NUJ Freelance Fees Guide: Translation - All

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 find a freelance.

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: 2008-05-05; if you have a printout, check the current version at www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/translate.html

Reported rates, to compare for Translation

The suggested rates (know a better rate? tell us!)
For full definitions of the categories, click on their names

NUJ members discuss rates etc for translation

RATES: Simultaneous on- or off-air interpreting for TV news Broadcasting

Full day or a half day that includes unsociable hours		360
Half day		210

RATES: Into English Text category: 1

National newspapers, per 1000 words		80
Magazines, per 1000 words		65
Books, per 1000 words		60

RATES: Into English Text category: 2

National newspapers, per 1000 words		95
Magazines, per 1000 words		90
Books, per 1000 words		80

RATES: Into English Text category: 3

National newspapers, per 1000 words		110
Magazines, per 1000 words		100
Books, per 1000 words		90

RATES: Into English Text category: 4

National newspapers, per 1000 words		120
Magazines, per 1000 words		110
Books, per 1000 words		100

RATES: Into English Text category: 5

National newspapers, per 1000 words		130
Magazines, per 1000 words		120
Books, per 1000 words		110

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.

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Translator

Code of practice for commissioning journalists

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The 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.