Cipriana Leme - Translations - Finding the Right Translator

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How to find the right translator Always remember that the super translator does not exist. Translation is a work of experience as well as expertise and every translator learns a lot with each text and client he or she works with. We have limits, endure tremendous pressure and are not and never will be walking dictionaries or translating machines. We do, however, understand how difficult it can be to find a good translator, who understands client needs and expectations and who shows real interest in the text that has to be translated. Another problem clients face is the uncertainty of whether the translation will be well done or if the final translation is ready to use or publish. If the text has a complex layout and needs editing (in the case of catalogues, presentations, protected .pdf files, etc.) it is better to seek the services of an agency. If not, you can hire a freelance translator that assures direct contact with the translator and a better client-professional relationship. Below, some advice on how to find the right translator:
1) Always, and I mean always, look for a translator that is a native speaker of the target language (to which you want to translate). For example, if you want an English-Portuguese translation, choose a translator from Brazil or Portugal. Many translators speak a language fluently but that is not enough to assure a good translation. This mistake is common in Brazil and I am always shocked at the poor quality of translations in Brazilian state institutions, like Banco do Brasil (where I once saw a sign that read, Foreigner With Drawl, which I assumed was supposed to read, International Withdrawal) and Infraero (too many to count, I'm afraid). 2) Never base your final decision on price. I know people who have hired "cheap" translators to reduce costs and have gone straight ahead and published entire books, without even bothering to hire a proofreader, only to discover that the text was crawling with errors and misinterpretations. If you really must hire a cheap one, ask for a CV, sample texts or ask someone who knows that language to test the translator (see our services) before you close a deal. 3) Hire a proofreader or ask a reliable professional to review the work before publishing or sending. 4) Check areas the translator knows well, especially in the case of technical translations. Some areas are tricky so you might have to provide reference material or examples of similar texts. 5) Never be afraid to ask for references. Most translators have worked on websites or some published work you can look at.
	6) Settle all payment issues, deadlines and issuance of invoices or receipts, if necessary, before sending the text or accepting the proposal. Clients generally pay half prior to delivery and half on delivery of the translation, but some translators accept payment only on delivery. There are also translators who issue a service contract (legal person translators) and you can send a confidentiality contract in case of confidential texts. If you need an invoice, make this clear to the translator because most only issue receipts. 7) Make yourself available to the translator. He or she may need to ask you something important and needs to know the client is interested and available to offer help.
8) When you have found a good translator, keep all contact information in case of future work, and recommend him or her to us. Never forget that in the world of translation a cheap, unprepared translator can end up costing a fortune and might eventually cause a lot of embarrassment.