Proofreading, editing or translation revision?

Agree what checking the text should include

Before asking someone to check a document, explain its stage and intended use. Is it an early draft, an edited text or the final layout? Do you want language corrections, changes to the structure or a comparison with an original in another language?

Send a short description of the problems you want addressed. A request such as “please proofread this” can leave the scope unclear if the text also needs substantial rewriting or translation work.

Understand proofreading and editing

In a traditional publishing workflow, proofreading is the final check after editing and layout. Copyediting deals with details such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, consistency and clarity; structural editing addresses the organisation of the content. The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading explains these stages.

Agree how the terms will be used for your particular document. For a report, for example, specify whether headings and wording may be changed or whether corrections must be limited to the final version.

Ask whether the original will be compared

Reading only the translated text is a different task from checking it against the source. A text can read smoothly while still needing a check of meaning, completeness or terminology. If that comparison is required, provide both versions and state it explicitly in the brief.

The European Commission’s guide to revision and post-editing distinguishes revision of human translations from correction of machine-generated output. Tell the provider how an existing draft was produced so the requested work can be assessed.

Keep official requirements separate

A language check does not itself give a document sworn status. If a recipient requires a sworn translation, confirm that requirement before requesting work; see our guide to sworn and certified translations.

For legal documents, explain the intended use and any specialist questions. Our guide to legal translations across legal systems covers the context to provide. State separately whether you also need factual or legal advice; do not assume that a language-checking request includes it.

Describe your request to Urgent Vertalen

Request your no-obligation quote and describe the original, any existing translation and the checks you want. Include the language combination, purpose, document stage and deadline. We will confirm the work we can arrange before you order.

For a new translation, see our document translation services. The document preparation checklist explains how to prepare the material once the required scope is clear.