As an Account Manager with Trusted Translations, I have the privilege of working with all types of clients and requests. Translation of personal documents, company handbooks, websites, phone apps, videos, and books are only just some of the interesting projects we see. Each time you reach out to an Account Manager, we strive to make sure we learn our client’s goals and as much as we can about the end user of the translation. We also seek to educate our clients on the process to make it as simple as possible, even if the documents are not.
Below are a few tips which help us work efficiently and effectively:
- Often we receive requests for costs without a document to review. Although we can give an estimate on the cost per word, it is not possible to give an exact price. For larger projects, we can offer discounts, so it is always best to send us the files for a review.
- Thanks to the internet, most translators work remotely; so receiving a digital copy of your documents via e-mail makes everything accessible to the resources who will work on the project.
- Do you have the source files? While we can always quote from a PDF, if the document was created in another program, having the native file allows us to work with an editable format and saves time and money for the client. Many times in converting a PDF, text is scrambled or lost. We must review documents to ensure all text was converted and the translator has a fluid source available.
- If there are images, charts, or graphs, are they screen shots or do you have the items in an editable format? In a non-editable form, these require desktop publishing recreation to keep the integrity of the translation with the original. Although it takes time to edit these items, our highly skilled Desktop Publishing Team is able to take on these items with ease.
- Do you know your audience? If it is Spanish, French, or Portuguese, what part of the world will your translation will be used? This helps us determine the flavor. US Spanish, for example, is geared towards the mix of Spanish speakers in the United States. In most Spanish speaking countries, for example, the decimal points are commas and vice versa, so US Spanish would reflect the way numbers are written in the US.
- Although your audience may not be able to read the source language, it is important to keep in mind the message you are trying to deliver. If you are an employer trying to communicate the regulations of your business, addressing your employees in a formal way is of the utmost importance for your translation to be taken at the same level of consideration as it would in the source language.
- Are there parts of the document that will be excluded from the translation? Please make sure to specify any requests for your project so we can provide you the most accurate quote possible.
- If your files are highly confidential, we have a NDA (Nondisclosure Agreement) available.
The more information you can provide your Account Manager, the better. It allows them to communicate information effectively to the Project Manager so your documents can be quoted and processed properly. In turn, the AM/PM team work closely to ensure the outcome of the project maintains our high level of quality standards.
For those who have never worked with translation before, this uncharted territory can seem a bit daunting. Our goal is to help you navigate these waters in a way that brings your project to the your target audience with ease. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for a consultation and free quote.
