Translation
Please note that the suggested rates below are minima; that rates for copyright works are for limited licences; and that VAT is not included.
See notes on negotiating rates and
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The suggested minima for text translation are for the translation of 1000 words of non-technical material into English. See the notes below for important qualifications.
Rates depend on how exotic the source language is, with respect to English. See the language groups.
Read me first! Translation advice
Uploaded 2008-12-02 00:00:00: if you have a printout, check the current version at www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/TrAllRat.htmlFor full definitions of the categories, click on their names
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RATES: Simultaneous on- or off-air interpreting Broadcasting |
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|---|---|---|
| Full day or a half day that includes unsociable hours | ![]() |
360.00 |
| Half day | ![]() |
210.00 |
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RATES: Into English Text category: 1 |
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|---|---|---|
| National newspapers, per 1000 words | ![]() |
80.00 |
| Magazines, per 1000 words | ![]() |
65.00 |
| Books, per 1000 words | ![]() |
60.00 |
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RATES: Into English Text category: 2 |
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|---|---|---|
| National newspapers, per 1000 words | ![]() |
95.00 |
| Magazines, per 1000 words | ![]() |
90.00 |
| Books, per 1000 words | ![]() |
80.00 |
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RATES: Into English Text category: 3 |
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|---|---|---|
| National newspapers, per 1000 words | ![]() |
110.00 |
| Magazines, per 1000 words | ![]() |
100.00 |
| Books, per 1000 words | ![]() |
90.00 |
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RATES: Into English Text category: 4 |
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|---|---|---|
| National newspapers, per 1000 words | ![]() |
120.00 |
| Magazines, per 1000 words | ![]() |
110.00 |
| Books, per 1000 words | ![]() |
100.00 |
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RATES: Into English Text category: 5 |
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|---|---|---|
| National newspapers, per 1000 words | ![]() |
130.00 |
| Magazines, per 1000 words | ![]() |
120.00 |
| Books, per 1000 words | ![]() |
110.00 |
Notes:
- For specialist and technical work and translation of English into another language add at least 10%.
- Count formulae and symbols forming part of continuous text at the rate of five figures or symbols for one word.
- Translators should charge extra, by the hour, for academic publications and those books that require them to research "official" versions of quotations.
- Add 20% for rushed jobs.
- Some French and German publishers may withhold tax from the payment. To avoid this, the local Income Tax Inquiry Office can provide a form (an RF3 in France), to be completed annually and sent to the publisher. Not all French and German publishers require this form, however, and it is best to inquire when signing the contract.
- Translation between English and American varies between £35 and £45 per thousand words.
Browse a selection of NUJ freelances with relevant skills through the Freelance Directory:
On negotiating for Translation
Rates for the Job good, bad and ugly
Join the NUJ to get individual advice & representationThe National Union of Journalists must not, can not and would not wish to dictate rates or terms of engagement to members or to editors. The information presented here is for guidance and as an aid to equitable negotiation only.
Suggestions apply to contracts governed by UK law only. In any event, nothing here should be construed as legal advice.


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