Whether you are completely new to the translation world or an old hat who deals regularly with translators and translation agencies of all sizes, you might be curious about some ways to help you build a stronger relationship with your translator and make the process more efficient.
We have compiled a list of the top 11 ways clients can help make the translation process just a little bit easier.
1. Make sure you are submitting the final version of a document to the translator.
Only send the final version of a document to your translator once any changes, edits or revisions have been made. Chances made to a document after it has been submitted to the translator and work has begun will likely incur extra fees and may affect the deadline.
2. Determine the source and target languages of your document.
Naturally, we need to know what language the document was originally written in and what language you want your document translated into. If you are translating a document into French, you should specify European French or Canadian French because the vocabulary and dialects vary based on the target audience.
If you don’t know the source language of your document, ask! We are more than willing to help you figure it out. If we know the correct language combination from the start, we can quickly narrow our search to find the native-language translator best suited for the job.
3. Get an accurate word count.
You can use the Word Count feature in Microsoft Office or check the Properties in a Corel Office document. You can also use software designed specifically to count words, such as Ryan Ginstrom’s Count Anything software (also happens to be free!). Since your document’s size determines how much it will cost to translate, you want an accurate count to make sure you get the most accurate translation quote possible.
4. Determine the file format of your document.
Although most translation companies are equipped to handle a variety of file formats, such as Microsoft Office, Corel Office, Adobe Acrobat, Web pages, Open Office, or multimedia formats like image, audio and video, certain file formats need to be prepared before the ‘translatable’ material can be extracted. Knowing the file format can help us determine whether we will need to allow for extra time to prepare the file(s).
5. Establish the intended audience of your document.
Knowing who the document is intended for, whether it is directed at your customers or clients, other businesses, contractors, or institutions, to name a few, will help the translator choose the right tone, style and level of language to suit your audience.
6. Have at least a general idea of the technical nature of your document.
Of course, if you can’t read or understand the language your document was written in, you will probably have a hard time figuring out what it is about. However, you can probably figure out whether the subject matter is general, somewhat specialized or highly technical with loads of expert terminology.
7. Be clear about your budget.
Although all translators would love to hear that your budget is infinite, we also recognize the realities of the marketplace and the fact that most businesses establish a specific budget for a document or translation project. Many translation companies or agencies will work with you to produce a translation quote and a customized translation solution. At Plush Text, we offer several service packages to suit your needs.
8. Determine whether you will need any supplementary services.
You should let the translator know if you will need any additional services, including research, copywriting, search engine optimization, desktop publishing, back translation, etc., as early as possible in the process. This helps us accurately project the amount of time needed for your project from start to finish.
9. Plan ahead.
As much as possible, plan for a translation like you would any other part of running or managing your business. You probably plan your marketing strategy, so why not include a translation component, especially if you have an ongoing need for translation services? To that, you could include the types of documents you might want translated, estimated word counts, estimated deadlines, etc.
An urgent or “rush” translation runs the risk of potential errors and it won’t necessarily be an accurate representation of the best work that a particular translator can deliver. Most translators generally translate between 1,500 and 2,500 words per day, and this daily average can vary based on a document’s technical complexity, subject, file format, etc. (And “rushing” a translator won’t likely win you any praise from a translator who has to work all day and night to get a time-sensitive translation done on time.)
10. Carefully read through the translator’s terms, conditions and payment policies.
If you read through the legal stuff before the project starts, you can ask questions or make amendments before the work begins. This can help both parties avoid a nasty surprise after the work has been completed and invoiced. At Plush Text, we try to make our terms, conditions and payment policies as easy to read and clear as we can make them.
11. Pay your translator promptly.
In an industry where 30 days net occasionally becomes 45 days or worse yet, 60 days net, you can keep your translator happy and enjoy a long-term, mutually-profitable relationship by paying your translator for their services promptly. (No one likes to chase money and translators are no exception!)
Keep these 11 tips in mind the next time you are working with a translator, and you’ll be on your way to keeping your translator a happy camper!
Agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments.
Excellent advice! I would also ask clients to provide their translator with any relevant photos/illustrations and other reference material. Photos are particularly useful when the text describes a work of art, for instance.