I recently applied for French nationality. Partly in a reaction against Brexit. Partly because (nearly) my whole life is based in Paris now: my clients, my apartment, my partner and now my soon-to-be-born child, who will be educated in France and feel more French than British. This decision got me asking lots of questions. Does…
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English Copywriter in Paris: The art of doing nothing
This might seem like a strange title. You’re probably more used to me making suggestions on how to boost your productivity or telling you about my running exploits. Why on earth am I promoting procrastination, lazing and lounging then? First things first, I’m not singing the virtues of being lazy. Far from it. Rather, I…
English Copywriter in Paris: post-pregancy musings
It’s been a while. I had good intentions before, during and after the big event. I could say that time has whizzed away and having a baby has left me without a moment to myself. But, although partly true, this would be misleading. So, why have I taken so long to write? Every time I sat…
English Copywriter in Paris: How to freelance for a French company
I was recently asked the best way to find freelance work with French companies. The London-based freelancer in question wanted to know the secret to breaking into the French copywriting market. This got me thinking about how I find work and whether cultural differences are at play when hooking new clients. Before starting though, I’d…
English Copywriter in Paris: What exactly is a copywriter?
The words “copywriter” and “copywriting” pop up time and time again in articles, websites and conversations. And, hybrid terms like “digital copywriter”, “SEO copywriting” and “freelance copywriter” are thrown around as if they’ve always existed. But, what exactly is a copywriter? And, what do they actually do with their days? Do you really need to…
The Great French-English Translation Challenge: Part I
I’ve been in the translation game for a while now. Although I spend most of my time copywriting, I also translate and adapt French content into English. I admit I’m not big on long, technical translations; but I am rather fond of finding creative ways to adapt (or transcreate) trend books and marketing copy. Set your creative…
The Great English-French Translation Challenge: Part II
Troubles translating from French to English? Want your copy to sound as natural as possible? Over the years, I’ve noted down some of challenges that keep springing back – the good, the bad and the downright frustrating! Last week, I looked at some of the difficulties of working as a French-English translator in France. Today, let’s…
The Great English-French Translation Challenge: Part III
I’m back with the thrilling third installment of The Translation Challenge! Last time, we looked at nouns, but they are by no means the only stumbling block. I’ve grouped together some of the remaining challenges for intrepid French-English translators. So here goes: 1.) Verbs can create tense moments One major verb-related risk is Latin derivatives. Some French and English words, particularly…
English Copywriter in Paris: can non-natives make the grade?
Over my copywriting years, many of same questions keep popping back. Clients want to know things like: What is exactly is a copywriter? Do I need a translator or a copywriter? Is it worth paying a professional when we have native English speakers in house? And, let’s not forget: Does it really matter if my…
The Copywriting Glossary - the secret to making your message count
The world of copywriting is stuffed with head-spinning jargon – transcreation, localization, tone of voice… the list is long! In some of my previous blog posts, I’ve already defined a handful of these key concepts including “copywriter” itself. Today, I’m going one step further to compile a more complete copywriting glossary to help you understand copywriting,…