Questions?

I have a question about: Editing   Translating   Instruction

 

Editing

Structural, substantive or macro editing is done at an earlier stage, even when you’re still writing and/or organizing the text. It is about big-picture changes and it might include rewriting.

Stylistic or line editing is usually the following step and is focused on clarity. It may involve reordering paragraphs, sentences and words, eliminating unnecessary words, reworking prose, smoothing out sentences and transitions, untangling complicated clauses, eliminating internal inconsistencies, finding the appropriate tone for the audience, etc.

If your text is already finished and just needs to be polished, what you might need is copy editing. This stage involves more mechanical work, checking grammar, punctuation, spelling, and ensuring that the text follows any required style guidelines such as APA or the Chicago Manual of Style.

Proofreading is done on texts that have been already edited. It looks at details such as typos, spelling errors, mistakes in punctuation that might have been overlooked, etc.

To provide you with a quote and to confirm availability, the following information is required:

1) The document to be edited, ideally in Word format. If the whole document is not available or ready, send at least a few pages and the total number of words.

2) When will you be sending the finished document to be edited.

3) When do you need it back (remember to allow for time to make the necessary changes or address any comments).

I will get back to you with a quote and a time frame for you to approve.

Please send the document in Word format. If that is not possible, please contact us to discuss details.

If relevant, send the style guidelines that apply to the document (APA, MLA, etc.).

Each project varies. We guarantee to finish by the given date. Whenever possible, we’ll try to finish it before. If the work is needed urgently, sometimes, it is possible to guarantee an earlier delivery time for an added rush fee.

Editing services are offered in American or Canadian English and in Spanish (any variation).

Although it is always ideal to have someone else read your work, it is not always possible due to time and other constraints. My objective is that my clients become aware of the issues I point out and learn how to deal with them on their own, so that eventually they can edit their own work without external help.

I’ve been doing editing work for the past 25 years as part of my work in academia, non profits, companies and government. The last 14 years, I’ve been editing professionally as an independent contractor.

I specialize in:

  • Creative non-fiction and journalistic texts: memoirs and other books, travel and general lifestyle articles, etc.
  • Technical documents: guidebooks, instruction brochures, etc.
  • Education and academic documents: school applications, grant applications, essays, articles, theses, dissertations, book chapters, books, reports, etc.
  • Business: resumés, CVs, applications, reports, business plans, website content, brochures, etc.

You can check recommendations from previous clients here.

Upon payment, I provide an electronic receipt either at the end of the project or at the end of the month. If you need me to include any specific information, please let me know ahead of time.

All work you submit will remain strictly confidential. We will not distribute, disseminate, sell, or disclose any information communicated in the documents you submit to us.

For bigger projects, we provide an agreement/contract. We are also happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

As you’re the author of the text, I generally suggest changes on the Word document for you to approve, ignore, or address.

Unless you ask me to proceed with the changes to my discretion, in general it will be up to you to make those changes.

Fees vary by project and depend on the length and technical level of the document, the amount and type of work needed, and the time available to do it.

A final quote will be given for your approval before starting any job. If you’re working within a budget, let me know and I’ll be happy to provide you with options.

For academic projects, MA theses start at $950; PhD dissertations at  $1500.

Rush service is sometimes possible for an added fee (25%). Any project needed within 48 hours, after office hours, or during weekends is automatically considered rush service. For longer projects timelines will vary; ask me for a specific quote.

Evaluations and quotes are provided free of charge and without any obligation.

You can pay via Interac eTransfer (recommended for clients with a bank account in Canada) or Paypal / credit card (fees might apply).

Small projects are paid in advance. For bigger projects, I send an invoice for the first half and payment of that first half is considered as the “go ahead.” Once I finish the document and send it back, the second half of the payment is due. For long-term projects, it is possible to arrange for payment in installments.

Established clients are issued an invoice at the end of the month for the work done that month.

 

Translation

Certified translations:

  • English to Spanish
  • Spanish to English

Other translations:

  • English to Spanish
  • Spanish to English
  • Portuguese to English / Spanish
  • Italian to English / Spanish

For translations to or from German or French or other language combinations, please email me.

This depends on the specific requirements of your project. I will review your documents and email you a quote with the exact cost and turnaround time, as well as payment details.

If you require a rush project or quote, please indicate that in your request. A faster turnaround time might be possible for an added fee.

If you would like to proceed with the translation, payment is required in order to confirm the project.

Yes, please clarify which language variant do you need. For example, do you need Spanish for Spain, Mexico, or Argentina? English for the US, Canada, or England?

*Localization refers to the process of adapting a text so that it is linguistically and culturally appropriate to the country or region where it will be used.

Word documents are preferred, but I also work with PDF documents, Excel spreadsheets, websites, PowerPoint, etc. If in doubt, contact me to discuss details.

Unless otherwise specified, the translation is sent as a Word document. Certified translations are sent as a secured PDF. We try to keep the original formatting as much as possible.

For other options or if you need specific formatting, please Contact us.

