How do I start working on translations?

  • Updated
In this article, we'll cover compensation, how to take on Light Requests, graduating to Standard Requests, and our translation guidelines.

Compensation for Translation Jobs

For translation jobs, compensation depends on the following factors:
  1. The number of characters in the translation request.
  2. The rate for the selected language pair.
  3. The type of request (see below).
Light vs. Standard Requests:
  • Light Requests: These require at least two submitted translations. Only the first two translators who submit translations will receive compensation.
  • Standard Requests: Only the first translator who takes the request will be compensated.

Starting with Light Requests

Once you have finished setting up your account, you can begin working on translation jobs at the Light Request level.
  1. Log in to Conyac to see your dashboard.
  2. Select the type of translation request you want to work on.
  3. The next page will show a list of the applicable translation requests.
Note: Depending on your translator status, there will be some requests you may not be able to work. All translators start out at the Light Request level.

Light Request Listings

The following information is displayed for Light Requests.
  • Language: The source and target languages.
  • Time Left: The Time Left to translate before the request is unlisted. There is a limited time for each translation request, so be sure to check the Time Left before you start working on it.
  • Completed: Indicates how much work has been completed. At least two translations for each Light Request are required before 100% completion is displayed.
You can also check how many translations have been submitted, how many people are working, and whether there are any comments on those works.

Taking on a Light Request

  1. Click on the specific work you want to work on.
  2. The translation request will appear. Press the "Start Translating" button to start your work. The reward indicated on the button are the amount you can earn when you have submitted your work.
  3. A text box will appear for you to enter your translation. Again, the target language and the requested language will be indicated in the text box. (ex. English >> Japanese)
  4. When you have finished your work, click the Submit button.
  5. Done!

Moving Up to Standard Requests

Once you are eligible to take on Standard Requests, you will find that they have the following information displayed. You will need to have had your ID verified, agreed to our NDA, and passed a Level Test.

Standard Request Listings

The following information is displayed for Light Requests.
  • Language: The source and target languages.
  • Letters: The number of characters in the request.
  • Reward: The amount you can earn from completing the request.
  • Deadline: Indicates the maximum allowed Time allowed for working on the translation request.
  • Sample Text: The sample text for the request.

Taking on a Standard Request

  1. Click on the "Accept" button.
  2. Click on a paragraph (a number listing on the left-hand navigation bar) and begin translating.
  3. After you have finished translating the paragraph, commit your work by clicking on the "Commit" button. Committed translations are sent to the client. If you prefer, you can save a draft of your translation by clicking on "Save As Draft."
  4. After all of the paragraphs are committed, double-check your work. You can click on the "Submit" button to send to the client.
  5. Done!

Request Notification Emails

When there is a new translation request, a notification is sent to translators who have a matching language pair for the request.

  • Expiration: Sometimes requests may have expired by the time you get to them. Whenever there is a request for your language pair, other translators whose language pair is the same as yours will also get the notification email. Therefore if it shows 'expired' when you open the request notification, that means two other translators have already finished the request. It will show 'expired' if the request has already reached its deadline.
  • Premium Requests: Notifications will be sent to translators that meet the requester's requirements. There may be one or more translators receiving the same notification as requesters can choose several translators for a Premium Request.
  • Erroneous Requests: If a request doesn't match your registered language pair(s), this may be due to a system error. Please report to us any bugs such as this that you encounter.
  • Settings: To adjust your email notification settings, log into Conyac and access your Notification Settings.

 

Translation Guidelines

These are the suggested guidelines for Conyac translators.
  1. Follow Instructions: Some clients give specific instructions on how to translate text. Please be sure to follow their instructions carefully. If in doubt, and there is time, feel free to ask them a question.
  2. Take Note of Tags: Tags such as "Business" tend to refer to translating using formal phrases, and "Personal" ones tend to be more casual.
  3. Standard Language: There is often slang used in the translation work. Consider using common words over slang.
  4. Spelling and Grammar: Please double check that your spelling and grammar are correct before submitting.

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