Children's Board Book Translation & QA/QC (Independent Contractor)

About Just Right Reader

Just Right Reader is a literacy publisher dedicated to helping children become confident, successful readers through engaging, research-based resources grounded in the Science of Reading. Our growing product line includes decodable and knowledge-building books, classroom resources, teacher guides, lesson plans, literacy games, family resources, and marketing materials designed for students from Birth through Grade 12.

About This Engagement

• Position Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
• Project Scope: 36 Early Childhood Board Books (Ages 0–36 Months) per Language
• Contract Duration: Short-term / Project-based
• Location: Remote

Project Overview

Just Right Reader is seeking experienced, detail-oriented freelance translators to translate and review a collection of 36 early childhood board books designed for infants and toddlers (ages 0–36 months).

We are recruiting individual contractors for the following five language assignments:

• Mandarin Chinese (Traditional Chinese): Standard Written Chinese, localized for Mandarin-speaking audiences.
• Cantonese Chinese (Traditional Chinese): Standard Written Chinese, localized for Cantonese-speaking audiences, particularly in Hong Kong.
• Tagalog
• Vietnamese
• Korean

Each contractor will be responsible for translating and reviewing all 36 titles in their assigned language.

All source materials will be provided in English. Translations must preserve the original meaning while ensuring the language is developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant, natural, and engaging when read aloud to young children and their caregivers.

Scope of Work & Deliverables

1. Initial Translation (English to Target Language)

• Translate all 36 English board book manuscripts into the assigned target language.
• Adapt rhymes, repetitive phrases, and foundational early childhood vocabulary to preserve meaning, readability, and natural language flow.
• Maintain consistency in terminology, tone, and age-appropriate language throughout the collection.
• Ensure translated text corresponds accurately to the appropriate page or spread and aligns with the visual context of each book.

1. Translation Quality Assurance (QA/QC)

• Conduct a thorough self-review of all translated manuscripts for grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency, cultural appropriateness, and developmental suitability.
• Verify that all source text has been translated accurately, with no omissions or unintended additions.
• Confirm that translated content and page references align with the original English source materials.
• Submit corrected, publication-ready translations for implementation into the final book layouts.

1. Post-Composition Proofreading (PP1 & PP2)

Following translation and QA/QC, Just Right Reader's production team will implement the translated text into the book layouts using Adobe InDesign. Contractors will then complete two post-composition proofreading passes:

• PP1 – First Proof: Review composed PDFs to verify translation accuracy, text placement, character rendering, punctuation, line breaks, and text completeness. Identify and annotate any necessary corrections.
• PP2 – Final Proof: Review revised PDFs to confirm that all PP1 corrections have been implemented accurately and identify any remaining language or composition errors before final approval.

All proofreading corrections must be clearly documented using PDF annotations or an agreed-upon tracking method.

1. Submission & Handoff Requirements

English source materials will be provided in PDF format. Completed translations must be submitted using one of the following methods, as agreed upon with Product Operations:

• Adobe Acrobat: Provide translated text through clearly labeled comments or sticky notes associated with the corresponding page or spread.
• Google Docs: Organize translations by book title and page number, with English source text and corresponding translated text clearly identified.

All submissions must be complete, organized, and ready for internal review and production implementation.

This engagement does not include internal people management, HR responsibilities, or administrative duties.

Contractor Requirements & Qualifications

• Native-level proficiency in the assigned target language and strong English-language comprehension.
• For Chinese-language assignments, proficiency in Traditional Chinese and familiarity with the appropriate regional language conventions.
• Proven experience in translation, localization, or copyediting, preferably within children's literature, early childhood education (ECE), or educational publishing.
• Strong understanding of age-appropriate vocabulary, early language development, and read-aloud conventions for children ages 0–3.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to independently review and proofread translated content.
• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat annotation tools and Google Docs.
• Reliable communication and ability to meet agreed-upon project milestones and deadlines.

Engagement Details

• Engagement: Fixed-scope contract covering 36 board books in one assigned language.
• Production Workflow: One initial translation round, followed by translator QA/QC and two post-composition proofreading passes (PP1 and PP2).
• Timeline: Project milestones, turnaround expectations, and final delivery dates will be established before work begins.
• Compensation: Flat project fee or per-book rate, to be agreed upon in the final contract. Compensation must include the initial translation, QA/QC, and both post-composition proofreading passes.
• Project Completion: The engagement concludes upon final delivery and acceptance of all 36 translated and proofread titles by Just Right Reader.

How to Express Interest

Please submit:

1. Your resume highlighting relevant experience.
2. A cover letter with a summary on why you are interested in and a fit for this role.