Frequently asked questions

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How much will it cost?

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It’s impossible to answer this question without seeing your files first. I need to know how much terminology research the project will require, what the subject matter is, what format you need it to be delivered in... Translating 200 words can take more time than working on a longer document. I ask to see your files first not only to make sure that my quote reflects the time and expertise required, but also to guarantee that it’s fair to my clients.

 

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Why do I have to pay a minimum fee even though my document is just 50 words?

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Each project involves time-consuming admin tasks and reflects the money I’ve invested in my business: the software and hardware, the accounting programme to generate invoices, and professional memberships that help me develop my skills. The cost of a translation covers not only the time required to complete it, but also the expertise behind the work. I’ve spent years training to become a translator (in three different countries), I devote countless hours to my professional development, and I always produce the highest possible quality.

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I live in/near Glasgow. How can we arrange a certified translation of my documents?

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According to UK government guidelines, translators cannot certify documents without seeing the original files (the hard copy, not a scanned text). That’s why using a local professional is the easiest option. I live in the Southside of Glasgow (New Gorbals to be exact), but I’m happy to collect your documents anywhere in the city. My quote for certified translation includes the cost of delivering your translation, whether we meet in person or whether I send the translated documents by post*. To find out more, contact me.

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*Please note that I cannot take responsibility for documents being lost or damaged in transit. To ensure safe receipt, I always send the translation by recorded delivery.

 

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I don’t live in/near Glasgow. How can we arrange a certified translation of my documents?

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According to UK government guidelines, translators cannot certify documents without seeing the original files (the hard copy, not a scanned text). Using a local professional is the easiest option, but if you want to work with me, you can send your documents by post*. My quote for certified translation includes the cost of sending the translated documents to you by post. To find out more, contact me.

 

*Please note that I cannot take responsibility for documents being lost or damaged in transit. To ensure safe receipt, always send your documents by recorded delivery.

 

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Why do you translate into English but not into French and Spanish?

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Although I have lived in both Spanish- and French-speaking countries, my proficiency in English is much higher. I obtained both my degrees in Scotland and have been living here since 2009 (with a collective break of 16 months when I lived in Barcelona and Luxembourg). I would not be able to guarantee the highest standard when translating into French or Spanish, but I’m more than happy to work out of these languages. Alternatively, I can recommend a trusted colleague to take care of your project.

 

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What will you need from me in order to start working together?

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First, get in touch and tell me about your project. Ideally, I’d like to know the required language combination, the subject matter, your preferred deadline and delivery format, where the text will be used, the target audience, and any other relevant details. Don’t worry if you don’t have all this information on hand, however. The key thing for me is to see your documents. We can discuss any further details after that.

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When can I expect to hear back from you?

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My standard working hours are 8 am until 4 pm (UK time) from Monday to Thursday. I don’t usually check my email outwith these times. If I’m on holiday, my out of office message will state when you can expect to hear back and contain contact details for a trusted colleague I recommend in the meantime.

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I tend to spend a few weeks a year in Poland. Due to family care responsibilities, my working hours may vary when I’m visiting my homeland. I still work the same number of hours, but I might distribute the time differently. In such cases, I will set an automatic reply on my inbox and specify my temporary working hours.

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What do you mean by ‘inclusive language’ and will you use it in my translation

without telling me?

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I view inclusive language as a way of communicating without offending anyone, using harmful stereotypes or making vulnerable groups invisible in the language. You can read more about it here. No text is immune to the above issues: sometimes it can be as significant as using outdated terminology considered offensive towards marginalised groups (this can happen unintentionally) or as seemingly insignificant as talking about ‘manmade’ fabric or shop tills being ‘manned’. I tend to notice such phrasing and suggest more inclusive solutions. I will not just change your text completely, however – it’s your project and we’re working on it together.

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How can I pay for your services? What currencies do you accept?

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My preferred method of payment is via bank transfer. I accept payment in the following currencies: GBP, EUR, PLN, USD. I use Wise, which means you will pay into a local bank account and won’t be charged for a transfer in a foreign currency. If you would like to use a different currency, please discuss it with me.

 

I will send you my payment terms together with my full terms and conditions before we start working together.

 

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Any other questions? Ask away!

 

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