FAQ

This is a question I get all the time! Translation and interpreting services are completely different one to the other and are taken care by different kind of professionals, some of whom are skilled in both fields. Translation deals with written texts and transfers the meaning of a document from one language into another: it’s not only a matter of individual words, but also conveying cultural references. On the other hand, interpreting consists of translating a speech orally. That can be done in real time, simultaneously (with proper equipment) or with a delay, as in the case of consecutive or business interpreting. If in doubt about which service is best for you, take the test!

Drop me a line and let’s start planning your event together! Send me a request using the contact form and fill in all the fields with the requested info: that way I’ll have everything I need to write a proposal based on your needs.

Every detail about your event is crucial to be able to give you an accurate quote. I especially need to know the language combination (or if you expect to have to deal with more than two languages), when the event will take place, on which exact dates and for how many hours per day, the exact address where it will be held, the topic of the event, how many people will attend and where they are from, speakers’ names and mother tongue, your budget for the event, and any material that can help me prepare.

Absolutely! I’m used to working in contexts where respecting privacy is crucial, including medical consultations, and this is one of the key aspects of my profession that I’m most committed to. I adhere to guidelines from interpreters’ and translators’ associations I belong to, such as the AITI (Italian Association of Translators and Interpreters). No sensitive data will be ever shared, unless otherwise agreed.

Yes, I’d be happy to! I live and work in Modena, in northern Italy, but I’m often on the go joining my clients all around the world. My luggage is always ready to leave!

I like to take my time to write each quote accurately so I can better understand your request and think about which options to offer you, but I’m committed to replying within 48 hours. Share with me all the requested details while filling out the form, so I’ll have everything I need and can respond quickly.

After I send you my quote detailling the services I can offer you and my terms, confirm the interpreting assignment right away and pay the deposit described in the terms: as soon as I get your transfer I’ll schedule your event on my calendar so that it doesn’t overlap with other requests. Now I’m officially your interpreter!

I prefer to work with advance notice so that I have time to prepare properly for any assignment, but I know that unexpected events can occur, and you may be looking for an interpreter at the last minute. Get in touch through the contact form: if I’m available, you’ll find an extra fee on your quote for your last-minute request. This is because I have to rush my learning and preparation compared with a job with notice. If I’m not available, I can refer you to a trusted colleague.

It depends on the kind of service you need. The ones listed here are my strengths, those I specialize in and am skilled at. If the service you’re looking for isn’t listed, get in touch and we’ll see what we can do.

Though I’m not an agency, and my aim is to provide interpreting services in my working languages and fields of expertise, I collaborate with many colleagues who also work with different languages. I’ll be happy to share few trusted names.

Sure, I’ll be happy to assist you! I know very well how some events should be planned, and I’ll be delighted to help you figure out the details: it’ll be a win-win for me, so I’ll be able to suggest the ideal settings and interpreting modes to satisfy your needs and get the best results.

They call it Murphy’s Law: anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and always at the worst possible time. It happens more often than you can imagine! Sometimes I get contacted for several assignments on the same day, but I can’t be everywhere at the same time – yet. In these cases, my rule is “first come, first served”. If you have confirmed the interpreting service with me and paid the deposit, your event’s date is secured and if people contact me later, I’ll refer them to trusted colleagues who may be available. This is why I highly suggest contacting me in good time, and confirming and paying the invoice as soon as you get the quote.

Don’t worry, I use Instagram and other social media to promote my business and boost my visibility, but my clients’ privacy and confidentiality are key to me. If you agree, I’d like to share the project we collaborated on, but I don’t need to include every detail or even your name. You’re in control, and choose if I can do it and, if I can, how much I’m allowed to share.

If your project is huge, or the collaboration is long-term, I can consider payment plans to be agreed together instead of a single up-front payment, but in all cases I must have received all the payments agreed by our contract before the project ends.

Sure, no problem at all. I’m used to working with sensitive data and I’m committed to protecting them. I always do, but for your peace of mind I’m also happy to sign an NDA.

Things change sometimes, and together we can find a quick and proper solution. Just let me know as soon as you hear about a change in the event schedule or receive new or modified material. The more notice you can give, the better for finding a solution.

The sooner, the better! It would be great if you could confirm your event’s date at least one month beforehand, so that we have time for the next steps – settling the payment, studying the topic and material, and planning the trip. If your request is urgent – i.e. less than one week before the event – highlight this in the contact form and together, we’ll discuss how to deal with it.

I don’t like this answer any more than you do, but it’s also the only honest one: it depends. The rate for an interpreting assignment can change depending on different factors, such as the language pair, the mode of interpreting, the topic, and how long the job lasts. Just to give you an idea, an interpreting assignment up to 4 hours starts at €400.00 + VAT.

