Frequently Asked Questions
If you're relatively new to language translations, localization and multilingual desktop publishing, you can start here with your initial questions and then send over an email or give us a call if these don't do the trick.
We need to receive samples of the project with as much information about the parameters as possible.
For a preliminary or budgetary quote that can be fine-tuned when all source files are available, we can work with Adobe Acrobat PDFs of the source files. If the files are less than 5 MB, they can easily be uploaded as an email attachment. For larger files, click here to access our FTP server upload page. When you send the preliminary files, we also need the following basic information:
1. Source file information:
What is the actual application, version and platform the source files were created in - QuarkXPress 6.5 for Macintosh or InDesign CS2 for Windows, etc.
2. Text Extraction:
Will the source English text need to be extracted for translation. If so, in what format - MS Word (mac or PC), Text files, RTF files, etc.
3. Deadlines:
How much time is available from receipt of all source materials to first PDF proofs?
4. Deliverables:
What form is the final file to be in? How will the final localized files be used - going straight to the printer (high resolution press-ready PDF), and/or formatted for posting on a website (low resolution for on-screen viewing) or returned in original application for further editing by the client. (back to top)
How long does it take to get an estimate?
It depends on the project size and complexity. More simple projects can be estimated the same day - sometimes within an hour or two. More complex projects and those localizing in Asian and other exotic languages can take a day or two. Asian language projects often have to travel to the in-country typesetter for an accurate estimate which creates a time-zone response delay.
Let us know your time constraints for your estimates and whether or not they can be rough, budgetary estimates. We'll do our very best to get a satisfactory response for you that meets your needs. (back to top)
Which languages do you work with?
Our most popular and often requested languages for multilingual typesetting are French (Canadian and European) , Italian, German, Spanish (Latin American and European) and Portuguese (Brazilian and European) in Europe and Latin America and Arabic. The leaders in the Asian language group are Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese and Korean. (back to top)
Which applications do you work with?
The applications most often requested for typesetting services are QuarkXPress, InDesign, PageMaker, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and Framemaker. We also support the MS Office suite of applications - Excel, MS Word, and Powerpoint. We provide support for all these in both Mac and PC platforms. Support will vary by language and there is almost always a way to work with your source application, language and version. That's why we ask for detailed information with your estimate request. (back to top)
Who does your typesetting?
That depends on the project, the urgency and budget constraints.
Projects in our primary European language groups needing immediate attention to make tight deadlines can often be done in-house or in our US specialty shops usually most quickly. Faster – but more expensive.
With more time allotted to the delivery schedule, we can place the project with one of our in-country specialty shops and bring it to first PDF proofs for less. Give us your clear priorities when inquiring and we'll be better able to provide the most cost-effective solution that meets your needs. (back to top)
Can you help us with translation and proofreading?
Absolutely. Our network of translators and proofreaders worldwide is at your service. While most of our translation agency clients focus on translation and proofreading as their primary revenue source, there are always times when their regular linguists are in overload or a project requires an exotic language pair. So, if the need arises and a helping hand would be appreciated, just ask - we'll be glad to assist if time, resources and budgets permit. (back to top)
What is your rate schedule?
Our rates vary depending on the project complexity, language pairs, and turnaround time required. In general, we try to position our services at a cost similar to in-house staffing. Of course, we eliminate the need for the expense of full-time or temporary per-project staffing. We will do our best to bid the project as cost-effectively as possible while delivering the level of quality you and your clients demand. (back to top)
We need Asian language versions of our English materials. What's involved?
A very large portion of our business day-to-day consists of converting English language publications into Chinese, Japanese or Korean versions. Typically, we receive an English brochure or manual in QuarkXPress or InDesign and are asked to return one or more language versions ready to go to press. As a client of a translation agency, for example, we will extract the English text and deliver it to the agency for translation by their team of linguists.
Once completed and proofread, we hand the Word or text files off to our typesetters who will format to match the English as closely as possible, convert to eps outlines and place the eps files back into the English original document. This permits printing in the US without having to purchase and maintain the operating system, fonts, DTP operator and language version for each of the Asian language pairs. PDF proof versions are exchanged until the final formatting is to the client's satisfaction and then final localized files are delivered. (back to top)
Why should we work with your company?
Multilingual typesetting (especially in the more exotic languages) is a complex and expensive process to bring in-house. It requires thousands of dollars in language-specific applications in both Mac and PC platforms , extremely skilled and costly DTP operators, an extensive library of expensive fonts as well as constant updates of equipment and software.
Over the years, Rancho Park Publishing has developed relationships with specialty typesetters and linguists worldwide who provide professional services at competitive rates. We handle the project management and cultural interface for each project. We communicate with you and your staff in your language, during your regular business hours and bring an understanding of the process to you and your clients. And we do all of this for very competitive trade rates. A win-win for all concerned. (back to top)
