Remember I said 'business-like' was a word you shouldn't forget. No? Business-like is a word you should not forget! As long as you have an answer to my a-z of questions, and tick them off when you've an answer for each one, then you should be ok.

• Pre-Translation

• Double-Checking

• Delivery

• Charging and Extra Charges

• Payment

• Liability and Compensation

Pre-Translation – You should know…

a) Who is the translation for – this can be helpful when determining the register of your translation.

b) Is there a contact for queries? Make sure you have records of the contact person’s details: name, email, telephone…remember business-like as always. Always keep records.

c) Find out if the language has to be translated into a particular variant. UK English or US English?

d) Are there particular terms that the translation should include for consistency.

e) If working under contract for a translation company, do they have a style guide that you should follow: i.e: Rules for translating dates etc.

f) Are text areas, embedded in tables and images, to be translated as well? If so, knowledge of graphic editing programs is of an advantage.

g) Are you required to use a specific word processing software for the translation?

h) Are you required to use a specific Computer-Aided Translation (CAT)-tool for the translation e.g. Trados, Déjà Vu?

i) Is there a translation memory available for the translation?

Double-Checking

j) Before delivering: has the translation been double-checked for accuracy, consistency, spelling, font styles the same?

k) Does the text sound as if it was translated? If in doubt get someone who doesn't speak the source language to have a quick read through your translation.

Delivery

l) Where is the translation to be delivered? To the customer's address, internet address?

m) When is the translation deadline?

n) How is the translation to be delivered? By fax, email, post?

o) Do copies of material sent have to be returned?

Charging and Extra Charges

p) How will the translation be charged? Time, per word, per sentence?

q) Will there be an additional charge for irregular difficulties?

r) Will there be an additional charge for research? Specialist terminology

s) Must the translated text be proofread?

t) Will VAT be applicable?

Payment

u) How and when is payment to be made?

v) When is payment to be made?

w) What method of payment is to be used? Bank transfer, cheque? Have a look at my sample invoices here.

Liability and Compensation

x) Is the translation to remain confidential?

y) Does your indemnity insurance, and it is a good idea to get it, cover all possibilities?

z) Is the early termination of a job subject to compensation?

And that's it! If you can answer these questions then you're one step closer to becoming a professional.

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