Quote template for translators
Ask for the files before you quote. A word count from the client is a guess; a CAT analysis of the actual files tells you the new words, the matches against your translation memory and whether half of it is a table of part numbers that does not need translating. Quote from that, and say which count the price is based on.
Then state the service level. Translation only, or translation plus a second linguist's review. Plain text, or formatted to match a layout. General, or specialised legal, medical or technical text. Certified or not. The same word count can be three different prices, and the quote should make it obvious which one the client is paying for.
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The example lines and prices are illustrations. Replace them with your own.
What a translator's quote should spell out
- Language pair, subject area and source word count from the CAT analysis.
- Rates for new words, fuzzy matches and repetitions.
- Whether a separate proofreading or review step is included.
- Delivery date and time zone, and any rush or weekend surcharge.
- File formats in and out, and whether layout or DTP work is included.
- Certification or sworn translation, if the document needs it.
Questions translators ask
What is a minimum fee in translation?
A floor price for small jobs, so a 50-word email still pays for the time to receive, set up, translate, check and invoice it. Translators often set it at roughly the value of an hour's work.
Is proofreading included in a translation quote?
Only if the quote says so. Self-checking your own work is part of translating. A separate review by a second linguist is its own service and is usually priced per word on top.
Should I quote per word or per page?
Per word is standard because it is countable before you start. Per page is used for some certified documents, like birth certificates, where the format is fixed. If you quote per page, define what a page is.
Quote it, then invoice it, without retyping
In OIO a proposal belongs to its client and project. When it's accepted it becomes an invoice draft with the same lines, and the money view shows what is outstanding and what is paid. Free plan, no card.
Start freeAlso for translators: invoice template and contract template. Quote templates for related trades: copywriters, content writers, voice actors, virtual assistants. Or browse all quote templates.