Who do home-based translators and interpreters work for?
Freelance translators have two basic types of clients: translation agencies (also called translation bureaus or companies) and direct clients. Translation agencies, many of which are members of the American Translators Association, function as middlemen between clients who need translations and freelance translators who perform the translations. A translation agency will typically take 25-50% of the overall fee for the translation, but should also provide added value such as proofreading and editing, and a guarantee that the translator will be paid even if the end client never pays the agency. Direct clients, such as companies with foreign business dealings, offer higher earning potential, but also place more responsibility on the translator. Home-based interpreters work mostly with telephone interpreting companies such as Language Line Services and NetworkOmni. These companies route foreign-language calls to the interpreter’s home phone, where the interpreter works in conference call
