Process & FAQ
Interested in a collaboration?
Here’s how it works:
1
Drop me a line
Send me an email or pick up the phone, and tell me about your project. If the final version of the text to be translated is ready, please send it over in an editable format, along with any reference material.
2
Discussion
Here we discuss the most important aspects for the project. These include things like the target audience, medium, tone of voice and - most importantly - the purpose of the text. I'll also ask any necessary questions and check the source file for any technical issues that could make life more difficult.
3
Quote
After reviewing the briefing and the scope of the project, I provide a quote usually in the form of a full-project net price to give you total transparency. After agreeing a deadline, it's time to get started.
4
I get to work
I get started on your project, finely crafting a text that gets your message across to your international audience. In most cases, I'll come back with some questions. These are usually related to sentences in the German that are unclear, or things like acronyms and internal references.
5
Quality assurance
After creating a draft, I edit and proofread the text to make it perfect. If your schedule and budget allows, I can also have the text edited externally by a second pair of expert eyes.
6
Post-delivery
Once you have read through the finished product, you can ask questions and request any changes you feel are necessary. After we're both happy with the final version, your text is ready!
FAQ
How do you charge?
I usually provide a quote in the form of a complete project price, based on the scope and complexity of the proposed project. This will cover all elements of the service, from research and file preparation to any external editing and proofreading.
But as we all know, some things turn out to be more complex that first expected. So if anything pops up that will impact the price or schedule of a project, I'll let you know promptly so we can find a solution.
I can also charge on an hourly or day-rate basis where appropriate. I apply surcharges for urgent jobs as well as for work on weekends and public holidays. Payment is due 14 days net via bank transfer, unless agreed otherwise.
But as we all know, some things turn out to be more complex that first expected. So if anything pops up that will impact the price or schedule of a project, I'll let you know promptly so we can find a solution.
I can also charge on an hourly or day-rate basis where appropriate. I apply surcharges for urgent jobs as well as for work on weekends and public holidays. Payment is due 14 days net via bank transfer, unless agreed otherwise.
What file formats do you work with?
Basically anything apart from scanned PDFs. Ideally an editable format like InDesign (.idml) or good old Word. But if you have a PDF of the final source document, please send that too to give me an idea of the layout and so I can see any images that may impact how I work.
Can you translate our web content in the CMS?
Yes, but I prefer to work with my own software that I'm familiar with to help with things like consistency and terminology. I'm happy to work in your CMS if an export isn't possible, but that will impact the schedule and price.
What else can we do to make the process as smooth as possible?
Any reference material you have related to the project would be a massive help. This includes any in-house glossaries and style guides, previous versions or editions of the document in question, or information about your brand positioning that you'd like reflected in the English copy. Please also provide the contact details of someone who can help with questions. The more information and resources you can give me, the better the finished result will be
Can you come and translate at our wedding/trade fair/meeting?
Ah, you mean interpreting. Translation and interpreting are two completely different things. As a translator, I only work with written content and documents. But I will probably be able to recommend a suitable interpreter colleague, so feel free to ask.
I need a sworn translation for official purposes. Can you help?
I am not a sworn translator and therefore cannot offer certified translations of things like certificates or driver's licenses. But I will certainly be able to recommend a suitable colleague who will can help.