Urgent translation is a service that provides you with a quick turnaround translation. Although it is not recommended for clients to seek urgent translations frequently, it is unavoidable in the real world where some situations demand it.

Urgent Translation Process- Having said that, urgent translations can still be done within a short time and to a high standard. The average industry standard for a normal translation of 6000 words would take up to 3 to 4 days. However, when it comes to an urgent translation, it is wise to give it a 24 hours window for a quality translation. The proof reading process of the document ensures that the urgent translation is of high quality and grammatically correct. Urgent translations are more expensive than normal translations because of intense labor involved to do the work. It is normal to have up to a 50% surcharge compared to the normal rates.

In order to make things even quicker, the client should send the documents needing urgent translations in electronic format. The translator will be able to translate quicker with the aid of Word, Excel, Power Point or PDF Viewer. These electronic formats are able to facilitate smoother coordination between the project manager and several translators. On the other hand, picture files such as .jpeg or .gif are not translator friendly. The final proof reading translator will also help to arrange all the translated text according to the original format before delivering it to the customer.

Certified Translations- If the document being urgently translated is an official document requiring certification, the clients will have to make sure that the translators working on the urgent translations can certify the document. Certified documents cannot be returned in 24 hours since they required being mailed back to the client. The original translation showing the Public Notary seal embossed in the document is required, an electronic copy is not adequate most of the time.

I specialize in translating personal documents such as diplomas, birth certificates, married licenses, etc. Except when the assignment includes several documents, my turn around is 48 hours after receiving the document in digital form. Urgent translations not requiring certification can be done in less than 24 hours period.

Many translation companies give their customers the opportunity of having their translations proofread. Some companies always include it, others do not, but what does it really mean and how do you know if you need it?

What is additional proofreading?

Additional proofreading is carried out after your document has been translated from the source language into the target language. The first translator will always proofread their own work to make sure the translation is accurate and free from errors, but additional proofreading goes that bit further and consolidates the first review.

Importantly, additional proofreading is carried out by a second skilled translator, which brings a different perspective and a fresh pair of eyes. While translators take every care to deliver translations of the highest quality, they are human and errors can happen. Furthermore, a proofreader can help to polish a document to make it more targeted to its intended audience.
In my practice, if the source is handwriting like an old birth certificate with names and places, I don’t know, I always ask the client to proofread the document before I certify it and notarize it. In the case of an essay or article translated from Spanish to English, I always ask a native English speaker to proofread the material to insure correct grammar and avoid literal translation.
I also proofread documents translated by other translators and my fees are lower than if I have done the original translation.

Are proofreaders also translators?

In order for a proofreader to accurately review a translation, they need to have a detailed understanding of both source and target languages and have the skills and experience to render the source language into their native tongue. Typically proofreaders are very experienced translators, well rehearsed at both language translation and proofreading, unless they are checking just for correct grammar usage and possible misspelling, in which case they should be native speakers of the target language.

Do I need additional proofreading?

The answer to this question is simple: it depends. In some situations it is strongly recommended that additional proofreading is included as part of your translation project. For example marketing documents, brochures, websites, leaflets and press releases are often intended to increase sales and raise awareness. A highly-polished proofread translation will have been reviewed by a second translator thus ensuring it is stylistically appropriate, error-free and with maximum return on investment potential. Also, as I pointed out earlier, in the case of handwriting documents, those are difficult to read, and long articles that might need a second person to polish the translation.

Conversely, in other situations it is not necessary for a document to be reviewed by an additional linguist. It is very important to stress that a translation can still be of high quality, even without additional proofreading (unless of course the original translator was bad at what they do). The initial translator will always thoroughly review their work and in many situations this is perfectly adequate. It is also worth remembering that a professional translation agency employs highly-skilled translators with formal linguistic education and many years of experience.

In summary, additional proofreading can add value to a translation but it is not always necessary. If you are unsure whether you need it for your next translation project, let me know so I understand your requirements, and I can assure your document will meet your exact needs.

A birth certificate is an important record that documents the birth of a child. Legally, it is a certified copy of an entry from the official register of births. In almost every country, a person’s birth certificate is a crucial proof of his or her identity that is required in applications for citizenship, driver’s license, social welfare benefits, bank accounts, etc. Therefore, it is recommended that only certified translators are appointed to translate birth certificates. In the United States, all you need is that the translator certifies that the translation is an accurate translation from the original and his/her signature is notarized by a Public Notary.

A birth certificate typically contains the child’s full name, date of birth, sex, place of birth, the full name(s) of his or her parent(s), and their address and occupations at the time of registration. Other relevant official details may include the name of the hospital where the child was born, the name and signature of the attending doctor, and the name and address of the official register of births. In many countries, birth certificates are issued in “full” and “abstract” styles. The former is an exact copy of the original birth record, while the latter contains limited information about the child’s birth. For most legal purposes, “full” certificates are required. However, both styles of birth certificate should be translated clearly, precisely and free of error.

The official translation including the notary seal should be submitted with an original birth certificate to be recognized as legal by the National Visa Center, Social Security office, schools and universities.

I get calls and emails asking for price for translations. Most of the time there are personal documents such as birth certificates, school transcripts, or diplomas. Those documents need to be certified and notarized and they need to be returned so the original translation is submitted.

I charge a flat fee per page or per word for the translation, including certification and notarization, plus shipping. I prefer Priority Mail so the document arrives fast and it can be tracked.

My problem is, people are always looking for something for nothing. Some people ask me if I count the letter "y" (and) in Spanish, or in the case of a transcript, there is no need to translate the grades, but still I'm charging for my time to create the document as close and accurate as the original.

Other people think that they know the language enough that they can do the translation themselves. The problem is that those translations are not accepted by any authority unless they are done by an independent individual or company that can certify that the translation is accurate from the original.

Sometimes people get very excited about a book they have written and want it to be translated to Spanish, even before it's published in English and may or may not be any good. The problem here is that when I quote them a price, they always think it's too much.

I use INS format in all immigration documents and I have never have any document rejected.
I can assure you my work is fast, accurate and legal. Please contact me for all your translations needs.

Have you used either one?
To me, a translator is one that translates from a source language to a target one. The translation is done from something in print, audio or visual.
An interpreter, on the other hand, produces the translation simultaneously between the person or persons speaking.

What's is your understanding on this topic? Please leave a comment.

Because I have hearing problems I prefer translations rather than interpretations, unless they are for the family, not for business.

It’s very easy for my company to offer online translations. It only 3 simple steps:

Step 1. Prospective client contact me via email or phone – We agree on type of translation needed, time and payment. I accept payment over the Internet via Pay Pal.

Step 2. I send an Invoice to client - Including price, time translation will be ready, and if the document needs to be notarized. I included notarized documents FREE of charge and those documents have to be mail to client. If it’s not necessary to be notarized, then I can return the document faster via email.

Step 3. Client scans and sends me a copy of the document to be translated - I start translation as soon as I receive it. I keep my client informed of my progress and when he/she should expect the job done.

You can count on me for accrue, affordable and prompt translations.

NO JOB IS TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL FOR ME.