In my previous article, “Making the Case for Freelance Translators,” I argue that freelancers can do everything that translation agencies can do, and possibly even better. In this article, I’d like to address some widespread myths claiming that translation agencies have more to offer than freelancers.
Here are a few common misconceptions about the differences between translation agencies and freelance translators and the reason why freelancers are every bit as qualified as translation agencies, if not more.
Myth 1: Freelancers aren’t as professional as agencies.
As I mention in my previous article, most translation agencies subcontract all of their projects to freelancers, whereas those freelancers could be doing the work for the direct clients directly and just as professionally. However, there is a wide range of experience when it comes to freelance translation, and the less experienced translators are often the ones working with agencies. The truth is that some freelancers really aren’t that professional, as I’ve learned (for example, they might not return emails, aren’t interested in teaching their clients, or have little customer service acumen). Why not find a qualified freelance translator for your project and work directly with them to ensure better communication and a higher quality product?
Myth 2: Project managers are necessary for large projects.
When a project manager must coordinate work between multiple translators because the project is too large for a single translator, it is extremely difficult to ensure consistency in terminology and style, even if a reviser does a thorough revision of the entire project. This is because, in most cases, the subcontractors hired often work independently of each other and must relay all of their terminology and style questions to the project manager. Consequently, the subcontractors are unable to consult with each other in order to finalize certain points.
While working with a single translator may mean a longer turnaround time, quality and consistency will be guaranteed. In addition, in the case of short turnaround times, many freelance translators call on their colleagues when they are not available so that they can accommodate their clients’ needs. In those cases, the lead translator has their finger on the pulse of the project and is aware of all potential issues. Direct communication between the lead translator (instead of via the project manager) and other freelancers also ensures that questions are answered quickly and thoroughly.
Lastly, if you have an ongoing project where documents need to be translated on a regular basis, your freelance translator will be aware of previous project components and where you are in the larger process, whereas agencies often call on different translators for the same client depending on the freelancers’ availabilities, resulting in a poorer understanding of the project as a whole.
Myth 3: Freelancers aren’t always available, whereas an agency can always take on projects.
As mentioned in the point above, freelancers often subcontract to colleagues when they’re overloaded and then check the other translators’ work to ensure that the translation meets their quality standards. Many freelancers also call on colleagues to cover for them during vacations or periods of extended leave so that their clients aren’t left hanging.
In addition, as you begin to collaborate regularly with the same freelancer, the translator will start to get a feel for your needs and be able to coordinate timelines with you so that they are available when you need them. For example, if your regular freelancer is planning on going on vacation in the summer months or has a large project scheduled for another client, they can let you know the exact dates so that you can both work around them.
Myth 4: Only agencies are able to leverage translation technology.
Many translation agencies use translation project management platforms to coordinate the work completed by their hundreds (if not thousands) of freelancers located around the world. However, for most projects, simple CAT tools (computer-assisted translation software) and terminology management tools suffice. Translators have the same, if not more, knowledge of the tools available to them so that they can work efficiently every day. (As a side note, learning how to navigate project management platforms is a part-time job in itself!)
Myth 5: Agencies are better equipped to take on larger projects.
While there may be some truth to this myth since agencies have established a pool of vendors to choose from, the rates agencies charge are marked down significantly in order to pay for their own overhead, and the translators they work with very often are less experienced or willing to work for those lower rates. In the end, those freelancers don’t have the time or the budget to keep up on their skills, learn about industry trends, or invest in continuing education.
In many cases when a freelancer entrusts a colleague with a project or part of a project because they are overloaded, the colleague selected for the project will become the freelancer’s go-to person when the need arises again in the future, which means that the said colleague becomes familiar with the client’s product or service and, ultimately, the client’s exact needs.
In sum, establishing a working relationship with a freelance translator offers many benefits, not only in terms of the quality of work and consistency, but also on a personal level as the translator gets to know you your organization. In addition, I can guarantee that, if you find a freelancer who is the right fit for your organization, they will do everything in their power to meet your every need (and do it well!).
