Frequently Asked Questions
You're thinking about ordering a translation, but you're not sure how to proceed?
Here are the most common questions my clients ask. None of the answers below address your question? Feel free to reach out directly and I will be happy to help.
What language pairs do you work with?
I translate from English into Castilian Spanish, my native language. However, if you need another language pair, let me know and I will put you in touch with a trusted colleague from my network.
How do I order a translation?
The best way is to send me the files or a description of your project, including the document type, word count if known, subject matter, and your target deadline. Fill out the contact form or email me at [email protected] and I will reply with a personalised quote, an estimated turnaround time and any questions I may have before getting started.
How long will my translation take?
It depends on several factors: the length and difficulty of the text, my own availability, whether the project involves translation only or translation plus revision, and whether it requires additional tasks, such as an extra round of proofreading by another colleague or formatting the document to match the original. No matter what the project is, I will always do my best to find a deadline that works for both parties.
How much will my translation cost?
Translation is typically priced on a per-word basis. Once you send me the document, I will analyze it and then send you a non-binding estimate tailored to your needs. The total cost depends on the complexity of the text, the urgency of the project, and the format of the source document.
– Urgent projects with tight deadlines that require working overtime or at weekends will be subject to a 20% surcharge on the service price.
– If the original file is not editable (such as a PDF) or has a complex layout that the client wishes to maintain, a surcharge of between 5% and 10% will be applied to the final price to cover the additional formatting work.
What types of documents do you translate?
My two core areas are medical translation and software localization. Medical projects include clinical trial documents, informed consent forms, SmPCs, patient information, medical software. For software, I work with UI strings, technical documentation, help center articles, and website localization. I also work in e-commerce, marketing, subtitling, fashion, and sport.
What file formats do you work with?
I work with the most common formats: Word, Excel, and PDF for medical documents; XLIFF, XML, JSON, YAML, HTML, .strings, .po, and .properties files for localization; and SRT, VTT, and other subtitle formats. I am always open to learning new tools if your project requires it.
Do you offer revision or proofreading of existing translations?
Yes, I do. If you have an existing translation that needs a second pair of eyes, I can review it for accuracy, fluency, and consistency, and deliver a clean, polished final version.
Why should I hire a specialist translator instead of using AI or a generalist?
AI tools have come a long way in recent years; there’s no point in denying it. What they still can’t do is identify when a phrase that sounds good in English becomes confusing, or even offensive, in Spanish. They don’t know your brand, your audience, or the right tone for your message, and in fields like medicine, that gap can create real problems. If you’ve already invested time and money in perfecting your English content, why risk having a Spanish version that doesn’t meet the expectations of the audience you want to reach?
How do you handle confidential content?
What stages does the text go through during the translation process?
Once the quote is approved, the text goes through several stages:
- File analysis and preparation of materials for translation
- Preliminary research and documentation
- Translation
- Clarification of any queries with the client
- Revision and quality control
- Delivery of the translation
Still have questions?
Let's talk about your project
Send me a message with all the details and I will get back to you within one business day.