About me: background and experience

Translation

Having worked as a copywriter, editor and proofreader in English for quite a few years, I decided in 2001 to add translation to my portfolio. In the years leading up to this decision I had been involved in writing, editing and producing bilingual documents for an architecture and urban design practice. I therefore already knew that I enjoyed translating and had a natural affinity for it.

I qualified with the IoL Diploma in Translation in 2003, and have since translated websites, leaflets and brochures, conference programmes and guides, staff information and in-house newsletters for global corporations, advertisements and other promotional copy, as well as a number of non-fiction books.

In addition, I am always happy take on translation checking or “translation rescue” challenges, as well as editing and proofreading of translations.

Clients and projects include:

  • Belvedere Vienna – editing of English translations for exhibition catalogues and monographs (Herbert Boeckl Retrospective 2009/10, Max Oppenheimer –Mahler and the Musik 2010)
  • Eurocat Translations – translation of press releases and a wide range of marketing copy for suppliers to the construction industry and clients in the cosmetics, tourism and creative industries
  • K+N City News – online magazine by furniture manufacturer König+Neurath (via Eurocat Translations). Read examples of articles I have translated here.
  • TIP Berlin – translation of special supplement for the Popkomm Music Festival 2007 and 2008. You can download a sample of this here (pdf file containing both German source text and English translation)
  • A&C Black Publishers – translation of nature guide on medicinal plants (published in June 2008)
  • Berlin Natural History Museum – co-translation (with Lynda Hepburn) of Evolution in Action, a popular-science book published to mark the reopening of the refurbished dinosaur hall in July 2007
  • Bluºfish 21 (Web Design and Multimedia Agency, Berlin) – translation of website copy for a diverse range of clients
  • Naumann & Göbel Verlag (book publisher, Cologne) – translation, typesetting, proofreading and revision of general interest books (Healing Herbs,1000 Wonders of the World, Guide to the World Cup in Germany 2006, 1000 Baby Animals)

Copywriting

Most of the copywriting I do is for websites and newsletters, including e-newsletters. Past projects include:

  • Lingotrans Language Services – English website copy for Isabel Hurtado de Mendoza, 2011
  • CEEQUAL – the assessment and awards scheme for improving sustainability in civil engineering and the public realm, 2003–2011
  • Crane Environmental (website development and copywriting), 2000–2006
  • Venables Consultancy (website relaunch and copywriting), 2004

Editing & editorial management

Over the years, I have been involved in the development and production of a number of publications. These include:

  • numerous newsletters, including the Newsletter of the ITI London Regional Group
  • Landscape & Art – the journal of the Landscape & Arts Network (Production Editor from 1995 to 2004)
  • Engineering for Sustainable Development: Guiding Principles, published by the Royal Academy of Engineering, 2005
  • Working With Wildlife resource & training pack for the construction industry, published by CIRIA, 2003

Qualifications and professional memberships

  • Associate of the Institute of Translators & Interpreters (ITI)
  • Associate of the Society for Editors & Proofreaders (SfEP)
  • DipTrans IOL (Diploma in Translation by the Chartered Institute of Linguists), 2003
  • Dipl.Ing. Landespflege (environmental planning), TFH Berlin, 1994