Translation FAQs

How do I know I can trust you?

I am a qualified member of the UK’s premier professional association of translators, the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). Membership of the ITI is open only to translators who have passed entrance examinations and who have substantial experience in the translation profession.

Members of the ITI are required to abide by the Institute’s Code of Professional Conduct for translators.

I am also a qualified and accredited member of the Institute of Linguists and the Swedish Association of Professional Translators.

Most translation operators do not belong to translation bodies of this kind, and their services can be of correspondingly poor quality.

Why should I use you rather than a translation agency?

Translation agencies can offer extremely variable quality. This is because, unlike me, the vast majority of translation agencies are not accredited for their translation services or affiliated to professional bodies.

To find out more about how my service goes far beyond the typical translation agency, click on 'Why not use an agency'?

What are your qualifications?

I have a range of language and translation qualifications – please see my CV for details.

As part of my commitment to my professional status, I undertake regular training to update my language skills.

Do you translate out of English?

No. To be accurate and meaningful, translations should only be carried out into the translator’s mother tongue – this is why I translate only into English. Although some people have an excellent knowledge of two languages, genuine bilingual ability is in fact very rare. To capture both the core message and the subtleties, you should therefore always insist on translation by a translator like me who works only into his mother tongue.

How long would it take to return a translation?

That depends on current availability — other translation work may prevent me from starting immediately on your text.

Typical turnaround times for translations:
up to 3,000 words: 2-3 working days
3,000 – 5,000 words: 3-4 working days
10,000 words: 6-7 working days

Before I start the work, I always agree a deadline for delivering the translation.

What software do you use?

I work in PC format (Windows), producing most of my work in Microsoft Word. I can also supply and return files in plain text, RTF and PDF. If you have a file, I can overwrite it – this means all layout and formatting will be preserved in your final translation.

For a full list of available software packages, click here.

Will I pay VAT on the translation?

If you are a UK customer, I will apply Value Added Tax at 17½% to all translations.

If you are elsewhere in the European Union, I will apply VAT at 17½% only if you are not registered for VAT; if you are VAT registered, the VAT I apply will be zero-rated if you quote your VAT registration number.

If you are outside the EU, I will not apply VAT.

When and how do I pay?

That all depends on whether you are a corporate client or a private individual.

If you are a corporate client, I may ask you to substantiate your company status and might ask for credit references. I require corporate clients to pay within 30 days of receiving my invoice, either by a cheque issued in GB pounds or by bank transfer.

If you are a private individual, I require you to pay my full fee in advance. My policy for private individuals is to start work on a translation only after I’ve received full payment for the work for which I’ve quoted. You can transfer money from your bank account or pay by cheque (in GB pounds). Cheque payment for private individuals is suitable only for non-urgent work as I will not start on your translation until I have cleared funds in my account.

My document is confidential – is it safe in your hands?

I treat every document I receive as completely confidential. As a member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), I abide by its Code of Professional Conduct for translators. I am happy to sign acceptable confidentiality agreements.

Do you provide interpreting as well?

No. Interpreting (spoken language) is entirely different from written translation and requires a completely different set of skills and training. Most translators are not interpreters as well. I specialise in translating written documents.