Τhere are several steps in completing the delivery of a translated text. Let me help you by explaining in detail how it works. Transparent procedures are one of the key elements leading to an informed choice!
I am asked to submit a certified translation. What does that mean and what do I ask in order to receive it?
Roughly speaking, we could distinguish between two types of translation: the certified, aka official, translation and the non-certified, or simple translation. Both types are provided by a professional translator and adhere to all processes and quality checks applying for any translation work. The difference relies on whom it is destined for. In case you are the end user, then a simple translation will suffice for you to understand what you need and proceed accordingly. However, in case the translated document needs to be used for administrative purposes then what you should request is a certified translation; that implies that the original document should bear an Apostille (https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised) and the stamp of a certified translator (and possibly a Consular certification after my certification too). If this is all Greek to you, please contact me so we can clarify what you may need.
I need a translation. What next?
Here’s your next step: kindly send me your text through the contact form.
Please make sure the file you send me is readable and includes all pages and texts and even stamps to be translated – leave nothing out!
The supported formats include any .doc, .docx, .odt, .pdf, .txt and photo file such as .jpeg or .png with the highest possible resolution. Zip files are also accepted that can contain multiple files with compressed size.
I will then review the document and provide you with the cost and a timeline. Please let me know if you need it urgently so that I review it accordingly.
How much does it cost and how quickly can I have it?
No translation project should be undertaken unless the cost and delivery deadlines are clear and agreed upon by both parties. I usually charge on a per word or per page basis of the source document, that is the document you send me, depending on how easy it is to calculate the word count, the formatting, how technical it is, etc.
The quote and time needed depends on different factors, such as:
- How quickly you need to get your translation;
- How complex the document is in terms of terminology and formatting;
- How big it is;
- My availability during that period, etc.
Please ask for a quote and I will get back to you within 24 hours at the latest with a quote and timeline!
OK, cost and timelines are accepted, how do we proceed?
In that case, I shall proceed with the translation. Upon completion and before any certification may be required, I will send the translation back to you via email so you can sanity check it (especially names, dates, etc.). This is a crucial step to avoid any issues later on in the process! Finally and most often, I need to physically post back the translations so you can take them to the Consulate or submit them to any authority.
I have received the translated document and made sure everything is OK. How shall I pay you for your work?
My standard payment method is direct bank transfer to my UK bank account. If you are based on another country, please note you need to incur the bank fees for the payment. Payments are to be made upon project completion as they normally include postage fee for physical translations. A digital invoice will also be sent to you via email upon project completion.