You asked, we answered.
General Enquiries
Editorial Services
- Which one should I choose: Proofreading, Copyediting or Premium Editing?
- Is the “proofreading” most people ask for really Proofreading?
- Are you going to make my text / manuscript perfect?
Certified Translation Service
- Is there any specific format for certified translations?
- Which document do I need to submit?
- There are only a few Chinese words on my document, do I still require a certified translation?
- I have already left Hong Kong, can I still get a certified translation from you?
- Will the certified translation expire?
- Why do you staple the translation and certificate together?
- Can you certify the translation done by myself?
This page is updated from time to time. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
How much does a language service cost?
One size does not fit all: as each project is completely unique, so are your own budget and your individual needs, we need to communicate with you and discuss how we can tailor what we do to each client’s specific requirements.
Urgency is also one of the many factors that affect our fees. At The Languaging Lab, we do sometimes work to extremely tight deadlines (i.e., Express service); an urgent job thus commands a higher fee than the same job offered over a comfortable time period.
Which one should I choose: Proofreading, Copyediting or Premium Editing?
Before you order any editorial service from us, you need to consider the following key questions:-
- Has your document been edited before and does it only need a final quality check before publication?
- If so, you should order Proofreading.
- Does your document need line by line language and organisation checks?
- If it does, you should go for Copyediting.
- Does your draft text require thorough and intensive revisions?
- If it needs substantial editing, then choose Premium Editing.
If you are unsure about which one to choose, you are strongly encouraged to send us a sample (e.g., a few paragraphs or pages) when you request a quote from us, and we will select the most appropriate editorial service for you.
Is the “proofreading” most people ask for really Proofreading?
Generally speaking, the “proofreading” service most clients ask for is not the Proofreading service we offer.
Proofreading
Our Proofreading service is ideal for text that has already been edited and typeset.
We check for essential errors, for example, typos, missing page number, missing titles; and we will mark up to show where such corrections are located (instead of making changes), so that you or the publisher knows what to do with those errors.
On Word, we would use functions such as “Track Changes” and “Comments” to mark up the pages with corrections that need to be made; whereas on PDF files, we would use markup tools or BS 5261-2:2005 marks for proof correction.
Copyediting
In contrast, the copyediting service that we offer is, in fact, similar to what most people consider “proofreading”.
We check for and correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, as well as make changes for flow and tone. We also help you apply your house style to ensure consistency, for instance, spelling preference: “color” vs “colour”.
Besides, upon request, we will help you format references and citations into chosen referencing style (e.g., APA and Harvard).
On a Word document, we usually use “Track Changes” to correct errors and “Comments” for suggestions.
Are you going to make my text / manuscript perfect?
Quoting the esteemed Catalan surrealist artist, Salvador Dalí: “Have no fear of perfection — you’ll never reach it.”
Perfection is a subjective concept, especially in language, which is alive and constantly evolving. Some people are taught not to end a sentence with a preposition, while others might disagree; some consider “research” as a strictly singular noun, while others argue that “researches” is grammatically correct — some errors are indisputable, others are solely subjective.
No matter how well trained and diligent we strive to be, we are still human. Our ultimate goal at The Languaging Lab is to make sure your text / manuscript is fit for purpose or ready for publication. We focus on consistency and clarity, and we do catch almost all errors. The thing is, the main purpose of our job is to make sure there is no barrier to your target reader understanding your message — that is why we are here “languaging for communication excellence” for you.
You may be interested in reading our featured blog post: Editorial Perfection – Yea or Nay?
Is there any specific format for certified translations?
Based on past experience, although most government departments, overseas institutions or organisations do not have any special requirements or designated formats for certified translations, we would still advise all clients to contact relevant agencies or departments first in order to understand the official guidelines.
If there is no special requirement from the official body, we will follow the guidelines set out by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL). Our designated Royal Chartered Linguist will provide clients with professional certified translation.
For more information, please check out our Certified Translation service page. For enquiries, please contact us.
Which document do I need to submit?
Upon submission of your application to the relevant government department, school or company/organisation, you must submit/upload the original document, the translation, and the certification. If you miss any of the three components out, it is likely that the authority will consider your supporting document incomplete.
There are only a few Chinese words on my document, do I still require a certified translation?
Yes, you will still need to get a certified translation in order to fulfil the requirements set out for visa application.
I have already left Hong Kong, can I still get a certified translation from you?
Certainly. We will post the original copy of translation and certificate to your address via SpeedPost or other international delivery channels. Besides, you may also consider authorising a trusted person to collect the post for you via Hongkong Post’s surface mail.
Will the certified translation expire?
Translations that have been certified will not expire. Thus, we strongly recommend that you should keep the original copy and the scanned copy of your certified translation safe, in case you needed it again in the future.
Why do you staple the translation and certificate together?
A translation that has been certified is considered complete only when the original document, the translation, and the certificate are all present at the same time. Any missing component will have the translation be regarded as invalid.
We aim to retain the authenticity and completeness of the certified translation by means of stapling them together and creating a permanent mark on all sheets of paper.
Can you certify the translation done by myself?
We understand that some clients would like to be of help; however, a valid Certified Translation must be carried out solely by our designated Royal Chartered Linguist.
The Languaging Lab | 香港翻譯校對服務 