FAQ

I don’t necessarily have a per-page rate, since a page is not a standard unit of measurement. Some pages are busy with text and others have very little; some have an elaborate layout with illustrations and tables, while others other are plain text. Sometimes I am asked to translate very simple personal letters, and others a complicated tax return, etc.

If a client has a Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) certificate to cover the cost of their translations, I will apply the per-word rate that LAO pays and bill the client’s lawyer directly.

For non-certified translations, if the client sends me their original document in an editable format, then I am able to apply a per-word rate.

For more information on pricing, please see the Rates section.

Maybe! If it is a short document and it’s early in the day, I may be able to offer that quick a turnaround. I may charge a rush rate, but I will let you know in advance and give you a precise quote in writing.

Scanned images (created with an actual scanner, not a smartphone app) are preferable, but I can sometimes work with a good quality photo provided it is not blurry, cut off on the margins, or tapered. However, I do ask clients to send me their files by email, since it is easier to keep track of correspondence and attachments that way.

Unfortunately, no. I have to be true to the original document and reflect exactly what it says in the other language. However, if I do a translation for you and you later obtain a corrected version of the original, I will be glad to update the translation for a nominal fee.

Good news! I do not have to see the original document to do your certified translation; a legible digital copy will do. I will print, stamp, and sign the digital copy you send me and attach it to the translation.

I’m afraid not, as that would be illegal. I will give you an invoice bearing my GST/HST number so you can claim it on your tax return (as applicable). If cash flow is an issue, I accept payment by credit card.

Er… I do amazing work but I am ultimately only human and need to rest like everyone else. I can send you the translation by mail at my expense, by courier for a very reasonable fee, or you can pick it up in person during business hours.

I wish, but even though I have a working knowledge of other languages, I only work in the English-Spanish-English combination. However, I am always happy to refer clients to trusted colleagues who translate languages I do not.

I used to offer that option but decided to switch to an advance-payment model after a few people failed to pay me (after all that hard work!). These days, I leave credit to the banks and focus on what I do best, translation.

This is always a tough scenario because I do feel bad for clients when this happens, but the short answer is no, I can’t. In order for me to certify a translation with my hard-earned seal, it needs to be my own work. However, you can rest assured I will quote the best price possible and, more importantly, my translation will be compliant and of excellent quality.

It depends; you may need to show the original translation with my handwritten signature and ink stamp at some offices, so I suggest you ask for clarification first. If you do not need the hard copy of the translation, I will shred it for your peace of mind.

Absolutely! Even though Spanish is the official language in 20 different countries and there are some regional differences, all Spanish speakers understand each other. I have a vast knowledge of local differences in vocabulary and a great collection of dictionaries and reference resources at my disposal. Failing all that, I am not ashamed to ask clients for clarification to make sure I render an accurate translation.

If you opt for regular mail (at no additional cost to you), Canada Post usually delivers within 3 to 7 business days countrywide. However, please note that regular mail cannot be tracked and that delays do sometimes occur. If you need to get the translation by a certain date, I strongly suggest opting for courier instead. I have a contract with a consolidating company that offers very competitive rates with all major courier companies, and I am happy to pass the discount on to the client.