4 Easy Steps To A Translation-Friendly Document

Selecting the right translation company is obviously a critical factor when it comes to ensuring top quality translation. However, it’s even more important to make your original document “translation-friendly” from the start in order to save extra headache later.

Here are four main steps to consider before submitting your document for the translation estimate:

1. Proofread your text.
Ensure that the source text is carefully proof-read when you submit it for a translation quote. Transforming a ‘raw’ text into a quality translation will require a lot extra communication between you and translator, which inevitably increases the end-cost. Additional updates to the text will also impact the price, since re-translation needs to be implemented. So, starting off with a well-written, carefully proof-read definitive version of the source text saves a lot of time and money!

2. Know your format.
Formatting is a second factor to consider at the outset. If you have particular requirements, please specify these up front. In some cases translators work directly in your source files, which will save you additional charges for desktop publishing services. Likewise, if your format requirements change during the project, let the translation provider know as soon as possible.

3. Watch your tone!
If you have a marketing piece that requires maintaining particular tone and/or style, it’s essential to make this clear when you submit your translation. Finding equivalent slogans in the target language requires a lot of time and creativity. If your marketing department took several weeks to come up with a catchy slogan, the translator will have to work just as hard to find something that works equally great in the target language. This is why marketing documents usually cost more than technical or legal translations.

4. Prepare to give out your code words.
Consistency is often an issue, especially in the translation of large technical manuals or ongoing projects. In these instances, providing in-house glossaries or background reference materials helps to ensure that your translation is written using the same terminology as used in documents. So if your company’s in-country representative has a list of terms which are used regularly within your industry, it’s paramount to make sure your translation provider has access to these.

We understand that the translation industry can be an uncharted territory for you, so we welcome your questions about how the whole process works. Our project managers are always eager to discuss potential clients’ requirements and to help you work out the best strategy to tackle your multi-language project.