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Another thing to control translation cost could be working directly with
individual tranlsators, instead of agencies. With this, you build up a
knowledgeable partners who - if you treat them well - may become more
flexible with deadlines and prices. It may also be useful to have the
documents translated in the target market area. And select the translators
as carefully as you do your writers.
Max Wyss
PRODOK Engineering AG
Technical documentation and translations, Electronic Publishing
CH-8906 Bonstetten, Switzerland
Dear Max,
Just a quick thanks for adding your 20/20 insight to the translator discussion.
The plug at the end about working with individual translators rather than
agencies reflects my sentiments exactly. I have been working as a translator for
8 years and have landed a good full-time job as a translator for a pacemaker
company. After navigating the learning curve, I have never been happier nor
more satisfied with my own work.
The caveat concerning translation agencies is: the agencies are VERY careful to
give their harem of translators only limited access to the document's author.
This block in communication arises from a fear that the translator could contact
the customer and win over the contract for her/himself (and it does happen).
Thus, betraying their best interests, agencies leave many translators in the
dark. The result can be a lacking, disjointed document.
Thanks to all for a great list server!
Amy
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Amy Coulter - German Language Translator
Biotronik, Inc. 6024 SW Jean Rd.
Lake Oswego, OR 97035 USA
