A good technical translator can translate about 2,000 words per day. An editor can proofread about 4,000 words per day. Desktop Publishing (formatting) can take a few hours – or many days. Every translation project is unique and timeframe will vary based on many factors:
Technical Level – Ten pages of Technical Specifications for Dense Wave Division Multiplexing equipment will take longer than a 10-page Assembly Manual for a bicycle. The more technical a file’s subject matter is, the longer it will take to translate.
Word count – A 3-page patent which is typed in a very small font size in 3-column format is going to contain a lot more words than a double-spaced 3-page business letter. More words equals more time required.
Graphics – Does your file contain graphics with callouts that need to be translated? Are the graphics easy to edit? Do you have the electronic copy of the graphics to supply to us? If there are a lot of graphics with a lot of text inside, it is time consuming work for a translator to open the graphics file and translate the text while maintaining the graphic integrity of your drawings.
Format – Translations International can work in any file format. But keep in mind that a manual in QuarkXPress is going to take longer than a manual in Microsoft Word. Our Project Managers are certified in these programs to make sure your translated files have the same quality as your original English files.
Translators – As mentioned above, the average speed of a good technical translator is about 2,000 words per day. Some work faster, and some slower. Some work on weekends, some will not. Some work more than 8 hours per day, some will not without additional charges. Our job is to find the best translator for your project, based on subject expertise and scheduling needs. Sometimes, we may take longer than usual on a particular project, because the best translator for your subject matter may not be available to start right away.
Once we see your electronic files, we’ll be able to provide you with a free translation quote including cost and timeframe.