How to Get a Translations Quote
Quoting Projects:
What a Language Agency Needs to Know
The Fundamentals: | |||
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TRANSLATION | |||
“We just need an estimate. It will be 52 pages into Spanish and Portuguese.” Sorry! To give a quote, any agency will need more info. | |||
The Basics: | |||
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1. | If your document is not written yet, please estimate the number of words per page or the anticipated total word count of the file. | ||
2. | Ideally, your translation service needs the source file in the layout program in which it was designed. Usually these programs are InDesign, FrameMaker, Illustrator or QuarkXPress. A professional language service will then analyze the file for its word count and text repetitions, and apply discounts from the base rates. | ||
3. | If the layout files are not available at the time of quoting, document translation services can work with PDFs. But please be prepared to send the layout files to start the project. | ||
4. | If your files are copies of articles or were received by fax, language translation services may apply a fee to re-create the tables, images, graphs, etc., if needed. | ||
5. | Be sure to specify your desired languages. Saying, “I’d like a quote for this file” is not clear unless it originates in another language and goes into English. | ||
6. | Ideally, your translation service will also want to know your desired dialects at the quoting stage since dialect rates may differ: | ||
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FYI: | |||
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7. | What other language translation services will you need? | ||
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8. | Please specify at the outset whether your project will encompass many manuals, websites, films, etc. Special discounts may apply. | ||
CONCLUSION Knowing what questions to ask in advance can save you a lot of time. Especially for rush projects, many days are lost when assistants, ad agencies or contractors need to go back to their bosses or clients for clarifications. Your language service agency should always be willing to help you but will ask you the questions above before it can fulfill your request. |