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Getting Started Working On Your Project

Project Notification and Allocation

We do our utmost to allocate and assign projects in a manner that is clear, consistent, and fair to you while ensuring the best fit for each individual project and client. If you think you'd be a perfect fit for a particular project, drop us a line outlining your skillset! It may be some time before we've found you your perfect project, so please be sure to express interest each time a potentially suitable project appears.

  • Project Notification: You will receive a notification by email when there is a new project that matches your languages and area of expertise. At this point, you may express your interest in the project. Please review the text(s) carefully before expressing interest. Be sure to review all of the project instructions and reference documents so that you know exactly what is required. If you do not feel 100% comfortable with the text or instructions, or if you are not sufficiently familiar with the subject area, please do not express interest.
  • Word count: Please double-check the word count before starting work on any project. If you think there is any discrepancy between the word count listed and the number of words in the document, please let us know immediately so that this can be amended. Adjustments to the pricing will not be possible after work has commenced.
  • Project Allocation: After expressing interest, the managing editor for the project will inform you whether or not you have been assigned the project. Do not start work until receiving official approval.
  • We do not allocate projects on a first-come-first-served basis, so there is no need to feel pressured to be the first person to express interest. That said, most projects are assigned within 4–5 hours of the time they are offered, so be sure to respond quickly to a project that interests you.
  • Project Tracks: You will receive two different types of project offers: fast-track and samples. Most projects are fast-track projects, and when you receive a notification for one, you simply click the button to express interest (after reviewing the project, of course). Then wait to hear whether or not you have been selected.
  • Samples for large project/books: For larger projects such as books or long-form articles, we sometimes collect several short samples (of the same piece of text, around 250 words in length) and the client selects the translator or editor. Once the client decides, we inform you whether or not you have been selected. We generally do not pay for these samples, but the selected translator receives payment for the full text, including their original sample.  
  • PLEASE NOTE: We encourage you to submit samples when starting out with us, so that we can get an impression of your work. A score on your work will then be recorded internally. Translators and editors that score highly will likely receive an increased number of offers moving forward.

Confidentiality

  • Please note that confidentiality is paramount on all offers you receive from ALE. You may not share, disclose or discuss the project materials or other details sent to you, nor details relating to the author or authors’ affiliations, with anyone who has not received explicit permission from ALE to view such materials and information.   
  • Please note that you may not communicate directly with the client regarding any project in which you have expressed interest, regardless of whether it is assigned to you unless approval for such communication is confirmed in writing by the managing editor. If you have any concerns about the project presenting a possible conflict of interest (for example, if you are personally acquainted with the author) please inform the managing editor immediately.