Services and rates
Translation, revision, proofreading and localisation from English (UK and US) into French (France). Every project is quoted in advance.
Translation
Translation from English (US and UK) into my native language, French (France). I work in full respect of the industry best practices, the rules of the French language, the type of the source document, its author, its style, its target audience and its message.
Translation is charged per source word. The rate includes the preparation of the document, the translation itself, proofreading and, where necessary, formatting. It depends on the type of content and its level of technical complexity, and every project is quoted in advance.
Revision
Revision of texts translated into French, sentence by sentence, by comparing them with their English source text. I check their accuracy, ensure consistent terminology, improve the style, correct spelling and grammar where necessary, and check typography and syntax.
Proofreading
Proofreading of French texts to correct spelling, grammar, typography and syntax, without comparing them to an English source text. This service is aimed at authors and organisations who want error-free reports, articles, websites or communication material.
Localisation
Whilst translation focuses on accuracy and linguistic fidelity, localisation also aims to ensure cultural relevance and impact on your target market. It may require a substantial reworking of the source text. It applies in particular to marketing and multilingual websites, software and mobile apps, user interfaces, social media, and printed materials. Localisation is generally charged per source word; transcreation, highly idiomatic marketing copy and slogans are charged by the hour.
Formatting and supplementary services
The documents I translate retain the original layout of your documents, so they can be used as soon as they are delivered. Formatting is part of the translation and localisation services, at no extra charge. I also offer web copywriting in French, document preparation (extraction, basic layout), correction of the English source document, and special processing such as image or chart modification.
Quotes
You receive a quote within 24 hours. It states the price, the estimated delivery date, the stages of the project and the billing terms.
Billing
Projects under €1,000 are paid on receipt of the invoice. Between €1,000 and €5,000, 40% is invoiced on booking and 60% on delivery. Above €5,000, 30% on booking, 40% at the halfway point and 30% on delivery. Payment terms are 15 days at most, by bank transfer, Wise transfer, PayPal or credit card via PayPal. You can pay in euros or in your own currency; conversion charges are then borne by the client and included in the quote. A quote is valid for 30 days. If the scope changes during the project and the workload increases by more than 20%, the price is revised with your agreement.
Working method
I work in Windows and Linux environments, with Microsoft Office and LibreOffice. I handle word processing files, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF, InDesign and Scribus files, images, HTML and websites. I use CAT tools (Trados Studio, OmegaT) with translation memories and a glossary for each client, and I can work in your own tools: Trados files, XLIFF files or Office documents.
Documents and associated data are stored securely, on encrypted hard drives, and backed up daily in accordance with the GDPR. They are never sent to or stored on online file-sharing platforms such as Dropbox or Google Drive. The risk of losing work data is kept to a minimum, which significantly reduces any potential delays caused by IT failures.
Knitting and crochet patterns are a separate activity, under the name Velaine Studio.
Indicative rates are shown below. VAT not applicable, article 293 B of the French General Tax Code.
| Service | Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Translation | from €0.14 | per source word |
| Revision (bilingual) | from €0.08 | per source word |
| Proofreading (French only) | from €45 | per hour |
| Localisation, transcreation | from €0.25 | per source word |
| Slogans and short creative copy | from €80 | per hour |
| Web copywriting | from €60 | per hour |
| Document preparation | from €5 | per page |
| Source document correction | from €30 | per page of 275 words |
| Special processing (image, chart) | from €13 | per item |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between standard translation and localisation?
When I carry out a standard translation from English into French, I faithfully render your content whilst preserving the meaning, terminology and structure of your source text. This service is suitable for technical documentation requiring terminological accuracy, formal institutional content and neutral informational texts. Localisation goes beyond simple linguistic translation. I adapt your content to the cultural norms, expectations and behaviours of the French audience. In practical terms, I replace British or American cultural references with relevant French equivalents; I adapt examples, metaphors and idioms; I adjust the tone (French marketing often differs from Anglo-Saxon marketing); I modify formats (dates, currencies, measurement units); I adapt calls to action to French conventions; and I revise visuals and descriptions where necessary.
What is the difference between revision and proofreading?
Bilingual revision compares the English source text with the French translation to ensure the quality of the final result (accuracy, fluency, consistency of terminology). Monolingual proofreading assesses only the quality of the French text (fluency, grammar, style). In this case, there is generally no English source version.
When should you opt for proofreading rather than revision?
Proofreading is carried out on a text written directly in French (no English source text). It corrects spelling, grammar and punctuation, and improves the style.