Editing for the Non-Native English Speaker:  What You Need to Know

By Beatrice Vanni

Article Word Count: 519

Are you confident about your second language skills? Do you believe your writing could pass a professional editor’s standard and suit an international audience?

Don’t leave it to chance or to an amateur. To speak several languages is a powerful talent and one which affords you the opportunity to cross cultures and learn to understand diversity in a whole new spectrum. 

As a business person or writer using a second or third language, you realize that grammatical errors or stumbling over some common phrases in that foreign language can be comical or downright embarrassing. 

To pass those faux pas’ on to your clients in written products however, will not only embarrass you, but may inexcusably damage your client’s business and financial reputation. Your own professional standing may quickly disintegrate within the business community and forever damage a hitherto fine working relationship.  

Don’t rely on a friend or an associate to review your work. While your friends may be great at copywriting in other languages, it doesn’t mean they will give your content the attention it deserves or ensure the look and feel of native English.

Working with multi-lingual associates, an editor knows that reviewing vast amounts of business data can, at times, prove quite a challenge to edit. While in your language a sentence or idea sounds perfectly acceptable, when translated to English, it may sound elementary and unprofessional. To ensure you do not make a mockery of your client’s, or for that matter, your personal work, leave it to the professionals to proofread, edit or polish your products.

So, what should you know before creating a partnership with a professional editor?

Expect to pay professional fees for professional work. Typically, editors and writers charge for each service they perform and will charge differently depending on the number and type of services. They may also quote a flat fee for the entire project.

Foresee paying a surcharge for work written in your second language. While some editors may not specifically state there is a surcharge, their fees will be based on the quality of your content and required editing. It takes more time when the content is confusing, and an editor must first figure out what the author means before they are able to make corrections.

Tiered rates are the norm. Proofreading, editing, rewrites, ghostwriting and assessments are based on the difficulty of the task, number of pages and the time it will take to do it. 

Proofreading commands a lower rate than editing. Why? When hired to proofread, usually the document is well-organized and understandable with easily correctable errors. It does not require rewrites or reorganization.

Editing dictates higher rates. Your copy may require substantive changes for style and usage and to create a logical flow of information. Thorough editing will ensure the clarity and effectiveness of your message responds to your international client's needs.

Rewrites and ghostwriting uses your concepts. Your work will undergo plastic surgery; it will be rewritten to give it the glow you want, but may cost you a handsome sum.

Don't leave your reputation to fate; find a professional editor for impressive impact.

© 2005 Beatrice Vanni

About the Author

Bea Vanni works with non-fiction authors, educators and consultants who want to gain more visibility for their work and create remarkable solutions for their business challenges. Learn more and get a complimentary consult at http://www.remarkablesolutions.com.

Note: You may reprint this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered to include "about the author" info. Please inform the author about its use through her website.

Key Words: editing, editor, writing, non-native English writer, second language writer, foreign language, cross cultural

Article Category: Writing and Speaking: Writing/Copywriting; Business: Small Business

Article Summary: If you are writer working in the international business sector and producing work in English as your second language, then you must be keenly aware of the discourse you use to deliver products to your international clients. Consider partnering with a native English editor, who can save you from embarrassment and loss of your reputation due to language faux pas'.