General

• All percentages are based on the total fee paid to the translator -- not the fee paid by the author-client.
  
  
• EARTH pays translators and proofreaders in the manner and frequency they prefer, but does not cover the cost of handling. For example, lump sum payments at the end of a project are acceptable.
  
  Payment methods that would disadvantage EARTH during payment and beyond may be declined. Nevertheless, the very nature of EARTH's business requires payment flexibility. EARTH is open to new methods of payment that can prove useful in a broader and long term context.

Translators

• The author-client and translator will be allowed to work together, but the degree of cooperation is at the discretion of the author-client. It is resumable to assume, for example, that some author-clients will not want to be bothered by the work of the translator until the project is near completion, if even then. Although EARTH encourages an open relationship between author-clients and the translators, it will not push something onto author-clients that they do not want. Moreover, in the traditional operating mode translator-specialists are given priority over translator-generalists, and should thus require only a minimum amount of consultation to complete their work.
  
  In summary, contact between the translator and author-client, though not discouraged, should not be expected.
  
  
• For whatever reason, including illness, should EARTH be required to find a new translator in order to complete the job, EARTH will cover only up to 85% of the translator's contracted amount. In such an event the amount the translator receiveswill depend on the level of project completion, reasons for premature departure, and the severity of inconvenience incurred by each party to the job. The amount received by the translator is negotiable, but EARTH reserves the final say with regard to the amount paid.
  
  
• All documents under the traditional mode of operation must be proofread by a third party and the complete document will bear the translator's name along with EARTH's. Translators must notify EARTH, if they do not wish their name to appear on the document. See Credits (opens to new window) under A Rewarding Work Experience for further information in regard to translator credits.

Proofreaders

• Payment to the proofreader will be made in a lump-sum as a separate job different from that of the original translation.
  
  
• Proofreaders are expected to check the veracity of the translator's work as well as the quality of the target language.
  
  
  • Problems related to the quality of the target language should be corrected and highlighted, so that the correction is apparent. When checking for errors the proofreader should be sensitive not only to correct language use, but also the author-client's target audience and cultural perspective.
    
    
  • Proofreaders are expected to notify EARTH about errors in translation, but not correct the errors unless it is convenient to do so. Proofreaders are not expected to perform the work of translators, but they are expected to wield fully their expertise in the author-client's subject area. Problem areas brought into question by proofreaders will be further explored with both the translator and author-client when required.