Pay per page for proofreading?

[Shadowdh]

Hi there all, after looking around at a few threads re proofreading or proof reading I couldnt nail down any idea of how much one should or could be getting for this kind of work... any ideas at all? At this stage I am not sure what sort of material it is or what kind (eg articles, legal, commercial etc) so a ball park figure that will let me know I am getting a fair deal or should ask for a fairer deal would be great... thanks in advance...

[roddy]

I would avoid quoting until you've seen it - work like that can be a breeze with only a couple of minor changes per paragraph or even page, or need a complete rewrite based on the Chinese - ie you are basically translating. Once you've seen it, figure out how long it'll take and quote to give yourself your target hourly rate.

If you really can't see it before quoting, I would be wary. Either quote an hourly rate and tell them they'll just have to trust you to report your hours right, or back off.

[Shadowdh]

Thanks for the advice Roddy... the work is coming through a non Chinese friend who is fairly trustworthy... but I will keep your wise words in mind... any advice on what sort of hourly rate to charge?

[simonlaing]

Hi ShadowH,

Usually contracts are set amounts per 1,000 words or charaters not by the time. You will find that basic business letters and contracts are easier and repetitve than other technical documents.

Chinese professors get 50-100 RMB per 1000 characters for outsourced translations. Though it is possible to get more depending on the situation. These rates are significantly lower than the US or EU.

Good luck,

Simon:)

[Shadowdh]

Thanks Simon... I have just found out most of it will be title page type stuff and half page summary type proofreading and my job will be to make it flow better...