Yes. I store my files locally on a detachable encrypted hard drive, backed up regularly onto another detachable encrypted hard drive. My office has lockable doors and both hard drives are stored in a safe when not in use. I am currently also looking into improved methods of secure data transfer so my clients can avoid transmitting important documents via email.
Just like the cost, this depends on how long and complex a text is and how much adaptation is necessary. The average translator can handle about 3,000 words per day – which corresponds to roughly six pages of text. An estimate of how long it will take me to complete your text as well as a suggested start date will of course be included in my quote.
Of course! Even when I can’t provide a translation myself, I am more than happy to put you in touch with a trusted colleague in the language combination you need.
There are three sets of information I need. The first set is information about the project itself, which usually entails the following:
- Subject (What is the text about?)
- Purpose (What is the goal you would like to achieve with it?)
- Audience (Who will be reading this text?)
- Channel (Where will it be published?)
- Visuals (Will there be images, videos, etc.?)
- Style (Does your company have a style guide or guidelines on how they communicate or would like to be perceived by readers? Are there expressions that should be used? Expressions to avoid?)
- Timeline (By when would you ideally need your text back?)
The second set is information about you (the company you work for) – this is especially important if we have not worked together yet:
- Background information on who you are and what you do
- Who is your competition?
- What is your brand?
- How would you like to be perceived?
The third and last set of information consists of project-specific details, which I will discuss with you on a case-by-case basis.
First and foremost: peace of mind. There is no need to worry about people potentially spotting embarrassing spelling mistakes in your presentations or, worse, in your glossy new marketing brochure or right there on the landing page of your website. After all, an error-free presentation of your company matters.
Depending on complexity and scope of the task at hand (see "What does proofreading cost?"), a proof-reader can check somewhere between 1,000 and 3,000 words per hour. My quote for you will contain an estimate of how many work days it will take me to complete the text in question.