How much for consecutive interpretation during book launch?
Thread poster: Kinga Pacak
Kinga Pacak
Kinga Pacak
United Kingdom
Local time: 16:00
May 26, 2017

Hi Everyone,
I have been offered to interpret during a book launch, approx 2 hours between Polish and English. The event is in the UK, a major city, not the capital, though - does that affect rates? It is to promote a book by a very accomplished Polish author. I wonder what the rates are for this kind of interpretation. Could someone please shed some light on that?


 
jyuan_us
jyuan_us  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 12:00
Member (2005)
English to Chinese
+ ...
I think you charge by hour May 26, 2017

What you will interpret or where the event will take place are irrelevant.

 
Sheila Wilson
Sheila Wilson  Identity Verified
Spain
Local time: 16:00
Member (2007)
English
+ ...
I agree May 26, 2017

jyuan_us wrote:
I think you charge by hour

What you will interpret or where the event will take place are irrelevant.

To some extent, the rate will depend on the stress factor etc. I know a couple of EU parliament interpreters and they need to charge a lot per hour. It's such a high-stress job that they can only work for a short time before having a rest, so that rest needs to be handsomely paid for too. But if it isn't as specialised as that example, you just need a figure that will satisfy both you and your client.

So, I believe you should charge for your time doing the actual interpreting. BUT, and it is an important but, you need to set a minimum charge. I mean, if it all fizzles out after 45 minutes, you still need to charge for two hours - that should be the minimum. You also need something for travelling time and maybe researching time - but maybe not at the same rate. You can either itemise everything or just increase your hourly rate to include them. And any out-of-pocket expenses need to be reimbursed; in advance if you have to buy tickets. Also, be careful about cancellations - stipulate how much they have to pay in that case.

You may know all of the above, but it never hurts to restate these things - for others if not for you.


 


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How much for consecutive interpretation during book launch?







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