Poll: Have you been called on by clients to review other translators' work? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Have you been called on by clients to review other translators' work?".
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| | | | | Yes, it's one of the services I offer | Oct 29, 2010 |
But I do charge for it, because this is editing/proofing, surely?
And I apply clear criteria.
I correct errors, explaining where this is not obvious why, and always prepared to explain further.
I also change stylistic points, but where I consider that this is a matter of taste/personal voice, I say so, hoping that it will then be returned to the original translator for them to make the final decision.
As a translator whose work is reviewed by ... See more But I do charge for it, because this is editing/proofing, surely?
And I apply clear criteria.
I correct errors, explaining where this is not obvious why, and always prepared to explain further.
I also change stylistic points, but where I consider that this is a matter of taste/personal voice, I say so, hoping that it will then be returned to the original translator for them to make the final decision.
As a translator whose work is reviewed by others, I appreciate this feedback and right to accept/reject changes too.
Noni ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Noni makes several professional points | Oct 29, 2010 |
I would just add that, if the translation is correct and effective, I have earned my editing/proofing fee simply saying so and returning it unchanged.
Regards, All!
| | | | Robert Forstag 
United States
Local time: 18:34
Spanish to English
+ ...
| An opportunity to showcase one's talents | Oct 29, 2010 |
Given the typically low rates offered for "proofreading" jobs (which, in my experience, are almost always disguised editing/rewriting jobs), I have often found that the main value of such work is that it provides an opportunity to subtly communicate to clients that they should think about hiring me next time, instead of the person whose work I have edited.
The idea is not to invent mistakes and to nitpick trivial points, but to identify real problems, whether small or large (... See more Given the typically low rates offered for "proofreading" jobs (which, in my experience, are almost always disguised editing/rewriting jobs), I have often found that the main value of such work is that it provides an opportunity to subtly communicate to clients that they should think about hiring me next time, instead of the person whose work I have edited.
The idea is not to invent mistakes and to nitpick trivial points, but to identify real problems, whether small or large (in my view, the small stuff matters in writing/translating as well) and to show how I am able to improve on what was written.
This may sound rather aggressive, but the truth is that many of us function in a highly competitive environment, and it is important to exploit opportunities to stand out from among the herd whenever possible. ▲ Collapse
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Henry Hinds
United States
Local time: 16:34
English to Spanish
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In memoriam
And if called upon, I will not do it. Sometimes I have been given work that has already been translated but the client was not happy with it. I just say "throw that in the trash and supply me with the original".
| | | | Nicole Schnell
United States
Local time: 15:34
English to German
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In memoriam | There is nothing that can not be improved | Oct 30, 2010 |
Robert Forstag wrote:
Given the typically low rates offered for "proofreading" jobs (which, in my experience, are almost always disguised editing/rewriting jobs), I have often found that the main value of such work is that it provides an opportunity to subtly communicate to clients that they should think about hiring me next time, instead of the person whose work I have edited.
The idea is not to invent mistakes and to nitpick trivial points, but to identify real problems, whether small or large (in my view, the small stuff matters in writing/translating as well) and to show how I am able to improve on what was written.
This may sound rather aggressive, but the truth is that many of us function in a highly competitive environment, and it is important to exploit opportunities to stand out from among the herd whenever possible.
I have the pleasure of working with highly quality-oriented clients. Any edited translation will be sent back to the translator for final approval. Which results in translations that are brought to perfection. Editors and translators ideally should act as equal partners in a team - we thank and compliment each other.
I have to say that I stopped working with various clients whose proofreaders managed to build in errors into my original translation.
I have to say that I stopped working with various clients whose proofreaders were too overzealous in their attempts of rewriting a translated text in an attempt to display their industriousness.
I have to say that I stopped working with a client who managed to call a colleague "He's only a proofreader." during a phone call.
| | | | Rebecca Garber
Local time: 18:34
Member (2005)
German to English
+ ...
I usually consider proofreading jobs from my agencies to be opportunities to perfect the text for the end client.
Usually the text goes back to the translator, and I try to make comments that are constructive.
I also work closely with 2 proofreaders on my translations for one agency in particular. They are great people and I always feel that my translations are better for having their input.
Only once was a translation so awful that I was given the remainder of the pr... See more I usually consider proofreading jobs from my agencies to be opportunities to perfect the text for the end client.
Usually the text goes back to the translator, and I try to make comments that are constructive.
I also work closely with 2 proofreaders on my translations for one agency in particular. They are great people and I always feel that my translations are better for having their input.
Only once was a translation so awful that I was given the remainder of the project. ▲ Collapse
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