frequently asked questions

As a translator, I have experience and specialize in marketing and communication (web content, promotional materials, newsletters, emails, training materials, press releases etc.). My background and education also allow me to translate documents relating to:

• International Trade: contract negotiation, logistics (transportation and customs clearance), financing and risk management.
• Aviation: topics relating to aircraft and airport operations (airport operating manuals, private aviation, air cargo, safety rules, etc.)
• Business and economy: economic reports, development policies, business management, human resources, etc. (my expertise in finance is limited to commodity trading).

Let me know what you need and if I can’t help, I will find someone who can!

Before I can start working on a project I need to know as much as possible about the document you want translated: Why was it written? Will it be printed or published? Who will read it? Are you using specific terminology? Our first conversation allows me to gain a better understanding of your target audience and to word my translation accordingly. I will also ask you to refer me to a contact person within your organization, in case I have some questions or need clarifications during the translation process

My terms and conditions are detailed in Trëma Translations' Terms and Conditions, but in a nutshell, here is how it usually works:

1. If you are interested in translation services, call me or fill out the online quote request form. In order to provide you with a quote, I will need to receive a copy (or a sample at least) of the document you want translated..
2. I will provide you with a firm quote within 24 hours. All quotes are guaranteed for a month, details the service requested and specify the time necessary to deliver the final translation of your document.
3. After you have accepted the quote (by signing and returning it by mail or by email), I will translate or proofread your documents within the agreed timeline.
4. Once the work is completed, I proofread it thoroughly. If you request it, I can also arrange for a quality check by an external proofreader (for an additional fee).
5. I send you the final translation on the agreed date (and often before) along with my invoice for services.
6. Standard payment terms are 30 days from invoice date.

That depends on the complexity of your text and its format. I usually translate 350 finished words per hour (proofreading included), but a translation can take a lot longer if I need to do extensive terminology research, work with a non-standard file format or reproduce a complicated layout. That is why I need to see the text to translate in order to provide a quote. It allows me to accurately estimate the time I need to complete your assignment. Once I give you a deadline, there will be no surprises: I am committed to deliver on time… no matter what!

Translation quotes are based on the number of words of the source document (in English) and proofreading and editing quotes are based on an hourly rate (editing being more time-consuming, it is therefore more expensive than proofreading). My rates are competitive and reflect the quality of my work. Translation rates always include thorough proofreading and vary depending on the level of complexity of the original text, its length and the requested timeline. A very urgent project requiring me to work at night or during a weekend will be charged with a rate 25% higher than a regular project. A minimum fee is charged for short translations (less than 300 words). To know exactly how much I would charge for your project, send me a request for a quote with a sample of your document.

Unless stated otherwise, payments must be made within 30 days the from invoice date. You can pay me in euros or in other currencies. I prefer bank transfers, but you can also pay by cheque or by credit card using Paypal (only if the amount of your invoice is less than 300 €). In all cases, the costs associated with the chosen method of payment will be your responsibility. All the necessary information will be included on your invoice.

Call me right away at +33 (0)6 30 43 94 10. I will be glad to help!

I write a blog in French on creating and managing a translation business. I am sure that you will find some answers there, but if not, don't hesitate to call!