Translation quality depends on more than the translator’s skill — it also depends on what they’re given to work with. A document that’s clear, complete and clearly marked up front tends to come back faster and more accurate than one that arrives as a rushed scan with half a page cut off.
Send the clearest version you have
Where possible, send an editable file (Word, Google Docs) rather than a photo or scanned PDF. If a scan is all you have, make sure every page is fully visible, right-side up, and legible — blurry or cropped text is often the single biggest cause of delay, since it has to be clarified before translation can even start.
Flag anything unusual up front
Say so before work begins if the document contains:
- Names, addresses, or technical terms that shouldn’t be translated
- Handwritten sections or annotations
- Content that needs to match a specific existing template or format
None of these are a problem — they just need to be known in advance rather than discovered partway through.
Mention the purpose of the translation
A document translated for internal reference can read more literally. One that’s going to an embassy, a court, or a client reads differently — it needs to match the tone and conventions that reader expects. Telling us where the document is going helps shape how it’s translated, not just what it says.
The goal isn’t to translate every word — it’s to make sure the reader on the other side understands exactly what the original was trying to say.
Set a realistic timeline
Short, standard documents can usually turn around quickly. Longer or more technical material needs more time, particularly if it requires a review pass afterward. If you have a hard deadline — a submission date, an appointment — mention it as early as possible so it can be planned around properly.
The short version
Send a clear, complete document. Flag anything unusual. Say where it’s going and when you need it. That’s most of what separates a smooth translation from a slow one.