Practice · 19 September 2026
What to send when you enquire
You do not need a long brief. You need a brief that can be answered. If you are writing about a translation, these five things usually suffice:
Language pair and direction. Approximate length (words, not pages). Deadline, including whether it is real or hoped-for. What the text is for — publication, a grant, a website, a private reader. And a sample, even a page, so the register is visible.
If the material is confidential, say so. I can quote from a description of the job rather than from the file. If a style guide or previous translations exist, mention them; consistency is cheaper than invention.
I reply with a yes/no on fit, a fee range, and a date. If I am the wrong translator, I will say that too.