FAQ's (Frequently Asked Question) Schreiber Translations
Here you can find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Schreiber Translations and our services. Please click the '+' to view the answer to each question.
| How do you charge for translation? | [ - ] |
We charge a rate per word. This rate varies according to the degree of difficulty of a given language and subject, and the time-frame.
| How do I know how many words my document has? | [ - ] |
The easiest way is to let us count them for you. You can email or fax us any document and we will be happy to provide a free estimate. If the document is lengthy and you are in a hurry, you can send us some sample pages on which we can base an estimate. Keep in mind that in most cases we charge based on the target language word count, which is usually about 15% higher than the source word count of the original document (the target language is the one into which the document is being translated). Some exceptions to this occur when translating into character-based languages, such as Japanese or Chinese. In this case, the word count is obtained from the source language.
| My estimated word count and final word count are different, why is that? | [ - ] |
When estimating the target word count, we use tried and tested formulas for estimating the final word count, but since it is impossible to predicate the actual number of final translated words, what we are providing is just that - an estimate. We strive to estimate within 10% above or below the final word count..
| How do I know your translators are right for the job? | [ - ] |
Our extensive database of translators is sorted based on Subject Matter Expertise (SME), and our translators are assigned projects based on these particular areas of specialization. For example, a patent translation will only be assigned to a translator with proven patent translation experience.
| Does it cost the same to have something translated into a foreign language from English as it does to have something translated from the foreign language into English? | [ - ] |
No. Rates are higher for translations from English into foreign languages. This is a simple supply and demand issue. It is of the utmost importance that a document is translated by a native speaker of the language into which it is being translated. And, quite simply, translators who are native speakers of English are more readily available in this country than are those who are native speakers of foreign languages.
| How long does a translation take? | [ - ] |
We generally allow for about 1000-2000 words per business day, with a minimum turn-around time of 4-5 days. This is the equivalent of about 3-5 pages for an average document. We do offer expedited (rush) services for which we charge additional fees. Even if a document is only one page, completing the translation in one day would mean disrupting the planned schedules of both the translator and our company for that day. Additionally, we want to ensure that every translation goes through the proper editing and production process.
| What if I must have a 100-page document translated in three days? | [ - ] |
As the saying goes, anything is possible. We routinely accomplish translations this size under such time constraints. It is important to remember that in such a case, two or more translators will have to be involved, which may result in some terminology inconsistencies and, additionally, insufficient time for thorough editing and review. This type of translation is useful when the document is needed for informational purposes only or when an initial draft translation would be acceptable. For any document intended for any kind of future publication or distribution, we highly recommend that you budget ample time for the translation process.
| Who performs the translation? | [ - ] |
Expert translators. We do not use any kind of translation software or "machine translation". We work with our network of more than 1,000 translators throughout the country and, indeed, all over the world. These are experienced individuals who, in addition to translation credentials, have education and/or practical experience in a specific field or fields. In this way, we are able to match the right translator to a given document, based both on the language pair involved and on the subject matter.
| How do you ensure an accurate translation? | [ - ] |
Every translation undergoes a multi-stage process which includes the initial translation of the document by a member of our professional staff, a check by a qualified editor to ensure translation accuracy and a proofreading stage to catch content and formatting errors or omissions.
| How do you ensure the confidentiality of documents? | [ - ] |
All documents are treated with the highest degree of confidentiality. Every document we send out to a translator is accompanied by a work agreement stipulating confidentiality. When requested, we are happy to sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
| Can you certify and notarize translations? | [ - ] |
Yes, we can certify any translation we provide. We can also notarize translations, provided we've been presented with an original document.
| What about some hard-to-find languages, such as Swahili or Estonian, or hard-to-find dialects, such as Syrian Arabic? | [ - ] |
We translate more than 90 languages and dialects. As long as a language is not only oral but also written, and there are people who currently write it, we can find a way to translate such a language.
| By what methods can you receive and deliver documents? | [ - ] |
We can receive hard copy documents by fax, mail, courier, or overnight service. We can receive electronic documents via e-mail or FTP, or through standard mail on a variety of removable media, including Zip drives, CDR, DVD, etc. Although we prefer PC-compatible files, if you are not able to provide your materials that way we will accept Mac-formatted disks in most cases.
We can deliver translations by any of these same methods, and are always happy to provide an electronic version of your translation.
A short list of only some of the popular programs we currently support is below. If your program is not listed here, please contact us -- odds are we can help.
- Microsoft Word, Mircosoft Excel, Mircosoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher
- Microsoft FrontPage, Macromedia Dreamweaver and other HTML editors
- Adobe products like Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, PageMaker, GoLive
- Quark XPress, Acrobat (PDF), PaintShop Pro
| What kind of clients do you generally service? | [ - ] |
We service all types of clients. A sample of these clients is located in our Top Industries section on the website.
