Working method

Translation request/briefing: Send your request to info@bluelines.eu or complete the quotation form. Add the source text in an editable format such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, InDesign, XML, HTML, etc. What if you don’t have a final source text yet? Simply send us a draft or tell us the estimated number of words so that we send you a price quotation in advance. Specify the desired target language. Let us know the countries where the translation will be used. Many languages are spoken in different variants in different countries, and nuances make all the difference. Do you have a specific deadline in mind? Any special points we need to focus on? Let us know. Oh yes, and don't forget to include your billing information. 

Quotation/analysis in translation memory: A project manager will review your application and ask any additional questions he or she may have. For many translation projects, the project manager will perform an analysis in the translation memory to get an idea of how repetitive it is. Once everything is clear, the project manager will prepare a quotation and suggest a delivery time.

Translation + comparative revision: Once you have approved the quotation, the project manager will select two native speaker translators who specialise in your field. The first will do the translation and the second will proofread or revise it. These excellent writers must also be a good fit for your tone of voice. We always use translators who have passed our tricky translation test with flying colours. We only work with the best of the best. After all, you can't build a good reputation on mediocrity.

Project support: The project manager who is handling your project will answer any questions from the translator, keep track of the deadline, carry out a final check and make sure that your specific wishes have been taken into account.

Delivery & feedback: You will receive the translation by email, at the agreed delivery time.
What if you have any questions, doubts or feedback after receiving your translation? Be sure to let us know. We will look into it, bringing in a third translator if necessary. If we use a translation memory for you, we will also incorporate your feedback into that memory.

DELIVERY TIMES

We often get asked how soon the translation can be delivered. Much depends on the volume, language combination(s), complexity of the source text, availability of suitable translators for your area of expertise and so on. This means there is no one-size-fits-all answer, but we can give you a idea: 

  • Up to 500 words: delivery within 24 hours if necessary, preferably within 48 hours.
  • Up to 1000 words: delivery within 48 hours if necessary, preferably within 72 hours.
  • Up to 5000 words: delivery within 72 hours if necessary, preferably within 96 hours.
  • Large volumes (from 5000 words upwards): calculate 2000 words per working day.

As we like to work with the most suitable people, please give us sufficient time for the translation and revision. This will allow us to work with our preferred translators, or with translators who have previously worked on the same project or for the same client. Do you have a specific deadline in mind? Let us know. We'll pull out all the stops to get it done on time. Have a bit of room for manoeuvre? Let us put that extra time to good use. You’ll get the very best quality in exchange. 

FILES AND DTP

You can supply your source texts in many different file formats: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, XML, HTML, InDesign and so on, bearing in mind that the text must be editable. Would you like us to send back formatted InDesign files in the target language? If so, Blue Lines can also take care of the DTP for you.