A thorough editing of your source text is one of the factors that can help to improve a translation. Above all:

1.Make sure your source text is clear and at the appropriate reading level. A translator cannot change your original; all he or she can do is translate it into its equivalent language. Remember: Garbage in, garbage out.

2.Avoid culture-specific metaphors and figures of speech. Spare your translator the task of searching for equivalent language to "step up to the plate", "easy as pie", and "good egg."

3.Eliminate all word puns. Words do not translate; thoughts do. I'll never forget the man who wanted to export industrial refrigeration equipment to South America and couldn't understand why his logo with a polar bear and the words, "Bear us in mind for your refrigeration needs," just wouldn't translate.