Translator’s work is a professional work that demands not only translation itself, but also consequent revision and adaptation for a target reader, search and study of additional information to the subject-matter of the translation, cooperation with a native speaker, and often consulting with expert practitioners in order to provide a high quality translation. This activity means that the translator spends, in average, about one hour at translation of one standard page of text.
One should have realistic expectations in respect to prices. It is necessary to ask how much time it was needed for elaboration of the original text for translation. Also situations when the translator finds obscure places or grammar mistakes in the original text are common. If the translator notices you of them, it will enable you to enhance the quality of the original text as well.
The translator is usually able to react to the needs of the client flexibly and consult the complex situations which may occur during the translation of professional texts with the client immediately as they appear. Moreover, when the translator performs professional activity in the field according to the client’s requirements, the translator will not have to make any additional effort at costs of the client. Therefore, if the client needs a translation from / to a certain language, a direct contact with the translator is more suitable option in respect to the price.
A direct contact with a translation agency is more suitable in cases where the agency works as a coordinator into more languages at once or at if the text for translation has a great volume which must be distributed among more translators in order to meet the delivery term. In such case the agency often serves as another review authority. Therefore, I support mutually beneficial cooperation between translators and agencies based on fair relationships.
