Fair Pay, Simplicity, and Respect: Why Linguists Register with Give Me Your Word

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Stronger Together 2024, the annual one-day workshop hosted by the North West Translators Network (NWTN) in Manchester. These events are always a highlight of my calendar. Held in unique, quirky locations, they provide a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with long-standing members and meet new faces in our vibrant linguist community.

This year was no exception. I spent much of the day catching up with colleagues and exchanging experiences. At one point, I found myself deep in conversation with a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, a French interpreter, and a Slovak and Czech to English translator. While it was great to meet them, I was disappointed—though sadly not surprised—to hear about the challenges they face in the industry.

They shared familiar frustrations: poor rates, being undercompensated for jobs that end early, waiting months to get paid, and dealing with unnecessarily complex portals and long-winded registration processes. These are issues I’ve encountered myself during my 15 years as a freelance French translator and interpreter. And it’s exactly why I founded Give Me Your Word (GMYW)—to treat linguists the way I would want to be treated.

If you’re an interpreter looking for an agency that truly values your work, here’s why you should consider partnering with GMYW:

1. Fair Rates and Terms

At GMYW, we understand that your time and expertise are valuable. We offer fair rates and clear terms so you know exactly what to expect for each job. We also guarantee you won’t be penalised financially if a job finishes early—your time is respected, regardless of unforeseen changes.

2. Prompt Payments

Unlike many agencies, we ensure that you’ll never have to chase payments. GMYW runs payment cycles every two weeks, so you can count on prompt and reliable compensation for your work.

3. A Quick and Simple Registration Process

We’ve made joining GMYW as straightforward as possible. If you meet our qualifications criteria, you’ll find our registration process refreshingly quick and hassle-free. No unnecessary hoops to jump through—just a clear path to becoming part of our network.

4. A User-Friendly Portal

Managing your assignments shouldn’t feel like navigating a maze. That’s why we’ve kept our interpreter portal deliberately simple. You can easily close jobs without the distractions of overly complicated features. We believe that less is more when it comes to admin, freeing you up to focus on your work.

5. Immediate Telephone Support When You Need It

We know how vital it is to have reliable support, especially during out-of-hours assignments. At GMYW, you’ll always have immediate access to a project manager by telephone. No lengthy hold times or unanswered calls, and no relying on emails that might not be seen until the next working day. Whether it’s Monday to Friday, a weekend, or a bank holiday, you can count on quick, dependable assistance exactly when you need it. This level of responsiveness ensures you’re never left in the lurch during critical moments.

6. Respect for Linguists Equals Quality Service

At GMYW, we recognize that the key to delivering a high-quality service is partnering with the right people and treating them well. When interpreters and translators feel valued, supported, and fairly compensated, they’re empowered to perform at their best—and that benefits everyone.

A Partner Who Understands Your Challenges

As someone who has been in your shoes, I know first-hand the pressures and pitfalls of the industry. That’s why GMYW is built on principles of fairness, respect, and simplicity. We’ve created an agency that prioritises your needs, so you can focus on delivering exceptional work without unnecessary stress.

If you’re tired of the all-too-common struggles of freelancing, I encourage you to join our community of linguists at Give Me Your Word. Let’s work together to create a better, fairer future for translators and interpreters.

Ready to get started? Register with GMYW today and experience the difference for yourself.