Frequently asked questions about our translation services

What services we offer and how we can help you

Last updated 4 December 2020

1. What languages do you translate?

We can translate from English into a multitude of languages and vice versa. Whatever language combination you require, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will advise accordingly.

2. Do you offer certified translations?

Yes, we do, but we need to know which body (and from which country) requires the translation, as each country has its own requirements when it comes to certified translations. In certain countries, only sworn translators can certify a translation, while in the UK there is no such requirement.

3. How long does it take?

As a rule of thumb, a translator can usually translate 1,500-2,000 words per day for translation, but it can vary depending on the type of text (the subject matter and how technical it is). We usually calculate around 1,000 words per day in order to have a comfortable turnaround – the more time a translator has, the better work they can produce. We can also meet tight deadlines if needed. Just send us your documents and we will send you a comprehensive quote regarding costs and turnaround time.

4. What if I need my translation faster?

If you have an urgent project, please make sure you include these details in the free quote form and we will let you know whether we can deliver within your required deadline. Please note that in case of large projects with tight deadlines, it might have to be split between several translators (which could affect consistency) and an urgency fee could be charged. But you can give us a call or email us with your requirements and we’ll get back you with a full quote.

5. How do I place an order?

You can get an estimate by using the quotation form on our website and if you are happy with it, fill in your details, attach the documents, and we can send you a firm quotation. Once all the terms have been agreed, we will start working on your translation immediately. You can also email us or give us a call and we’d be happy to help.

6. How can you guarantee the quality of my translation?

All our translators are qualified and experienced and have undergone a strict selection process before being accepted as part of our team. Once we receive your document, a Project Manager will be assigned and (s)he will choose the right team to complete your project.  A qualified and experienced translator will perform the translation of your document and, if you require proofreading (which we always recommend for materials destined for publishing), a second translator will review the work, ensuring thus that your text is publishing-ready, error-free and accurate. The final translation is also checked in-house against the original to make sure that you are 100% satisfied with the quality of the work being carried out.
We are also accredited members of the Association of Translation Companies, which means we have robust quality procedures in place.

7. What formats do you work with?

We can work with virtually any type of format. The preferred ones are .doc(x) and .ppt(x) as our translators can work directly on it, thus maintaining the same layout, formatting, font etc., but if your documents are .pdf, .tiff, .jpeg etc., we don’t mind. We can work with these formats just as well.c

8. Do you offer proofreading? What are the rates?

A proofreading stage is always advisable if your materials are going to be published. It ensures that the final product is error-free and reads not like a translation, but is as good as the original. Please get in touch and we will happily provide you with a quote for proofreading (as a rule of thumb, it is about 40%-50% of the price of a translation).
We also offer proofreading as a standalone service if you want us to revise a translation performed by someone else or revise a text which is not necessarily a translation. This is charged at an hourly rate (starting at £55/hour).

9. Do you offer discounts?

In certain situations (very large multilingual projects for loyal customers), we can offer discounts.

10. How safe is my data?

Our standard security procedures imply that all client information is encrypted and backed up regularly during the translation process. The data is accessed by as few people as possible (usually the project managers and translators) who can also sign a non-disclosure agreement.

These are the most frequently asked questions about our services. If you still have not found an answer to your question, please contact us.