A better brief.
A smoother project.
Use this guide to prepare a useful first inquiry and reduce avoidable questions before translation begins.
1. Define the audience and purpose
Who will read the translation, and what should they be able to do with it? A client presentation, an internal reference and an official submission may call for different wording and deliverables.
2. Identify the language pair
State the source and target languages, plus any regional preference such as US or UK English, or Simplified or Traditional Chinese. Mention any audience-specific vocabulary.
3. Prepare the source files
Use the latest approved source version. Editable Word, Excel, PowerPoint or exported text files make assessment easier. For websites or interfaces, include screenshots and notes on where strings appear.
4. Share reference material
Approved translations, product names, terminology lists and a short style guide help align the work. Identify which references are mandatory and which are for background only.
5. Agree on deliverables and timing
Specify the desired file format, bilingual layout, tracked changes and deadline with a time zone. Mention whether you need staged deliveries or time for an internal review.
6. Plan confidentiality before file sharing
For sensitive projects, begin with a non-confidential summary and discuss an NDA and transfer method before sending the source material.
Your first inquiry checklist
Language pair • Intended use • Subject matter • Approximate volume • Source file format • Deadline and time zone • Required deliverables • Reference material
hello@helloyijing.com ↗Translation and notarization are different services
YIJING provides translation, editing and related language services. We do not provide notarization or issue apostilles or consular legalization. A translation statement or company stamp does not replace these procedures. Arrange any required notarization with a competent institution according to the place of issue, intended use and recipient requirements. Acceptance is determined by the receiving institution.
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