Services
I offer Translation, Proofreading, Localisation, Interpreting, and Tailored CVs.
When deciding if I am right for you, have a look at my specialisations for an overview of the sort of projects I have worked on in the past. Check out my Past Projects to view a small sample of these.
Be sure you do not miss the Formats, Tools and Procedure pages for further relevant information.
Translation
translation of text / images / video from one language into another
I offer a comprehensive start to finish translation service, including a full proofreading service, carried out by a native-speaking translator of the target language, Alex Ward.
My competitive rates are dependent on the length of the text and the level of service required. Special rates are available for regular supplying partners.
Proofreading
checking of translated text / images / video against the originals for accuracy and style
You can expect a high quality review of the translated document, carefully examined word for word, digit for digit, against the original. Everything including typing errors, spelling mistakes, omissions, additions, grammar and stylistic issues will be examined, and, where changes made are ambiguous, fully explained and justified.
I charge a flat time-based rate for proofreading of work produced by another human translator. This is considered fairest on all parties concerned: a good translation with few errors will take significantly less time than a poor translation.
Localisation
translation of culture-specific texts into British English
Having spent most of my life in the United Kingdom with experience of various regions, I have developed a rich understanding of British English. I have experience of localisation (or regionalisation) from American English into British English. This involves attention to spelling and grammatical conventions, but also cultural references and idiomatic language.
I lived in Bonn, Germany for two years and maintain close contact with German friends living both abroad and in the United Kingdom. My vast exposure to German society whilst working self-employed, living in one of the nation's cultural hotbeds, social nature and love of comedy have granted me a great ability to comprehend natural cultural references and idiomatic language.
Like many Britons, I also have had significant social exposure to American English. However, this knowledge has been further enhanced through the formation of close transatlantic friendships and professional experiences in teaching and translation.
Interpreting
face-to-face, telephone or live video direct speech to speech translation
I have significant interpreting experience, interpreting technical and business matters between German and English on a regular basis whilst working in Bonn.
Specific interpreting rates are subject to negotiation, dependant on the degree of further research, responsibility, workload and/or possible travel required. Rates are charged either by day or by hour.
Tailored CVs / Resumes
expert British CVs that go beyond the task of mere translation
I have specific experience in the translation, editing, tailoring and desktop publishing of CVs for German speakers. German CVs are substantially different both in style and content to English CVs. They also require a great deal of cultural knowledge to translate terms for concepts that do not exist in the other language with clarity and stylistic flair.
Even those Germans who speak perfect English would not be aware how best to exercise the freedoms allowed in a British CV. We can provide you with an expertly crafted British CV, composed under extensive consultation for the additional information required, career goals, qualities one would like to express, as well as, when desired, reformatting and desktop publishing. This will then be cross-checked and proofread for accuracy by Sasha. You will not be limited in your expression by the confines of your knowledge of English, you can express yourself naturally and be sure that the English text will be equally impressive. So very, very much more than a simple translation.
For this expert experience, a quantity-based rate is charged based on the length of the final text, in addition to a small hourly surcharge for additional editing work, research, and discussion of additional details. Where a standard translation without further editing is required, no surcharge will be applied.
Desktop Publishing (DTP)
creation and/or editing of text and/or images for presentations, internet or other marketing materials
I am highly skilled in desktop publishing and able to offer a variety of services to ensure your final project meets and exceeds your specifications. I have experience in designing websites, web blogs, leaflets, posters, brochures and product labels.
Why double up? If the text to be translated is to be uploaded as HTML, why not hire a translator who can understand HTML, too, and able to translate your text ready for direct upload?
Please let me know your exact requirements and purposes. If the editing required is minor, I am happy to include this at no additional cost. Extensive editing will be charged at the standard hourly proofreading rate.