Not necessarily. When a document includes a high number of repeated sentences, translation could have that level of repetitions in mind. For example, at Monica Machado Translation Services we often translate environmental reports and within each report some sections will contain some repeated sentences. In that case, such repeated sentences are charged at proofreading rates rather than translation rates. From a business perspective, doing this is only fair. Once translated, the sentences will be automatically reused and there is very little translation work. This saving is passed on to the client. However, at proofreading stage such repeated sentences will be thoroughly checked for context and correct usage, therefore those repeated sentences are charged at proofreading rates.

Nevertheless, large documents with no repeated sentences are not any cheaper. Large documents may give translators a sense of security but for busy professionals those large jobs may also sometimes mean refusing smaller projects from other clients. This is why large translation jobs are not any cheaper at Monica Machado Translation Services. It is also important to mention that clients often pay one month after delivery, so for a three-month job a translator will be working for 4 months without any pay, unless staggered payments are agreed with the clients.

This said, large documents with extended deadlines may benefit from discounted rates, as they will allow completion of smaller documents in between. We also offer discounted rates for CSR projects. For more on this visit our CSR page.

Mónica Machado is an English into European Portuguese translator, specialised in Oil and Gas, Mining and Geology, Environment, Hydroelectric Power, Renewables, HSE, Shipping and Business Legal Areas, working for Portugal and Portuguese-speaking African countries, such as Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Sao Tome and Principe.