Terms & Conditions
I translate exclusively from German into English.
I have studied German for many years (since I was 16) and hold an M.A. in Translation from Kent State University (Institute for Applied Linguistics). The Institute for Applied Linguistics is one of America's leading university-based translator training programs. The Institute for Applied Linguistics believes that its students (and professional translators) should translate into their native language, because a native speaker has the necessary expertise and understanding of that language to produce a text that is linguistically pleasing, grammatically correct, and in the appropriate register.
My translation output...
is approx. 2,000-2,500 words a day, depending on the subject matter and the amount of additional research. As a trained terminologist with a very precise eye for detail, I can assure the use of consistent terminology in my translations and completed translations sent to me for editing.
My rates...
are generally based on the number of words in the target text (the English text). They are also flexible and vary according to the turnaround time and amount of specialization involved (technical, semi-technical, non-technical). Straight text is generally quoted and billed on the basis of the target word or line count (55 characters per line of the computer-generated file), while labor-intensive tasks such as tables, advertising copy, etc. are typically charged at an hourly rate or at a flat fee. I base my rates on the target word count as determined by PractiCount and/or the Trados Workbench's analysis feature. The word count feature in Word is often inaccurate, since Word does not count text in text boxes, for example. Additional charges will be levied for special services such as extremely short deadlines (immediate turnaround), overnight delivery, weekend or holiday work, intricate formatting, translation from difficult-to-read materials (such as old handwritten manuscripts), special photocopying, or similar ancillary services. Documents with fewer than 250 words are subject to a minimum fee.
My invoices...
are issued on the day of project completion or in certain cases as agreed upon beforehand with the client. Invoices are payable within 30 days. No claims shall be considered after 10 days from receipt of invoice.
I will not accept jobs...
which I do not feel I am fully qualified to translate. If I am presented with a text which, for whatever reason, I do not think I am capable of translating in an absolutely professional manner, I will immediately inform the client and sometimes recommend one of my colleagues who may be better suited, so that my client can quickly find another translator to translate their document. Any good translator who follows a professional code of ethics will do the same.