey, Shawn Six ............................... 14
Letter to a YoungTranslator, Gertrud Graubart Champe ............................................................ 16
First-timers Find ATA Conference Well Worth Cost, Ann Sherwin ............................................ 18
Contracting to Provide Translation Services, James E. Gates and Ana E. Gray ......................... 20
The Translator as Global Contractor, Marga Hannon................................................................... 22
The Bureau-Freelancer Relationship, Henry Fischbach ................................................................ 25
Is This Still Worth It? An Update, Jonathan Hine ....................................................................... 28
Setting Up an Independent Translation Business, Nancy M Snyder............................................ 32
How to Successfully Market Yourself to Translation Agencies, George P. Rimalower .............. 37
10 Top Tips for a Top-Notch Translation Résumé, Eve Lindemuth Bodeux ................................ 40
Marketing Your Accreditation, Julien Marquis ............................................................................. 42
Top 10 Traits of Good Translators, Patricia L. Bown...