Legal documents, Research/Education/Academic documents, Technical/Manuals, Travel/Tourism, Construction, Mining/Geology/Natural Resources, Environment/Ecology, Food Production, Information Technology (IT), Nonprofits/Government publications, Advertising/Marketing, Arts/Humanities/Social Sciences.

 

The cost of each project varies according to word count, language pair, technical difficulty, turnaround time, need for formatting, etc.

With enough information about the document(s), we can provide an estimate, but it may need to be revised upon receipt of the actual document(s) and final requirements.

Whenever possible, together with the request for a quote, please email us at least the following information:

  • the document(s) to be translated
  • from which language (source)
  • to which language (target)
  • deadline
  • any other specification

There is a minimum fee of $65 and we offer discounts for large volume.

Certified and legal translations:

For standard documents, the minimum fee is $65, and usually $45+ for each additional page. Other documents such as school transcripts, contracts, etc. might cost more.

Additional copies, revisions, printing, and mailing of documents are $25+.

A 25% rush service fee might apply.

Payment by Interac eTransfer is preferred within Canada; Paypal/ credit card outside of Canada. For other types of payment, contact us.

Payment is due upon project confirmation.

For bigger projects, payment can be scheduled in installments; for example, half before starting and the rest upon receipt of the finished work.

Pricing is provided in your own currency.

You will receive an electronic receipt upon payment or at the end of the month. Let me know if you need to include any specific information or require any particular format.

Any submitted work will remain strictly confidential. I will not distribute, disseminate, sell, or disclose any information communicated in the documents submitted.

For bigger projects, I provide an agreement/contract. I’m also happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

 

Instruction

I am Uruguayan-Canadian, but I have lived all around the world, including Mozambique (Africa), Malaysia (South East Asia), Italy and Germany (Europe) and the United States.

The Spanish used in class is standard Spanish. If you want to learn a specific variant of Spanish (for example, from Spain, Mexico, or Argentina), let me know and we’ll include relevant cultural references, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and expressions as needed.

The English used in class is standard North American English. Differences in spelling and vocabulary between Canada and the United States can be discussed, if the student is interested.

I’ve been teaching languages for the past 20+ years, one-on-one and in small groups of up to 20 people.

My youngest student was 2 years old and the oldest was closer to 80.

I specialize in customized, flexible classes to meet the students where they’re at and to target their specific needs, objectives and learning style.

Most of my students are intermediate to advanced and professional levels, but I also accept beginner students who are serious about learning the language.

Professionals who need a good command of Spanish or English for their work. That includes engineers, geologists, biologists and other scientists who work in Spanish-speaking countries, doctors of Spanish-speaking patients or other language professionals such as teachers, professors, translators and writers.

Employees of companies that work with Latin America, Spain, or any English-speaking country and need to learn or improve their command of Spanish or English and be aware of cultural norms and customs.

Individuals who plan to travel or live in an English or Spanish-speaking country or has an interest in Anglo or Latin cultures.

High-school and university students who want to do better in class or need to prepare for an exam.

I am a bilingual English and Spanish speaker. In addition, I attended a German immersion school for 14 years. I speak Italian and Portuguese and understand French. I’ve also studied Arabic, Russian, Greek and Malay and used them at a beginner level at different points in my life.

We can work with a textbook if you prefer to do so, if you are currently taking a Spanish or English course in high school or university, or if you’re a total beginner.

Otherwise, as textbooks are generally meant for groups in classroom settings, it might be better to focus on where you are at and work to strengthen the knowledge you have already acquired, fill the gaps, and add necessary material according to your needs and interests.

We can work with any book you might be using if you are following a course.

In general, I suggest several websites with free resources, exercises, texts and audiovisual materials as stand-alone or complementary material.

I also bring material to the class and will send you complementary material by e-mail targeted to your specific needs and interests.

I usually teach during business hours. Occasionally, it is possible to arrange classes outside those hours.

Schedules are  reorganized at the beginning of each semester (January, June and September), but I try to keep your preferred schedule from semester to semester.

To book a time slot, please confirm at least a couple of weeks ahead of time to avoid disappointments.

Online classes using Skype, Googledocs, FaceTime, email, etc. can be taken from anywhere in the world, from the comfort of your home or office.

The standard rate is $75 per hour for one-on-one classes online, via Skype or other communication application of your choice.

Ask about package rates for intensive courses, that is, 10 or more hours per week.

You can pay via Interac eTransfer (preferred for clients with a bank account in Canada) or via Paypal / credit card / cheque (fees might apply).

Payments are due the first week of the month—this guarantees that your preferred dates are booked and confirmed.

Upon payment, I provide an electronic receipt once a month. Let me know if you need me to include any specific information.

With enough forewarning and provided there is availability, there is no problem in changing the schedule of your classes from one month to the next.

However, changes within a month that is already booked  are not always possible. No credits can be given for missed classes.

Classes are booked and paid in advance each month.

Cancellations within that month are charged in full.

Do you know of someone who would benefit from some language classes, might need help with their writing or might be thinking of working independently? Gift Certificates are available for classes, editing, consulting and other services. Ask me for more details.