Translation coordinator: Flavia Fascendini, flavia@apcwomen.org
Translation assistant: Agustina Fazio, comms.intern@apc.org
Overall supervision: Karen Higgs, khiggs@apc.org
There is usually one administrator/coordinator for translation at APC. This reduces duplication of translation work requested and allows better cost control. The coordinator is responsible for hiring good quality professional translators who work at reasonable rates for APC.
The standard procedure for how we usually work with translation at APC is the following:
1. APC translation coordinator selects translator and translation editor for task (see list of recommended translators/editors).
2. Coordinator contacts editor for availability – we try to make the editor either the person who wrote the original materials or a paid editor who knows the area and language.
3. Coordinator sends translator the original work to be translated with clear instructions. Instructions include: what is to be translated, deadlines, details of assigned editor. Editor is copied. Coordinator keeps records of work outgoing.
We incorporated a form that TC completes and sends in an email to the translator or editor when comissioning the work, in order to ensure that all necessary information is complete and offered in a standarised format (Check and download the translator and editor request forms below).
4. Translator confirms receipt and deadlines.
5. Translator makes initial translation of document and sends it to the editor. The translator must consult our language guidelines.
6. The editor thoroughly checks the translation for meaning, style, grammar, spelling. Changes are tracked and comments might be added. Editor returns the document to translator.
7. Translator accepts and/or rejects the changes and return the final completed work to the coordinator with a copy to the editor. The coordinator only need receive the final translation. The translator has final opinion on any translation.
8. Translator and editor invoices are sent to the translation coordinator for processing. So it is essential the coordinator has records of all outgoing (requested translation) and incoming (finalised) work.
Important note on billing: Translators bill either monthly or once they have accumulated $300 USD work (in the case of a translator who works less frequently). This is to keep bank charges down for both parties. Here’s an invoice template.
Important note on process: Each translation requested carries a subject line which says “APC Translation: Name of piece into language“. Throughout the process, this subject line must be maintained, so that it is relatively easy to locate mails related to each individual translation request for all concerned.