You can reduce the cost of your translation by:

• setting a reasonable deadline to avoid rush charges;
• marking any portions of the text that do not have to be translated (inapplicable items in forms, tables, etc.);
• providing the source document electronically;
• sending the best available copy (it may be time-consuming to decipher a third-generation fax);
• saying if you do not need to have the format of the original reproduced (tables, outlines, typestyle);
• including illustrations (as they may resolve ambiguities in the text);
• providing background information (e.g. previous correspondence in the case of letters). If similar work has been translated in the past, I strongly suggest that you attach samples of both the original and the translated text so I can maintain consistency.