On Proofreading Rates for Book Translation Thread poster: Maria Amorim (X)
|
|---|
Maria Amorim (X) 
Sweden
Local time: 01:28
Swedish to Portuguese
+ ...
This is a recurrent subject but probably with some new nuances. Language pair: English - Portuguese
I have been asked to quote on a 300 page book, with pictures and illustrations, around 70 000 words. This service includes translation and also a proofreading by another professional. I am expected to quote on the overall job and be responsible for delivering the final complete text, error-free, linguistic accurate, so that the author be able to launch the printing process.
<... See more This is a recurrent subject but probably with some new nuances. Language pair: English - Portuguese
I have been asked to quote on a 300 page book, with pictures and illustrations, around 70 000 words. This service includes translation and also a proofreading by another professional. I am expected to quote on the overall job and be responsible for delivering the final complete text, error-free, linguistic accurate, so that the author be able to launch the printing process.
By own experience, I know it is essential to have your work reviewed by another professional/linguist before publishing it, and I fully agree with this request.
I see that rates for book translation and proofreading are typically calculated per page, although this “unity” can differ a lot from country to country in keystrokes´number (from 1250 up to 2100 including spaces). Also, its respective price varies over a wide range, as one can see from the European CEATL report. By now, I have not the material for a proper calculation on this basis (per page).
And so, my question starts by the end point. What is a reasonable proofreading rate, based on word count, for a skilled professional who will work mainly on the fine details of the text, like a copy editor?
What should be the related rates between translation and proofreading in this case?
Thanks in advance for your contributions! ▲ Collapse
| | | | Ana Vozone
Local time: 00:28
Member (2010)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
| Proofreading charges | Feb 4, 2012 |
I normally charge half my translation rate for proofreading. I think it is a fair and simple calculation.
Good luck with your project!
Ana
| | | | Maria Amorim (X)
Sweden
Local time: 01:28
Swedish to Portuguese
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | Thank you, Ana! | Feb 4, 2012 |
This can be a guide. I will contact you if I need additional information, ok?
Best regards.
| | | | F Scott Ophof (X)
Belize
Local time: 17:28
Dutch to English
+ ...
| Or charge by the hour. However... | Feb 4, 2012 |
A downside of charging by the word is that there's no correction for difficulty level. That's why charging by the hour is usually seen as more fair.
But you can also set your rate/word on the highish side of Ana's suggestion, and give a fair discount if the work turns out be easier than expected. Just make sure the client knows this.
If you become known as the proofer whose invoice is always (OK... usually/often) less than initially agreed-on, so much the better, right?  ... See more A downside of charging by the word is that there's no correction for difficulty level. That's why charging by the hour is usually seen as more fair.
But you can also set your rate/word on the highish side of Ana's suggestion, and give a fair discount if the work turns out be easier than expected. Just make sure the client knows this.
If you become known as the proofer whose invoice is always (OK... usually/often) less than initially agreed-on, so much the better, right? 
[Edited at 2012-02-04 20:10 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | |
|
|
|
Maria Amorim (X)
Sweden
Local time: 01:28
Swedish to Portuguese
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | Thank you, Scott! | Feb 5, 2012 |
I agree with you that an hourly rate is a better realistic approach but probably clients prefer to see the figures on word or page count. I will take in account your considerations with respect informing the client.
Have a nice Sunday!
| | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » On Proofreading Rates for Book Translation | TM-Town | Manage your TMs and Terms ... and boost your translation business
Are you ready for something fresh in the industry? TM-Town is a unique new site for you -- the freelance translator -- to store, manage and share translation memories (TMs) and glossaries...and potentially meet new clients on the basis of your prior work.
More info » |
| | Trados Business Manager Lite | Create customer quotes and invoices from within Trados Studio
Trados Business Manager Lite helps to simplify and speed up some of the daily tasks, such as invoicing and reporting, associated with running your freelance translation business.
More info » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |
Login to reply/comment 
Translation news
