I like being a freelance translator because I enjoy pottering about on my own. Conferences are therefore not really my thing, but alas I now know that, if I’m ever going to hit the big time, I need to get out of the office and meet people.

Actually I went to the last ITI conference at Gatwick airport, and had a lovely time. Thankfully there were quite a few things to do that didn’t involve constantly engaging with people, for example the legendary Singing Translators event, where 20 or so translators practised a song together and then performed it in front of their fellow delegates. I also discovered that I can cope a lot better with the mass of people if I choose a select few colleagues to chat to, rather than trying to socialise as much as possible.

I am fairly well established, translating promotional and technical texts from German to English, currently mainly for colleagues and agencies rather than direct clients. I specialise particularly in construction products, and even more particularly in the rather niche field of windows and doors. I also occasionally translate arts-related texts from Russian to English.

Looking forward to seeing you at the conference. And possibly even talking to you!