How to use my proofreading service

The client sends either the entire translated text that needs proofreading or (if it is a large document, e.g. a book) some characteristic sample pages and the original source text for the translation for quotation, usually by email nowadays, so that I can have a look at it.

This allows me to establish the nature of the text and to estimate the quality of the translation, i.e. whether it is a good translation that only needs a few spelling/ grammar corrections or whether some sentences need re-writing and the style needs to be improved which is more time-consuming for a proofreader. My proofreading fee is normally based on a rate per word provided the text was translated by a professional native speaker and is up to standard.

I prepare a quotation for the translation proofreading. The quotation is free of charge and usually provided the same day I received the translation to be proofread.

For this quotation I will need the following information from you:

• Word count of translated text to be proofread
• Deadline for the proofreading
• Target readership / use of the translation to be proofread
• If applicable: Client’s specifications regarding the text (e.g. text format, style of existing marketing materials I should take into account, delivery of proofread translation, e.g. as an email attachment etc.)
• Your contact details

My proofreading fee is normally based on a rate per word provided the text was translated by a professional native speaker and not by a translation software. This is normally based on a rate per word (£0.03/word – discounts available on large projects), provided the translated text was translated by a professional native speaker and is up to standard, i.e. just slips, typos, omissions and punctuation errors to be correct. However, if the translated text was not translated by a native speaker or a translation software was used then the rate needs to be negotiated.

I treat every enquiry in the strictest confidence. If you should decide not to use my proofreading service the source text(s) and translated document(s) you provide for the quotation will be deleted.