Our Signature Program

Become a
Freelance Translator

- Now including
MULTIPLE INCOME SOURCES AS A FREELANCER!

Do you want to make a significant change in your life, like earning extra money or transforming your job situation?

Navigating this journey alone is tough. It's time-consuming, and you might not know where to start.

Let The Translator Academy Team, with over 50 years of combined experience, be your guide.

What some of our students say about us...

I wanted to start a new career and work as a translator. Now after not even three months, I am in the business thanks to the real good training and the helpfulness of the staff.


The support of the TTA Team is outstanding and meant a lot to me. It was worth every penny!


Thanks to TTA, I am now my own boss and feel as free as I never felt before! I enjoy working now and decide for myself where and when I want to work. Live up the dream! It IS possible!


(from Kathrin's LinkedIn profile: She is now a full-time medical translator from English to German, a Multilanguage Service Provider, German Localisation Specialist and AI (LLM) trainer).

Kathrin Kunze - Germany

Working as a freelance translator has been my dream for years, but I always thought you had to have a translation degree to do so. I also thought it was difficult to get started. Through Inger Lise's training, I learned the opposite.


Malin Johanna Knutsson

Freelance Translator

After 30 years as an IT consultant in the oil and gas industry, I was ready to do something else. I'm now using my professional knowledge in a new way and have created my own job.


 

Sten Dueland

Freelance Translator

I am very satisfied with the course! Inger Lise is incredibly motivating and inspiring, with a contagious positive attitude. The team is exceptionally skilled!




Marte Ravneng Nilsen

Freelance Translator

background...

You don't need a particular background or education to take on projects as a freelance translator. 

In our Signature Program  

- Become a Freelance Translator -

we will teach you all you need to know!


Check out Simona's story:


Susanne was one of many who believed they were not suitable to become a translator.

I worked an 80% position at a school and wanted extra income. One day I received an e-mail from Inger Lise in my inbox, and I thought, "Why not?" So I enrolled in the program and was primarily hoping to earn enough to cover the fee for the program. I did that the first month.

What Inger Lise teaches, differs in that it is hands-on. It's not the kind of program that brags about how amazing it is, and you're left feeling you haven't learned anything afterward. The program gives specific information:  This is how you register your company, this is how you negotiate prices, this is how much you should get paid, this is the software most in use (with complete user guides), not to mention a lot of relevant content (interviews, webinars, etc.) and a supportive Facebook group where you can get answers to anything.

I quit my job about a year after starting my own business. I wrote this in October 2020, and my income this year amounts to €82,000. My best month this year has been June with €14,000.

I quit my job about a year after starting my own business. I wrote this in October 2020, and my income this year amounts to €82,000. My best month this year has been June with €14,000. That means I got a €50,000 raise compared to the job I used to have, and that's with me working when and where I want. When my son comes from school, I am at home, take long lunch breaks when I want to, and hit the bubble bath when I feel like it.

I warmly recommend Inger Lise's program. You will not find anyone who cares for or serves up as much for her students and members, new and old!

susanne høyersten - norway

Hello,

My name is Inger Lise Kontochristos. It's nice to meet you!

I have been a full-time freelance translator for two decades and built a translation agency with some wonderful translators. They all have in common that they started just like me, and now maybe you – from scratch.

And the world has been our oyster – we've translated more than 20 million words for clients in over 40 countries!

But the most rewarding thing I have done is teach several thousand language lovers in The Translator Academy® how they can follow their dream of working as linguists and translators. Dreams shouldn't stay in drawers covered in dust!

Our team will do anything in our power to help you on your way to your goal –  getting exciting projects from clients all over the world.

Some of the people who will help you on your way are:

Inger Lise

founder/head teacher 

Netta

Netta

community & program manager

Baard

support team leader

Kristin

Marketing wizarD/Subtitler

Julie

Subtitler 

Native Proofreaders from multiple countries

We're looking forward to being of service and wish you a warm welcome to our beloved community!


Check what some of our students say about us

I count the moment seeing the ad for this program as a watershed moment for me, a real turning point.


After being unemployed for a year and applying for jobs I didn’t want, signing up for this program was a spontaneous decision that I don’t regret!


I felt at home in the industry straight away, and after a few months, I was able to support myself full-time as a translator.


 I love the possibilities -  you work when you want to, how much you want to and where you want to. I can’t imagine going back to a nine-to-five job with traffic jams and incompetent bosses.