No, the indicative fees you find here listed are net. This is because some taxes and charges may apply depending on your tax status and country of residence. For example, 22% VAT applies to all Italian individuals, freelancers working under the “ordinary regime” (“regime ordinario”), and companies, while it doesn’t apply to foreign individuals and companies. You’ll find the exact fee you’re going to pay in my quote.

To book your interpreting or translation service you’ll have to settle an upfront payment by bank transfer. You can find the total on your invoice. Any extra services will be invoiced at the end of the assignment, and you’ll have to pay the balance by the date of the invoice, unless otherwise agreed.

This is a question I get all the time! Translation and interpreting services are completely different one to the other and are taken care by different kind of professionals, some of whom are skilled in both fields. Translation deals with written texts and transfers the meaning of a document from one language into another: it’s not only a matter of individual words, but also conveying cultural references. On the other hand, interpreting consists of translating a speech orally. That can be done in real time, simultaneously (with proper equipment) or with a delay, as in the case of consecutive or business interpreting. If in doubt about which service is best for you, take the test!

No, the indicative fees you find here listed are net. This is because some taxes and charges may apply depending on your tax status and country of residence. For example, 22% VAT applies to all Italian individuals, freelancers working under the “ordinary regime” (“regime ordinario”), and companies, while it doesn’t apply to foreign individuals and companies. You’ll find the exact fee you’re going to pay in my quote.

To book your interpreting or translation service you’ll have to settle an upfront payment by bank transfer. You can find the total on your invoice. Any extra services will be invoiced at the end of the assignment, and you’ll have to pay the balance by the date of the invoice, unless otherwise agreed.

Reach out using the contact form. Fill out all the fields with the requested information and share your texts to be translated as well: this way I’ll be able to prepare a quote for you including the timescales and investment needed. You’ll then just need to confirm the assignment, settle the agreed payment and relax. I’ll take care of the rest.

Any detail on the texts to be translated is crucial to evaluate the kind of project and the work that goes into it. We shouldn’t have any secrets, I need to know everything! In particular, I need to know the language combination, or if the texts need to be translated into multiple languages; if you have a desired deadline; the goal of the texts; their topic; if you have any guidelines you want me to follow like formality, tone of voice, etc; how much you’ve budgeted for the project; and your final texts, in .docx format.

Getting a quote for a translation without having the source texts is like asking for a quote for your new home’s floor… without having the home yet! By all means, get in touch and share with me as many details as you can about your project. That way I can get a rough idea of it and evaluate your situation. If I think I can take on your translation, I’ll prepare a quote and ask you to confirm, along with an upfront payment. This way I’ll keep my calendar free for the time I need to complete the assignment by your deadline.

I don’t need or work on printed copies of text, which is why I ask you to share them via the contact form or email as .docx files. This is the best way to speed up translation and delivery time. If you do think I’ll need printed texts sent by regular mail, write this in the notes of the contact form and I’ll let you know what to do.

No, I don’t, unless they’re business emails. I’m a native Italian speaker and even though I have been working with and have studied English, French and German for a long time, I don’t have the native speaker skills to translate into those languages. Professional translators must translate from a foreign language into their own native language, as per Code of Ethics of AITI (Associazione Italiana Traduttori e Interpreti, “Italian Association of Translators and Interpreters”) of which I am a member. While I don’t personally deal with translations into English, French, and German, I can manage multi-language projects working with experienced and trusted native speaker colleagues. In these cases, I act as project manager for other translators, discussing with them the style and word choices, and proofreading final texts. Without any extra cost for you.

The sooner you contact me, the sooner you get the translation. It depends on how much of a rush you’re in. I like working with care, dedicating the right time to each project, and I prefer not to have to rush. This way we’ll have time to do all the paperwork and start working together on the right foot. As a rough guide I can translate on average 2,000 words per day in my fields of expertise and it takes about half a day to proofread it, assuming I don’t have to apply any graphic changes and if I’m not already busy on other assignments.

I don’t like to work in a rush: translation is a delicate task that I take seriously, so I like to dedicate the right time to it. I only accept rush assignments in exceptional circumstances, after evaluating the kind of project. Any rush jobs I do accept are subject to an extra fee.

Sure, Computer Assisted Translation tools can be really useful when translating certain kinds of texts because they help ensure consistent terminology and do some automated checks on the translated texts. This results in quicker delivery and a more accurate translation. I work with SDL Trados Studio.

No, I don’t. In my experience repetitions, fuzzy matches and context matches need to be checked as well. If the translation memory used has been fed into by other translators, it’s close to certain I’ll need to modify something to guarantee the terminology and style are consistent. I also have to modify my own memories sometimes because the client’s tone of voice or style guide to follow may have changed. My translation fees take into account the whole project, the language combination and delivery time as well as the length of the texts: much more than just the word count.

