Hello, and welcome to my ProZ.com profile! 

I am a translator working from Russian and French into English, and an editor and proofreader. I also studied Chinese (Mandarin, simplified) to degree level and hope shortly to add it to my working languages. 

I can be contacted via my ProZ.com profile, via LinkedIn (Louisa King) or at mailto:[email protected].

My work is focussed on the key sectors of travel and tourism, arts and culture, literature, current affairs, human rights and aid and development. I use memoQ and OmegaT as my CAT tools. 

Qualifications and CPD

I have an MA in Interpreting and Translating from the University of Bath (UK, 2012) and received a distinction for my dissertation project, the translation of a 10,000-word contemporary Russian novel. During my studies, I completed a translation placement at the United Nations in Geneva. My undergraduate degree was in Russian and Mandarin (University of Leeds, UK, 1990). 

In 2018, I studied literary translation at the British Centre for Literary Translation Summer School based at the University of East Anglia in the UK. 

I am a ProZ.com Certified PRO for both Russian and French to English translation. 

CPD has included terminology research, copywriting, proofreading, social networking skills, technical writing, memoQ and marketing. 

Examples of work 

I have added some sample translations to my ProZ.com profile, but my work has also covered such projects as: 

Subtitles for a short film drama and for a film about children with disabilities (translation, Russian - English)

Programme notes for an international music festival based in Russia (translation, Russian - English)

Text for a book about a contemporary Russian artist (edit/proofread) 

Articles for an online magazine about contemporary European affairs (translation, French - English) 

Media reports on human rights and government policy (translation, Russian - English)

United Nations summary records (translation, French and Russian - English)

Statements, press releases and other documents for a human rights organisation (translation, French - English)

10,000-word contemporary novel (translation, Russian - English)

Additional experience and skills 

Prior to becoming a freelance translator, I had a 14-year career in the commercial sector with international companies such as Rolls-Royce plc, Baring Private Equity Partners and Azovstal, the Ukrainian steel producer. 

And that's not all.... I bring a range of additional skills and competencies to my role, such as: 

- sound knowledge of software packages including Microsoft Office 365, OmegaT and memoQ

- an excellent command of my native language, with a clear, concise style of written communication 

- excellent research skills and a keen eye for detail 

- time management and the ability to work to tight deadlines 

- professionalism and a strong customer focus 

Pro-bono and networking 

I am active within the translation community, attending conferences, CPD and networking events; I am also a member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists. I translate on a pro bono basis for a human rights campaign and an aid organisation. 

What else would you like to know? Born and brought up in London, UK, I loved words from an early age and began learning French at age 10 and Russian at 16. I first visited Russia when it was still part of the Soviet Union! That was way back in 1985, and I still love to visit and explore this fascinating region - in more recent years I have also visited Ukraine and Belarus. Between 2009-2011 I took a career break and worked and studied in both Russia and France, staying in Ekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Tours and Bordeaux. I am delighted to be working with two such wonderful languages. You never stop learning as a translator, and every new project is an adventure!