Proofreading, Editing and MTPE: What Buyers Should Know
Professional translation of company, financial and technical documents
Proofreading, editing and MTPE (machine translation post-editing) are three different services, and mixing them up is a common reason for disappointing results. In short: editing improves the text, proofreading polishes the final version, and MTPE corrects text produced by a machine. Knowing which one you need saves time and money.
What is editing?
Editing compares the translation with the source text and improves accuracy, terminology, clarity and tone. It is the right choice when a translation already exists but you are not sure it is reliable, for example a contract or technical manual translated in-house.
What is proofreading?
Proofreading is the final check before publishing or printing. The proofreader looks for spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting and consistency errors. It does not usually re-translate. Our proofreading and editing service and the page on translation and proofreading give more detail.
What is MTPE?
MTPE means a human linguist reviews and corrects a machine-translated draft. It can suit large volumes of low-risk content, such as internal documents. For legal, medical or official documents, a full human translation is normally the safer route.
Which service do you need?
| Situation | Suggested service |
|---|---|
| No translation yet, official document | Certified human translation |
| Translation exists, quality unknown | Editing |
| Final text ready to print or publish | Proofreading |
| Large volume of internal, low-risk text | MTPE, with clear quality level |
Questions to ask before you order
- Is the work done by a human linguist with experience in my subject?
- What exactly is included: terminology check, formatting, a second review?
- How are changes shown so I can follow them?
- What is the timeline and cost basis (per word or per page)?
For the wider picture, read 7 steps to receiving accurate translations and how to be sure your document is well translated.
Frequently asked questions
Can proofreading fix a poor translation?
Not fully. Proofreading catches surface errors. If meaning is wrong, you need editing or a new translation.
Is MTPE cheaper?
Often, but the saving depends on the quality of the machine draft and the level of finish you need.
Is MTPE suitable for certified documents?
We advise a full human translation for documents submitted to embassies, courts or universities.
Can you edit a translation that someone else did?
Yes. Send the source and the translation so the reviewer can compare them.
Talk to us
- WhatsApp / phone: +20 111 176 0177
- Email: Operation@cottranslation.com
- Or see our branches and contact details (Maadi, Downtown Cairo and Mohandessin).
Note: This article is general information as of the date above. The right service depends on your document and the receiving organisation.