My clients are mainly companies, individuals or freelancers who need language support for written or oral translations. I have worked with some agencies in the past, but they’re not my target market. I know all too well the atmosphere at certain times of the year, when the workload is insane and you have to meet one deadline after the other. You risk delivering texts that don’t shine. I can sometimes help translation agencies that need a fresh new brain and eyes to achieve great translation and interpreting services in English, French, and German. If you are a translation agency willing to work together, get in touch and we’ll agree our terms.

I know this is no real answer, but it depends. Every text is unique, and translation rates vary depending on many factors, such as the language combination, the field of the topic, if you need to modify the text on the go, the file format, and the requested delivery date. To give you a rough idea, a 1,000-words-text with a delivery within three working days starts at €150.00 + VAT.

No, we absolutely cannot. Proofreading is a crucial step to every writing and translation process to ensure the text is perfect. This job is included in the translation rate and can’t be separated.

Not exactly: translating means transferring ideas from one language into another, and these go far beyond single words. Sometimes you won’t find the very same word in the translated text and that’s absolutely normal. That’s also why machine translations are not good enough – they translate individual words and don’t take into account the context, the cultural references, and the style. I translate much more than individual words.

I like to take my time to write each quote accurately so I can better understand your request and think about which options to offer you, but I’m committed to replying within 48 hours. Share with me all the requested details while filling out the form, so I’ll have everything I need and can respond quickly.

Though I’m not an agency, and my aim is to provide interpreting services in my working languages and fields of expertise, I collaborate with many colleagues who also work with different languages. I’ll be happy to share few trusted names.

While interpreting and translation projects are needed on certain occasions, such as the launch of a new product or for planned events, internationalization consists of a list of tasks when entering a foreign market. These can include interpreting and translation, but there’s more to it than that. You may need an interpreter or a translator just once, or you can plan your first time in a foreign market step by step with the services you think you’ll need. I can suggest some services when you first reach out.

Congratulations, I can’t wait to start helping you! The internationalization process can be long and complex, so I suggest you to get in contact using the form, listing your goals and info about your business so I can figure out what is best for you and send you a quote.

The more you’ll share with me, the more accurate my quote will be. When you fill out the contact form, you’ll find questions about all the info I think is key. if you fill all the fields, we’re off to a great start.

Absolutely! My clients’ privacy always comes first. I’m used to working with sensitive data, and I’m willing to sign an NDA if you prefer. I like using the projects I work on as case studies, but I won’t share any details without discussing it with you and agreeing what, if anything, I can share.

I’m a native Italian speaker and I don’t personally translate into any foreign languages, but I work very closely with colleagues who do. Together with them, we can help you with these kinds of projects.

To have a business going international takes time and can’t be done – at least not well – in a couple of days. If you need to rush, we can talk about going step by step and giving priority to services that are more urgent, or we can consider expanding the team that will work for you. Every project is unique, so I can give you an idea of timing only after you’ve shared with me your goals and details.

I hate this answer as much as you do, but honestly, it depends. Depending on the goals you want to achieve and the services you’re looking for, delivery times may vary. I suggest you get in touch and tell me in detail about your goals so that I can give you a quote that includes useful timescales for delivery.

Before accepting an assignment, I check I have enough time to study and prepare for the wedding. If you need an interpreter for your wedding, you should reach out at least three months before your ceremony. I may be able to assist you even if your request comes last minute – if I’m available – but I’ll have to apply an extra fee.

There’s no single rate for interpreting services: it may depend on where the ceremony will take place, how long it will last, and what kind of ceremony it will be. Take a look at the fields to be filled out in the contact form to get an idea of the information I need to send you a quote. And if you’re curious, a wedding interpreting service in my city, Modena – northern Italy –, starts at €300.00 (+ VAT).

Wedding interpreting services don’t happen just during the ceremony. What you see there is just the tip of the iceberg! The assignment starts when you confirm it and I put your date on my calendar. Before turning the mic and starting orally translating your vows, I take care of the paperwork, I need to study and train, I manage possible unexpected events – something always comes up! – not to mention the huge legal responsibility I take on: taking the interpreter’s formal oath of loyally translating the ceremony. Only after that do I go on stage by your side, smiling and ready to translate your promises of love.

Usually, wedding interpreting services last one hour at most and usually that’s more than enough for the ceremony to take place. Sometimes some unexpected events or delays occur, and this is when we may overrun. In this case I’ll charge the hourly rate for each extra hour as stated in the quote and, at the end of the assignment, I’ll send you my invoice to settle the outstanding balance.

Sure, it is part of the interpreting assignment! Depending on the Town Hall you choose, they may ask me to take the oath on the same day as the ceremony, in the days before it, or even remotely. If I have to take the oath on a different day from the ceremony, I’ll charge an extra fee as stated in your quote.

