How much time does quality require?

Addressing the problem of achieving adequate quality given limited time, with special reference to time spent on revision. Translators face a conflict between business pressures to produce quickly and professional pressures to achieve adequate quality. There is no easy way to resolve this conflict, but I will present some food for thought on the matter, giving special attention to two factors: attitude to the job and the difficult concept, ‘quality’. I’ll also provide some practical suggestions for time-saving.

– Get a sense of when to stop ‘improving’ a translation, drawing on a concept of quality.
– Learn some time-saving methods.
– Become aware of your attitude to translation work.