This translator knows how to edit! (Most of us do)

As I hunt for editing jobs, I’m noticing a trend. The client often requires something like 2 years of professional editing experience. That led me to ask myself the question, do I, a translator, know how to edit? Of course, my answer is yes. In fact, I’m confident enough in that respect to now offer editing services.

- I DO NOT have an academic degree or certification (yet) in editing.
- I DO NOT have a job titled editor under a head copywriter’s supervision

1. ​I DO have experience editing others’ translations.
2. I DO have experience editing my own translations.

1. This is undoubtedly editing

Project Managers regularly send me editing jobs. Surely, they enjoy the quality of my work, or they wouldn’t ask me to do it again and again. For these projects, I receive a translated Word file and the source file. I work in tracked changes and check for missing text, grammar/punctuation, correct use of terminology, and more. I also rephrase awkward sentences. This must be done because certain source language features, like formality and word order, can seep into the target language, making it read less naturally. Finally, I send the file back to the PM with comments and a review of the translator’s work.

2. This work incorporates editing

This process starts with translating from French into English, and THEN I go back over my work and edit. I like to turn in high quality work, so I check for the same items I mentioned above. (I won’t go into detail, because my Services Menu can tell you more about this or you can contact me to find out more).

All of this to say, translators know how to edit. It is an inherent part of our work. So, the next time you need an editor, consider hiring a translator. We pay extra close attention to detail!