Unfortunately, we don’t have an official register of interpreters in Italy and the profession is not legally recognized. This is why some Town Halls don’t fully appreciate our role. However, to trust in a professional interpreter is a wise choice for so many reasons. First of all, professional interpreters have the skills needed to make everything go smoothly, know very well how weddings go, and can provide practical tips for the ceremony to happen. They can also handle unexpected troublesome events. Last but not least, the interpreter must take an oath committing to loyally translating the ceremony, and if you choose a friend or a cousin, you can’t be sure this will happen. Do you really want your Italian wedding to be jeopardized and not be recognized abroad? I wouldn’t risk it!

Because though they both involve interpreting, they are two very different services, in the way they are carried out, in timing, in responsibilities. This is all reflected in the rates.

The first time you get in touch, I prefer you reach out through the contact form filling all the fields. This way I’ll have all the details about your wedding. Then, if we’ll need to discuss your ceremony further or to make any updates, we can book a short video call after you have confirmed the assignment and we can agree on a time that is suitable for both of us, even if outside my working hours (Italian time). State your time zone in the contact form.

When you get in contact to ask for a wedding interpreting service, let me know the date of the ceremony, how long it is going to last, where it is taking place, the language pair, and any further details you think will be useful. This will allow me to prepare a quote for your wedding. It will be an honour and great privilege to be by your side on such an important day!

I prefer managing first contacts via email, through the contact form, to get an overview of your event and to get all the necessary details to prepare your quote. If we need to discuss things further, we’ll arrange a short video call after you’ve confirmed the assignment. I don’t use my cell phone for work because I’m usually busy on an assignment and can’t talk.

The day before your wedding I’ll send you my telephone number: you can call me in case of an emergency. I’ll switch it off once there and ready to turn the mic on.

A wedding planner is a great support in each step of planning a wedding and will be able to suggest the best solutions for achieving your goals. As an interpreter and translator, I take care of providing linguistic assistance for your wedding in Italy or abroad. I don’t plan your ceremony, but act as your link with the Town Halls and embassies to be sure the paperwork is all in order. I don’t set up your venue, but I make sure that all the written material of the wedding is in the languages spoken by your guests so that they can feel involved and welcomed. I don’t arrange the day’s schedule, but I stick to it. I can’t substitute a wedding planner, but I work shoulder-to-shoulder with them – if you have one – to make sure you have the ceremony of your dreams

Yes, of course! This is absolutely the best way to get started planning your wedding! I can contact the Town Hall where you want to get married, your embassy or consulate, and help you arrange a date for the ceremony and the timeline for submitting your documents. This service costs €300.00 + VAT for up to 2 hours’ consultancy, and will be deducted from the luxury package if you get married in Italy and opt for my wedding interpreting service.

Contact me through the form. Just fill out all the required fields and I’ll have the info I need to prepare your quote.

I prefer managing first contacts via email, through the contact form, to get an overview of your event and to get all the necessary details to prepare your quote. If we need to discuss things further, we’ll arrange a short video call after you’ve confirmed the assignment. I don’t use my cell phone for work because I’m usually busy on an assignment and can’t talk.

I prefer to work at a relaxed pace, so the best thing to do is to get in touch as far in advance as you can. If you need interpreting or translation services, you should get in touch at least one month before your deadline. I also work on last-minute projects – if this doesn’t overlap with other projects – but only after checking I have enough time to work properly and to deliver a high-quality service: in this case, I’ll charge an extra fee.

Of course! I travel a lot for work and my luggage is always ready to leave. Just tell me your destination, and I’ll be on my way!

I usually offer remote interpreting services for vendors for convenience, but I’m available – and happy! – to meet you in person. Let me know this is what you prefer in the contact form, and I’ll take it into account when preparing your quote.

Interpreting services for wedding professionals may be purchased as a single hour or in 5- or 10-hour packages, depending on your needs. A single-hour package costs €150, a 5-hour package is €650, and a 10-hour package is €1,200 (+VAT) for online meetings.
If you prefer to meet in person, just tell me that in the contact form together with your address and how long do you think the meeting will last. I’ll write a quote for this specific request.

Interpreting services for wedding professionals is completely different from the job done at a ceremony. Interpreting services at a meeting with the couple doesn’t last as long or require as much preparation as all the activities needed for a ceremony, and there’s a lower risk of unforeseen events

Each hour of interpreting purchased is counted as 60 minutes starting from the arranged time of the meeting. If the meeting exceeds 60 minutes, a second hour – or more, depending on how long the meeting actually lasts – will be deducted from your multi-hour package. If you don’t have a package or don’t have enough hours left in it, I’ll invoice additional hours according to the terms in the quote.

No, I don’t. Professional translators only translate into their own native language, and since mine is Italian, I personally only take care of translations into this language. However, I often get requests for translations in other languages and I’m happy to help my clients by working closely with trusted colleagues who are native speakers of those languages. A win-win for you!