Before you call... preparing for translation

You want your translation done as quickly as possible, perhaps to a very tight deadline. You can help us to turn your job around fast by taking a few moments to prepare it before you call us. Here's how:

Before you ask us for an estimate

In order to give you the quickest, most accurate estimate possible for your translation job, it is helpful if you can tell us:

• What is the subject of the text to be translated?
• Which language is it to be translated from, and into which language(s)?
• Approximately how long is the text to be translated, in words?
• Are there graphics, tables or slides where the text has to be inserted?
• Do you need DTP/layout in the target language, in addition to translation?
• What is the deadline for the completed translation?

Ideally, we would also like to see some sample pages so that we can get an idea of the content.

Before you send us the job

Once we have agreed a price for the job, there is other information which will help us to provide the best possible translation in the shortest possible time. In particular, we need to know:

What is the context of the translation?

• who was the original text written by, and who was it written for?
• who will the translation be for? (note that these are not necessarily the same thing!)
• is the translation for publication? If so, what is the target audience?

Do you have any background material?

• is there any material related to this translation that you could let us have? any general information about your company?

Do you have a glossary?

• if you have had translations done before, or if you have branches in other countries, do you have a glossary of translations of terms specific to your company? Are there terms which you know you generally have translated in a specific way?

Who can we contact for queries?

• it is helpful if we can be in contact with a named person in your company who can answer queries on the context of the translation, specific areas of company practice, and any specialised company terms which may occur in the text.