Geir Amundsen

Norway

The program Become a Freelance Translator was an outstanding experience for me.


I tried on my own to become a translator before discovering this program, but I couldn't get clients. In the program, you learn the ropes. The method is practical and very easy to understand, and you're left with a feeling of being able to do this.


Inger Lise is an incredibly attentive and supportive teacher! I am so happy with everything I've learned and excited that I can now work as a translator properly. If you're considering joining the program, I recommend doing so!

Karna Klausen Herland

Norway

After years of my previous job feeling not-quite-right, I stumbled upon The Translator Academy’s course Become a Freelance Translator. I had played with the thought of taking my transferable skills and subject area expertise into translation business, but I had not a clue how to do that.

At the time of writing this, I have been a full-time freelance translator for five months. The tool box I built with The Translator Academy has been invaluable.  I have secured a couple of very good clients, and although I am still a beginner, for the last couple of months I have been able to earn enough to make the ends meet – within half a year of getting started!

To summarise, The Translator Academy’s course Become a Freelance Translator has been worth every penny for me. I not only got a new career, but a confidence boost and a work-life balance that suits me at this point of my life. Thanks to taking this leap of faith, I have also met wonderful people both online and in real life. I warmly recommend this course if you have thought about going into translation but don’t know how!

Anna Honkanen

finland

This course literally changed my life. It may seem a bit over the top, but it is true. It gave me the courage to leave a job I disliked, and really helped me get on my feet with translation.

The support team is amazing and helps you every step of the way, you get hands-on tips how to start your business and how to find clients.

An extra big plus is the Facebook groups you get access to, where you can get tips and support from fellow students and the support team is there as well to guide you in every question that may pop up.

Every cent spent on this course was worth it for me.

Hanna Heffler

Sweden

Thank you so much for a wonderfully helpful program. I got so excited that I've dived right into starting my work as a translator after finishing the program.

Genuinely, if it hadn't been for this program I don't think I would have been this successful at getting on agency rosters and getting jobs (I got three jobs within two weeks of starting to send emails out and one of them is a big, four week project that I am currently working on!)


I am eternally grateful for the base knowledge and reassurance that this program has given me. How lucky that I stumbled on one of your ads when I was struggling with getting started on my freelance career because I didn't know where to start.

Sara Good - Denmark

When I first saw your videos and ads on facebook, I was very sceptical. Who are these people and what do they want from me? Is this yet another attempt of trying to sell me something I really don’t need?

But now I’m just so relieved and happy that I signed up, confident that we’re all among friends here. Thank you all for working so hard to help and to improve the program.

This program of yours is changing my life so much and I’m so grateful for it. Thank you!!

Hanne Sofie Akselsen Franzen - norway

EVERYTHING YOU NEED AS A FREELANCE TRANSLATOR!

