How to pick the right translator?

When you’re looking for a translator for your translation project, there’s a good chance you’ll be overwhelmed during your search.

1. Pick a translator who works in their native language

When you’re in need of a Spanish into English translator, then look for a translator who has English as their mother tongue.
There’s an unwritten rule among professional translators that you should only translate into your native language. And there are several good reasons for this:

• the translator is familiar with the smallest subtleties of the target language – which, by the way, might be an obstacle for non-native speakers – and can rely on a richer language

• the translation won’t read as a translation, but as a natural text

• the translator masters the spelling and grammar of the target language and can produce an impeccable text

2. Pick a translator who is familiar with the subject of your content

You can only translate a text once you fully understand what is written. This means that translators need to do the proper research during a translation project. In fact, translators cannot be well up in all industries. Most translators specialise in a certain number of fields (e.g. marketing, cosmetics, legal).

3. Don’t pick the cheapest translator

It’s true that high prices are no guarantee for impeccable quality, but bargain prices should warn you, as low rates mean that a translator needs to complete many more translations to earn a decent living and they will probably compromise on research and revision.

The translation rate depends on the time that will be dedicated to the translation and research, the nature of the text and other expenses (e.g. software and dictionaries).

4. Don’t pick the fastest translator

Don’t fall into the trap of ‘translators’ who pretend they can translate your content (of about 1000 words) in an hour. You can assume that they will compromise on certain aspects (e.g. research, thorough revision) or even use automatic translation programmes (such as Google Translate).

Quality translations require time. A translator who is familiar with the subject of your content can translate approximately 2000-2500 words a day (6-8 pages). In general, they prefer to leave their translation overnight to take a fresh look at it the following morning and read it through thoroughly. Afterwards the translation will also be revised by a revisor. Generally speaking, if the translation is of good quality, a revisor can revise more or less 1000 words per hour.

5. Ask the translator to do a test translation

Everyone has their own writing style, so probably not every translator will be suited for your translation projects. Are you wondering if the translator’s writing style meets your corporate style? Then ask the translator if s/he is willing to do a small test translation and ask a different independent native speaker to revise that translation. That way you will know if this could be a match made in heaven.

6. Browse through the social media of the translator

Nowadays, most translators have a business profile on social media, such as Instagram or LinkedIn. Go to the social media profile of the translator you would like to work with to see if it’s the right person for the job.

You can find me on Instagram and LinkedIn. Take a look around. You’ll find a lot of interesting content.

Do you think I’m the right translator for the job? Let me know by clicking here!