The quick decision
| Your starting point | Useful service | What to send |
|---|---|---|
| A source document, no translation | Professional translation with the agreed review | Final source, audience, languages and references |
| A source and an AI-generated draft | AI translation review or post-editing | Both versions, intended use and terminology |
| A translated text that needs style improvements | Target-language editing | The text and a style brief; source if accuracy also needs checking |
| A source changed after translation | A scoped translation update | Old source, new source and last approved translation |
1. No draft: brief a translation
When you only have the original, a translation brief should explain the subject, audience and intended use. Specify the language direction and market, then share existing terminology and approved examples. This gives the translator a meaningful starting point.
Agree whether independent bilingual revision is required. A promise of “quality checking” can mean several things, so ask what is being checked, by whom and against which text. The quotation should identify the deliverable and the acceptance process.
2. An AI draft: assess before committing to correction
An existing draft may be a useful starting point, but its fluency does not establish accuracy. A reviewer needs the source to spot omissions, changed conditions and unsupported additions. A short representative sample helps determine whether correction is worthwhile.
For example, the source instruction “Do not restart until the indicator turns green” contains both a prohibition and a condition. A smooth translation that changes this to “Restart when the indicator lights up” loses information. This invented example illustrates why surface-level proofreading cannot replace comparison with the source.
If the draft needs extensive rewriting, a new translation can be the clearer route. Compare the total effort of assessment, correction, questions and final review, rather than assuming that AI output always deserves a lower price.
3. A finished translation: distinguish editing from revision
Editing can improve readability, tone and consistency in the target language. Bilingual revision checks the translation against the original. Ask for both if both are needed, and provide the source.
If a document has changed since approval, identify what changed. Otherwise the reviewer may have to compare every section before they can begin the requested update.
What your request should contain
You do not need to choose a technical service name before contacting us. Explain the situation and send a sample. We can identify a sensible scope and confirm the work before starting.
- Source text and any existing translation
- Target language, market and audience
- Intended use: internal reference, publication or another purpose
- Glossary, style references and formatting requirements
- Desired review depth, delivery date and approval contact