You will learn everything from scratch, and you do not need any preexisting knowledge about translating.
We update our program regularly to reflect changes in the market and industry.
Module 1 - Introduction
  • Introduction to freelance translation
  • Prepare and get a solid foundation
  • The roadmap for success in your freelance business
Module 2 - Mindset
  • Foundational mindset to succeed as a freelancer
  • How to dare to do something you haven't tried before
  • How to handle people who are negative to what you're doing
  • What's luck got to do with it?
  • Imposter syndrome and how to get rid of it
  • Surviving the startup as a freelancer
  • Goal setting, habits and driving forces
  • Get a good structure and focus from the start
Module 3 - Clients
  • Learn about agency clients and direct clients and what the difference is
  • Find out what clients you should start with and which ones you should avoid as a beginner translator
  • Create a strategy for getting the best-paying clients
  • Find out what jobs you should not take
  • Learn how to negotiate the best deals
  • Get the mindset that will help you build loyal clients from day one
  • Lean the rock-solid strategy for how to solve any problem that might arise
  • Find out what contracts you should not sign
Module 4 - Pricing
  • Learn the best strategies for setting rates
  • Learn to handle rate negotiations like a pro, even as a beginner
  • Develop good income strategies so you can get paid based on what you need to earn
  • Find out how to raise your rates if you started too low with text templates you can use
Module 5 - Marketing basics - email templates and CV
  • Get an overview of what marketing material you need - and what you don't need
  • Create a translator CV from scratch (with a checklist)
  • Create an email template you can send to potential clients (with a checklist)
  • Develop good marketing strategies
  • Guidance on how to get clients quickly if you're in a hurry
  • How to angle lack of background
  • Find out how to create a brand from the start
  • Learn how to use testimonials strategically in your marketing
  • Create a system for following up with potential clients
Module 6 - Marketing basics - Proz and LinkedIn
  • Create a Proz profile
  • Learn the strategies for marketing on Proz (with a checklist)
  • How to find new clients directly on Proz
  • How to answer requests that are coming via Proz
  • Learn how to use LinkedIn as a freelancer
  • How to make sure you're attractive to clients using LinkedIn to place their work
  • In-depth interviews with experts on the best strategies for getting clients and jobs through LinkedIn
Module 7 - Marketing advanced
  • How to become even more visible on Proz - the advanced strategies
  • Learn how to use holiday periods to get loyal clients
  • What marketing activities to focus on when you're pressed for time
  • Get clients to come to you (using a website, etc.)
  • How to use SEO to become more visible
  • Learn how to use Kudoz
Module 8 - The translation process
  • What types of jobs you can take and what you should focus on as a beginner
  • A checklist with the things you need to know before starting a job
  • Learn how to deal with job requests in a professional manner and deliver a result you can be proud of
  • Find out how to do research and use Google in a way that saves you hours every day
  • Learn to proofread your own texts and take proofreading jobs where you proofread other translators's texts
  • What you need to do before delivery
Module 9 - CAT tools and tech
  • Find out what CAT tools are and how to use them strategically
  • Learn the different terms you need to know when working with CAT
  • Find out how to use translation memories (TMs) in a strategic way to speed up your work and ensure quality over time
  • No tedious user manuals - learn only what you need to get the job done
  • Find out how to work in the main CAT tools (Trados Studio, Phrase (former Memsource), and memoQ
  • Find out what to do when the clients ask you to use their proprietary programs + what you need to ask them
  • Learn how to use free CAT tools
Module 10 - Business
  • Get help starting your business
  • Find out how to run your business in the easiest way possible
  • Learn what you need to know about invoicing, what to include in your invoice and how to handle international payment terms
  • Find out how to invoice international clients in various currencies
  • Get our own Bat Method for collecting unpaid invoices that helps you always to get paid
  • Learn how to plan your business to secure good cash-flow
  • Find out how to handle accounting in the easiest way possible
  • Create a strategy for achieving your business goals (extra income, part-time or full-time)
  • Find out how to utilise quiet periods
Module 11 - Lifestyle
  • Get a good work/life balance
  • Develop good habits and sharpen your focus
  • What time management hacks to focus on
  • Find out how energy management can change your days and make you more productive
  • Deep-dive into ways of ensuring a good work/life balance:
         - Health
         - Social life
         - Wellbeing and energy
         - Continuous learning
  • Find out how workcation can become your new favourite activity
Module 12 - Subtitling course
  • How to find subtitling jobs
  • Onboarding with new subtitling agencies
  • What you need to ensure before saying yes
  • How to handle subtitling jobs
  • Find out how to deliver the jobs and make sure the quality is good
  • Tutorials for subtitling software
  • SDH - Subtitling for the hearing impaired
  • How to deal with time coding
  • Practice videos you can subtitle and get feedback on
  • Interviews and webinars with experienced subtitlers
Module 13 - Artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Find out all about how AI is affecting the translation industry
  • Advantages and disadvantages with AI
  • Find out what our jobs will be going forward (with 15 services you can offer!)
  • Important mindset and skills
  • How you can market yourself strategically despite AI
  • List of useful terms
  • List of AI tools
  • Intro to DeepL
  • Webinarer with industry experts about the future for translators and freelancers, what tools we should use, and what we need to do in order to succeed in the new reality
Module 14 - Specialisation
  • How do you choose what to specialise in, with strategies that will help you
  • What types of specialisations that are available in our industry
  • How to get started with your chosen specialisation
  • How to develop your skill set long term
  • Interviews with book translators - how to get started and get jobs
  • Interviews with translators who have chosen various specialisations
Module 15 - Multiple income sources
  • Strategies for choosing income sources and designing your mix
  • What income sources you can choose as a freelancer (hint: there are MANY!)
  • How to strategically expand from one income source to another
  • The best way to market yourself when you have more than one income source
  • Potential pitfalls and how to avoid them
  • Strategies when you haven't got enough work
  • How to increase your income in times of crisis
  • Several dozen interviews with freelancers within different areas, giving you their best tips!

Wait,

there's more? Yes! You will get these unique additional benefits – which can hardly be measured in money!

