Tips for author of the source text

Be precise, terse and competent. Try not to use too many term-synonyms and stick to one style throughout the text. Or make sure your text-writer does the same. Use text only when it is impossible to use pictures, diagrams or schemes. Judicious use of maps and diagrams can be far more effective cutting down the size of explanatory texts.

Be sure to check your text. Contradiction in units of measurement or currencies as well as inaccurate contact information (e.g. no country code) – all these “trifles” do actually ruin the overall impression your document creates. Translate only the information relevant for your foreign partner or customer. Addresses of in-house offices and references to local standards, for example, are quite unnecessary. Finalize your text before starting the translation. When the text is translated from English into Russian, its’ volume increases by almost 30%. It is easy to see what happens when the translation goes vice-versa. Take this into consideration in DTP of the catalogue or in creating the “Production” section of your web-site.

Don’t forget to point out what your translation is aimed for –
publication or mere examination.