[N.B. This contract is very general and is not intended to cover all possible
circumstances. You may add or remove sections as needed. It should be used sensibly
- this is what we should be aiming for. For example, if you are a new translator,
you may have to accept the agency’s terms until you have established yourself.
It also may not be a good idea to send out a contract for every $50-$100 job.
However, if your client is an individual and not an agency, then a contract is a
must. If the work entails special legal issues, such as ownership of
the copyright of a book, seek the advice of a lawyer.]
The undersigned _________________________________________________________
of ______________________________________________________
hereby agrees to contract with
________________________________________________________
of ______________________________________________________
for the following translation/interpretation services:
Description _______________________________________________
from ________________________ into _________________________
at the rate of ______ per word or at the hourly rate of _______
In the case of large translations or those done for foreign clients or agencies, payment
of _______% of the estimated cost will be made before the work will begin.
The Translator agrees (does not agree) to do formatting, layout, or desk-top publishing of
the text at no extra cost (at the rate of _______ per hour).
Date of completion is _____________________, with the understanding that any changes in
the source text once the translation is in progress will be counted as additional
text and charged at the same rate and may require an extension.
Should the contracted work be withdrawn by the Client/Agency or not materialize, a fee of
__________ will be paid by the Client/Agency to the Translator.
Each party to this Agreement will have the right to terminate said contract, provided that
_____ (weeks/months) written notice is given in advance and payment is made on the
work completed. The completed translation will be returned to:
_______________________________________________________________________
in the form of:
__ diskette __ hard
copy __ electronic
transfer __ fax
or by:
__ Fedex __ US Postal
Service __ Courier
In the case of diskette or electronic transfer, the translation will be delivered using
the word processing software below and operating platform:
_______________________________________________________________________
Payment is due __ upon completion __ within 30
days ___________ other
The Client or Agency shall indemnify and hold harmless the Translator against all
damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) sustained by the
Translator in connection with any claim, suit, or proceeding based on or arising out
of the underlying material provided by the Client. If so requested by the Translator,
the Client shall assume full responsibility for the defense and settlement of such
claim or action.
Signed: _____________________________ Date: _____________________
Signed: _____________________________ Date: _____________________
