Understanding the needs and the expectations of a client is critical to the success of a translation project. Who is the end customer? What audience are the target texts aimed at? What are the client’s specific requests? These are just a few questions that need to be answered before the beginning of a project, so that the right methodologies are employed for a successful project.
Here are some factors, although not a comprehensive list, that project managers need to bear in mind at the beginning of a project.
Absolute-Must-Have Information
- Source texts – final approved version if possible
- Target languages by country - for example French (Belgium)
- Delivery date - all languages by yyyy/mm/dd (and hh:mm if needed)
- Delivery format required
- Purpose of translation
- Target market and audience
- Purchase order or written confirmation to proceed
Helpful-But-Not-Essential Information
- Background to project
- Word count
- Objectives and desired response from target audience
- Reference materials – existing website to use as reference for tone of voice or for alignment, if bilingual
- Previous or similar recent projects