Post-editing and machine translation
Optimise your text
Machine translation: Timesaving but risky!
It’s hard to escape: artificial intelligence is everywhere, and that includes in translation. While using AI can save time, it doesn’t always produce reliable results. Raw machine translations can misconstrue meaning, contain awkward phrasing, or be written in an inappropriate tone.
That’s where post-editing comes in: a human translator edits the text thoroughly to improve the quality of the machine translation. This step is essential to ensure an accurate text that flows well and sounds professional.
Benefits?
✔ Time: provides a base to work from, speeding up the overall process.
✔ Money: cheaper than a full translation, providing quality is sufficient.
✔ Productivity: ideal for translating large volumes of text quickly.
Limitations to bear in mind
➢ Machines don’t understand cultural subtleties or nuances in tone.
➢ Quality depends largely on the type of text and the source language.
➢ Certain types of content (marketing, creative, …) require active human involvement.
Why should you trust me to post-edit your texts?
Linguistic expertise
I’m not satisfied with simply removing errors; I adapt the text to make it flow naturally.
Attention to detail
I check meaning, tone, and terminology while keeping a careful eye out for inconsistencies.
Tailored approach
I can advise you on the best approach for your requirements.
Before every assignment, I take the time to evaluate the quality of the text and determine whether post-editing is appropriate. Sometimes, starting from scratch is the most effective way of guaranteeing a professional finish.
Need high-quality post-editing?
Contact me and we’ll discuss your project to find the most suitable approach.
How does it work?
Here’s a breakdown of the different steps.
1. Initial contact
You send me a machine translation and share your expectations for the document.
2. Quality analysis
I evaluate the machine translation: if it’s commercially viable, I’ll send you a quote. If there are too many inaccuracies, I may recommend that you start again from scratch.
3. Quote
I send you a detailed quote. Once it’s accepted, I set to work.
4. Error correction and stylistic improvements
I correct any errors and inaccuracies. At the same time, I rework the text to make it flow naturally and leave a lasting impression.
5. Final check
I read your text one last time to make absolutely sure it is consistent and error-free.
6. Delivery
You receive a document that’s ready to use.
7. Billing
I send you an itemised bill.
Looking to improve a machine translation?
Let’s discuss your project to find the best approach and guarantee a result that lives up to your expectations. Don’t hesitate to ask for a personalised quote!
Mini FAQ
Questions?
How do you calculate your rates?
Every project is unique, so it’s difficult to offer a standard rate without having first analysed the document.
Rates vary according to several factors: the source language, whether and to what extent the text is specialised, and even the text layout.
What’s the difference between editing and post-editing?
Editing puts the finishing touches on a professional translation by tracking down mistakes and improving flow. Post-editing reworks a machine translation by correcting errors, adapting the style, and making sure the machine-translated text is true to the original.
What kind of documents do you translate?
I’m specialised in marketing and communications, business, and technical translation.
Which file types do you accept?
I mainly work in editable files such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. While I can convert PDFs, doing so can cause slight variations to the layout.