Review of your  CV, email template, and Proz profile for marketing:

We will help you create a CV and an email template adapted to the industry, to help you market yourself well and efficiently. You will also get your Proz profile reviewed.

We will not give up until you have marketing material that will help you get those projects! 

Proofreading/guidance with practice translations and practice videos for subtitling - done by professional native translators in your language!

Practice translating and subtitling, and send your text and practice videos to us!

You will receive proofreading and guidance from our trusted proofreaders and subtitlers in your native language, to help you develop your skills and be even more suited to completing your client's projects! 

ONE TIME OFFER ONLY: Free lifetime membership in The Translator Academy Membership!

This membership will ensure you never stand alone and can avoid facing the pitfalls alone!
In this beautiful community, hundreds of colleagues are ready to cheer you on and help you out, and Team TTA will continually support you toward your goal. Many have said that this is the best group on Facebook, and we (objectively, of course :)) couldn't agree more!

We also offer language groups in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, German, and Dutch, where you can discuss language-related issues with other students who speak your language. You will also develop yourself professionally and practically through themed webinars and interviews with industry experts. 

These will tell you...

Before I signed up, I was unsure if I would be suited to work as a translator, and if I would gain the knowledge I needed to fulfill my tasks as a translator.

This program is one of the best I have signed up for in a long time. It was easy to understand and organized very practically. Do A, then B. None of the programs I have signed up for in other fields have yielded as much income as this.

I warmly recommend this if you are a doer and not afraid of knuckling down and doing the job.

Oddvar Meyer - Norway

I combine translation with journalism, and it is gold. I can develop a broader writing voice when I do both. When translating, I often come across different genres than in my journalism, which lets me use different phrasing. Similarly, translation can offer good tips on angles I previously had not thought about for my articles.

In both cases I can experience periods where I wait for answers from editorial offices or clients, and that’s when a second profession comes in handy. No waste of time in between projects and extra job security in a constantly changing world. Removing the blinds make you see thru more doors and with this more and more possibilities gets visible for later use.

Guro Lindseth - Norway

It has now been around six months since I took the program.
As someone who had no previous experience working in the field, I really was starting from scratch!

The course gave me the confidence and basic knowledge I needed to get kick started. Loads of crucial info as well as dos’ and don’ts. Engaging and fun webinars.

The confidence gradually grew, because you knew that you had people backing you and also help at hand for all the ‘dumb’ questions a rooky might have.

Now I’ve started marketing and getting work and the help thank goodness doesn’t stop there. Inger Lise’s team are so encouraging and approachable....so when the ‘unknown’ terminology or weird questions from potential clients arrive in your e mail, it’s just to shout out for help!

 I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in getting started with language services

Heather Bonnet-Smith - UK

I took TTA’s translation course many years ago and it’s literally been lifechanging. For a while, I worked as a part-time language teacher and a translator, for then to transition into translating full time. In May this year I signed a contract as a full-time in-house translator for the second consecutive year and translation has been my sole income for 3+ years.

The Translator Academy teaches you everything you need to know on how to succeed as a translator in an inspiring and hands-on manner. But most importantly, Inger Lise and her team always have your back and the community they have created is second-to-none.

Jette Idland - Portugal

This is the REAL deal, not because  WE say so - check out our  TRUSTPILOT REVIEWS!

YES,
sign me up 

You decide where you want to go- we'll help you get there

Maybe you want a whole new career?

Tanja and Trude did just that...

Tanja Dromnes - Norway

Inspiring and valuable training – the most useful I have experienced! And I have experienced many! Everything you learn is wrapped up in a thorough but easy-to-grasp way. And the best thing: It can be applied the way you need to use your abilities and experiences. From the insecure and nervous start at the end of 2016, I have gradually reduced my position as a teacher little by little.

In the beginning, I made mistakes and maybe didn't deliver top-quality translations, and I had to work a few nights to meet a deadline. But Inger Lise and her team are available and present to answer questions, and gradually I have gotten more and more projects by following Inger Lise's training and advice. In January 2019, my position as a teacher was reduced to ten percent and by the summer I quit entirely. Really scary!

Today I am lucky enough to have half of my income from freelance translation and half from being a freelance teacher of Norwegian. And some are a mix of the two. I would not have dared to or been able to go for any of it without the valuable and practical training from Inger Lise, and the support and backing throughout from the program and the Facebook group.  I have been able to utilize all my previous experience and competence. Combined with everything I have learned in this program, I have learned it has enabled me to do what I love the most: subtitling, literature critiquing and translation and developing pedagogical tools and apps in language learning.

