FAQs
Feel free to contact me if you have more questions. I'll be happy to help.
How can I order a translation?
Get in touch with the details of your project including details such as subject, number of words if you know it, purpose of the translation (i.e. is it for publication?), target audience, ideal delivery date and send a copy of the file. All these details will help create a more accurate quote tailored to your project. Once you have accepted the quote and signed the contract, I will start working on the project and deliver the translation within the agreed deadline.
What material do I have to provide?
Please send me the file you want translated and all the details you have about the project. If you already have preferred terminology that you want me to use for consistency, then please include it as well. Tip: Make sure that the original text doesn’t need any more changes and that the file is in an editable format. In this case if you accept the quote, I will be able to start working on it straight away. Non-editable file (for example non editable PDF or JPEG files) will incur a surcharge.
How long will it take?
It is rather difficult to answer this question without seeing the file first. The type of file, subject, length and difficulty of the language (general or technical) can all affect the speed, and the goal of the translation is always quality. The best thing to do is to send me the file at the time of your enquiry, so that I can review it.
What is your translation process?
I have a straightforward process that I follow: after we have agreed on the rate and delivery details, I start working on the project. First step is Reading and Research (this is where I get to really know your style and message). Second step is the Translation (I transfer your message from English into Italian without altering the meaning). Third and equally important step is the Review: I first check both texts to make sure I have not missed anything, then I work on the Italian text only to make sure that there are no mistakes and that it sounds natural and not like a translation. The goal is to have a text that reads as if it was written in Italian in the first place. Once everything is checked, the file is delivered to you.
How much will it cost?
There are a few factors to take into considerations: subject matter, length of the file, deadline and file type. The rate is based on the type of work that needs to be done and it includes the whole translation process, from research to delivery. Urgent requests and non-editable file types are subject to extra charges.
How do I pay?
New customers are required to settle 100% in advance by bank transfer.
Returning customers can settle within 15- 30 days from invoice date, by bank transfer.
All the necessary bank details will be on the invoice.
How do you translate subtitles?
I translate subtitles from English into Italian, working from an already time-coded script. I carry out the necessary research, then translate the script in full and finally I review the whole file (this includes the text and subtitle length). The rate is calculated on a per video minute basis.
Do you use machine translation?
No. I believe that when you communicate with people you need to be as genuine as possible, so I translate everything myself and adapt my writing style to yours. I use technology to keep my work organised, but I do not let a machine translate on my behalf.