What will I be doing?

Are you fluent in a language other than English? Can you translate or interpret for others? If so, you may be able to offer a profitable translation service from your home.

A translation service interprets documents and conversations between users of two or more languages. Such a service may also translate correspondence, newspapers, magazines and other materials.

What will I need to start?

Most translation services specialize in two or more languages such as English and French. Some services specialize in a group of related languages such as Asian.

So you must have proficiency in at least two languages. You may prefer to translate written or spoken words. A literary translator can usually work at home in his or her spare time while a vocal translator may be required to be on-call for conference telephone calls or even travel.

You will probably need some tools and equipment to help you, such as language dictionaries and tapes, and current books in the second language to keep you informed about changes in the language and new terms that have entered it.

Who will my customers be?

Your customers will be international companies, individuals, students and publishers. For example, an international manufacturer may want you to translate product literature into the language of a new market. Or a buyer may be visiting from a foreign country and require vocal translation services while meeting with the manufacturer. Individuals may need letters from relatives in the "old country" translated. Foreign students studying in a nearby college may need help with English. Publishers may have a book for translation into English before publication.

In most cases, letting others know of your skills and experience with foreign languages will draw business to you. However, you will need to make the effort to inform others through business cards, fliers and telephone calls.

How much should I charge?

A translation service sets a rate of $30 to $75 an hour depending on proficiency, type of translation and whether travel is required. A translator of books at home will typically earn less than a vocal translator who must travel to customer sites. The travel time won't be paid at the full rate, but the translator should be compensated for the extra efforts of travel.

Translation services price by the hour, the page, the class, the publication's length or other factors, but you'll need to calculate your prices based on your hourly rates, regardless of how you quote prices to your clients.

How much will I make?

Your experienced translation service will bill 80 to 90 percent of your time with the rest spent on marketing and administration. To get your business off the ground, you may need to spend as much as half your time promoting your business and even doing volunteer translation to develop credentials and references.

Overhead expenses for translation services include a telephone, office supplies and reference materials. Expect overhead costs of 10 to 30 percent for a home-based translation service. A successful translation service in a metropolitan area can earn $35,000 to $60,000 a year or more for the owner, depending on local need, competition and qualifications.

How can I get started?

First, you must be proficient at your translation language. If possible, write a book or get some certification in that language to use as a recommendation. Second, make sure you are proficient in your own language! To translate well you must know two languages well. Also, let others know about your skills and service. Depending on the language and type of translation you prefer, contact businesses, importers, exporters, students, publishers and others who must cross the language barrier.

Yes, even translation services have an SIC code: 7389-20.

How can I use computers to increase profits?

Can computers be used in the translation process? Yes! In fact, there are many translation programs that do the "shovel work". That is, the programs read the data file and make a first attempt at translating the document. Then the professional edits it to catch things that the software could not.