And my expertise, which I wondered what was, Inger Lise has helped me uncover by being available for sparring with me.

Trude Kristin Bah - Sweden/Norway

Quite by coincidence, I stumbled upon a link to a page about becoming a freelance translator. I thought: "Why not?" and clicked the link curiously.

From that moment, I was sold – this was the opportunity I had longed for! I have always loved languages and have worked with localization, so this was an excellent opportunity to expand my knowledge and become a translator. And it was so much fun! The content is inspiring and practical, and the best part is that you can set the pace yourself.

And what a mentor Inger Lise is! Incredibly welcoming, warm and inspiring. You can tell she has a lot of experience from working in the industry, which she gladly shares with us. She will go the extra mile to make you feel safe in your new role, and I have her to thank for being able to work full time as a translator with several regular clients.

I am so happy that "coincidences" led me this way, and I recommend this program warmly. You will not regret it.

Faq about the program

Do I not need an education to become a freelance translator?

No. Translator is a so-called free trade, like journalist, writer, artist, etc. You do not in fact need a diploma on your wall to work as a freelance translator. Very many of the best translators started without a formal education. Many roads lead to Rome – formal education is just one of them.

Do I have to finish the program within a set time frame?

Absolutely not. Follow your own pace, and adapt the program around work, studies or other obligations. As opposed to most programs that are available just one year, this program will be available as long as the internet exists (and we're guessing it will be a while longer!)

Can I work full time as a freelance translator?

Definitely! Many of our students who started with no experience or pre-existing knowledge, and who have followed our program, work full time as translators today. Some only want to work part time, others full time, and some just wants a little extra income. This is entirely up to you. When you know what your goal is, we will help you make a plan to reach your goal.

What if I get stuck during the process, do I get help?

The answer is a resounding YES! :) Our team will answer any questions as you go through the program. You also get guidance from native proofreaders in your language and support and help in our wonderful community, where you'll meet hundreds of colleagues working actively with their translation business. 

Can I regret my purchase?

Yes, you can cancel within 14 days after purchasing the program, provided you haven't started using it.

How is the program structured and when does it start?

The program is delivered on a self-study basis.

You can submit three short translations or subtitles for proofreading and guidance, and send in your CV, email marketing template, and Proz profile for review and tips for improvement.

You can expect to spend about one hour on each module. There are no deadlines or limitations anywhere, so please feel free to follow your own pace!  Your access to the program material will last as long as the internet! There are also no deadlines for submitting translations and sending in your CV, email marketing template, and Proz profile – you are in control of the pace :)

You will get all the practical details via email when you sign up.

Is everything in English?

The program modules are in English. So is the support group. The reason for this is that English is the working language in our industry, so you get to practice the right things. Also, our Premium Program is offered in multiple countries.

However, we do have language groups for several languages where you can discuss language/country-related issues with fellow students who speak the language. We currently offer this in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, German, and Dutch; more languages are being added.

Also, you get your translations/subtitles proofread by native translators.

Sign up for the program within the next 6 days to get this one-off deal:

Your investment:

€3,470 €970 for lifetime access to the Premium Program and the support membership/language groups!

You don't have to pay €2,470 for the program (you get a heavy discount!) nor €1,970 for the lifetime membership!

And remember, you can pay down to €37 per month - (less than €1.5 per day...)

Don't delay, the offer only lasts six days until the timer below hits zero. After that the standard investment applies, and the Free Lifetime Membership is gone!

(NOTE: If you're in NAV (the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration system), please reply to this email to get a document you can send to your "veileder".  NAV often pays for the program! Important: Don't contact them until you have this document, and don't give them your offer, they have their own prices with us.)
(NOTE2: See payment plan options below - you can pay in full, or pay in three, five, or monthly instalments)

When the timer hits zero, the offer is gone!

 € 970

Full program + all bonuses!

You get the best price by paying in full - no further instalments!


MOST POPULAR

 € 360 x 3

Full program + all bonuses!

Pay €360 now, then two more monthly instalments!


€ 220 x 5

Full program + all bonuses.

Pay €220 now, then four more monthly instalments!


 € 37/mth

Full program + all bonuses.

Pay €37 now, then 29 monthly instalments


ALL INFORMATION WILL BE SENT TO PARTICIPANTS VIA EMAIL. READ MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM STRUCTURE IN THE FAQ ABOVE.

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