TRANSLATION CONTRACT

Translation Contract

A services contract between Northwind Studio and Acme Co covering translation, editing, and localized delivery of source content.

PREPARED FOR

Acme Co

PREPARED BY

Northwind Studio

DATE

August 18, 2026

Northwind Studio

TRANSLATION CONTRACT

Parties and Project

This agreement is entered into by Northwind Studio (the "Translator") and Acme Co (the "Client") for the translation project described below. Replace the sample details with the specifics of the source material, language pair, and delivery format before signing.

WORD COUNT

25,000

Source word count, confirmed against final files before delivery.

LANGUAGE PAIR

EN → FR

Source language into a single target language and locale.

TURNAROUND

3 weeks

From receipt of finalized source files to delivery of the target files.

Recitals

The Client wishes to engage the Translator to convert source material into the target language while preserving meaning, tone, and formatting. The Translator holds the linguistic qualifications, subject-matter familiarity, and CAT-tool workflow needed to deliver that work on the schedule agreed below. This contract supersedes any prior verbal or written understanding on the same subject.

Northwind Studio

TRANSLATION CONTRACT

Scope and Process

The project runs across three phases so the Client can see how the source content moves to a review-ready delivery.

PHASE 1 · PREPARATION

Preparation and glossary

Source file intake, reference material review, and a project glossary built from any existing translation memory. The Client approves preferred terminology and tone before translation begins.

PHASE 2 · TRANSLATION AND EDITING

Translation and self-editing

First-pass translation using a CAT tool with the approved glossary, followed by a self-editing pass covering accuracy, consistency, and locale conventions. Segments in doubt are flagged with a query log for the Client.

PHASE 3 · PROOFREADING AND DELIVERY

Proofreading and delivery

Independent proofreading pass, final formatting to match the source layout, and delivery of clean and bilingual files. Includes one round of revisions based on Client feedback within 10 business days of delivery.

What is included

Source file intake and reference material review
Project glossary and translation memory used across the engagement
Translation with self-editing and independent proofreading
One round of revisions based on Client feedback
Delivery in the agreed formats with translation memory shared on request

Not included: desktop publishing beyond simple formatting, in-context UI testing, sworn or certified translation, and back-translation. New scope can be added in writing at any time.

Northwind Studio

TRANSLATION CONTRACT

Fees and Confidentiality

The project is billed as a fixed fee based on the source word count and the phases described above. Additional words or rush turnaround are quoted separately.

Item	Rate	Qty	Amount
Preparation and glossary	$500	1	$500
Translation and self-editing (25,000 words)	$3,000	1	$3,000
Proofreading, formatting, and delivery	$1,000	1	$1,000
Total			$4,500

Payment Schedule

Milestone	Share	Amount
On signature	40%	$1,800
On first-pass delivery	40%	$1,800
On final delivery	20%	$900

Confidentiality

The Translator will keep all source material, glossaries, and translations confidential during and after the engagement, will not reuse them for other clients, and will delete or return files on Client request. Machine translation of the source material through public tools is not permitted.

Northwind Studio

TRANSLATION CONTRACT

Acceptance

To start the project, complete the fields below and sign. Turnaround starts on receipt of finalized source files.

SOURCE AND TARGET LOCALES

e.g. English (US) to French (FR)

DELIVERY DEADLINE

e.g. November 5, 2026

I confirm I hold the rights necessary to have this source material translated.

CLIENT

Sign here

Acme Co

TRANSLATOR

Sign here

Northwind Studio

About this template

The Translation Contract template is a five-page document for putting a translation project on paper before source files are received. It carries a project overview with stat cards, recitals, a three-phase process, a fixed-fee investment table, and an acceptance page with inputs and signatures.

It is intentionally simple: rename what needs renaming in Bonsai, list your actual word count and language pair, and set the price. Merge fields handle the translator and client details, and the last page collects the language pair, deadline, and both signatures.

Details

Format: Doc · 5 pages

Recipients: Client + Provider

Signature: Client + Provider

Merge fields: Sender, Receiver, Date

Translation Contract Template

Translation Contract Template