Editing - productivity & rates? Thread poster: eurolanguagesPt
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I’ve been asked to edit files which (I think) had been previously translated by me. This is a tough situation since all the doubts that I had during the translation process remain forever. It becomes particularly exasperating when dealing with subject matter, such as chemical terms, medical terminology and other technical issues of major importance.
Has anyone else had a similar experience?
What is a reasonable editing productivity (words/hour)? Sometimes the process is quite long ... See more I’ve been asked to edit files which (I think) had been previously translated by me. This is a tough situation since all the doubts that I had during the translation process remain forever. It becomes particularly exasperating when dealing with subject matter, such as chemical terms, medical terminology and other technical issues of major importance.
Has anyone else had a similar experience?
What is a reasonable editing productivity (words/hour)? Sometimes the process is quite long and I wonder if it’s me or…
All hints & suggestions will be appreciated. If anyone knows of any forums on this topic, please let me know!
With sincere gratitude,
Esperança ▲ Collapse
| | | | Alexey Ivanov 
Russian Federation
Local time: 04:53
English to Russian
| Productivity mostly depends on the quality of the translation and your knowledge of the subject | Aug 29, 2006 |
I really do not know the general rule, but from my experience (more than 25 years in the business) the productivity is about 1,000 words/hour for a text on the subject you know well. But if you come across difficult terms you will spend more. As to the rates it is either paid by the hour or 50% of the rate for translation. I prefer payment by the hour as it gives you more time for research.
As to the chance that you will be revising your own translation, I believe it is highly unlikely - i... See more I really do not know the general rule, but from my experience (more than 25 years in the business) the productivity is about 1,000 words/hour for a text on the subject you know well. But if you come across difficult terms you will spend more. As to the rates it is either paid by the hour or 50% of the rate for translation. I prefer payment by the hour as it gives you more time for research.
As to the chance that you will be revising your own translation, I believe it is highly unlikely - it is not in the interests of the agency to give the text to the translator for editing/proofreading/revising.
Best regards,
Alex ▲ Collapse
| | | | | As far as I know... | Aug 29, 2006 |
...editing rates are approx. 1/3 of translation rates.
The biggest tip I would give anybody taking on work in translation or editing is to SPECIALISE. Become expert in a couple of disciplines and you'll be at home with them and you will be more productive - with confidence. Don't just take on everything - you might end up on thin ice.
HTH
| | | | eurolanguagesPt
Local time: 02:53
Portuguese to English
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TOPIC STARTER | I'm very grateful! | Aug 29, 2006 |
Thank you very kindly for having taken the time to answer my questions.
It’s interesting to see, though, that some people speak of 1/3 the translation rates (for editing) and yet others talk about 50% of the cost of translation services.
I do believe that I’ve edited my own translations more than once and I’m definitely not comfortable with that!
May others be as kind to you in your moments of query!
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Elizabeth Ardans
Uruguay
Local time: 22:53
Member (2005)
English to Spanish
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I'd suggest an hourly rate. If the text is well written and you don't have to change/check too many things, a 50% rate could be too much, but sometimes you come across texts with lots of mistakes, that take a lot of time...
If you charge by the hour, you are getting paid for the exact time it takes you (with an hourly rate that is more or less what you would make with other jobs).
Just keep in mind that some agencies set a maximum hours to be paid... and if the transl... See more I'd suggest an hourly rate. If the text is well written and you don't have to change/check too many things, a 50% rate could be too much, but sometimes you come across texts with lots of mistakes, that take a lot of time...
If you charge by the hour, you are getting paid for the exact time it takes you (with an hourly rate that is more or less what you would make with other jobs).
Just keep in mind that some agencies set a maximum hours to be paid... and if the translation is very poor and you realize It could take you more time, you should let your client know immediately...
If you have to charge by word, I'd go with a 50% rate if you have to compare source and target texts, and 35% if you just have to read the translated version.
If the translation turns out to be one of your own, that's another story... but it is unlikely! ▲ Collapse
| | | | eurolanguagesPt
Local time: 02:53
Portuguese to English
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TOPIC STARTER | Thanks Elizabeth! | Aug 31, 2006 |
I appreciate your input Elizabeth!
What I'm most unsure of is the acceptable number of words per hour; is 1000 words/hour considered the norm for easy flowing texts?
Have a great day!
Esperança
| | | | Susana Galilea
United States
Local time: 20:53
English to Spanish
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eurolanguagesPt wrote:
What I'm most unsure of is the acceptable number of words per hour; is 1000 words/hour considered the norm for easy flowing texts?
Yes, this is the average turnaround for editing jobs (comparing source and target documents), provided you are dealing with a quality translation and straightforward format. In the case of proofreading projects (reviewing target document without comparing with source), the average is usually 2000 words/hour.
Best luck,
Susana
| | | | eurolanguagesPt
Local time: 02:53
Portuguese to English
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TOPIC STARTER | Thanks Susana! | Aug 31, 2006 |
I appreciate your help Susana!
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