I set the deadline a few days prior to the real deadline. And I read some of the source text to try and forsee any difficulties. If it is a difficult text, I check in to hear, if I can help the freelancer in any way - do you have queries etc. But I take care not to stress the translator or sound as if I don't trust him/her. That said, to me it is also about building trust. Ask how they are doing - also when you don't have a job for them, show a genuine interest in a person who work for you. Take care of you freelancers as if you worked with them in person.

When facing unexpected delays with a remote translator, setting clear deadlines and check-in points to track progress is key. Keeping communication open allows for quick issue resolution while considering time zones. A backup translator can help prevent major disruptions. Proactive planning, flexibility, and clear expectations ensure deadlines are met without compromising quality.

I make sure to set clear expectations and maintain open communication to address issues quickly. I use tools like project trackers and schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress and identify any roadblocks. I also stay flexible, provide constructive feedback, and plan for contingencies to keep everything on track.

Two key things. (1) Expectation, but not only the expectation of client, also the remote freelancer. Let the freelancer know on-time delivery help build the biz which grows his part as well. but there will definitely be hiccups. so it's his / her responsibility to give you (as a PM) heads-up, so you can have time buffer to manage clients (and their expectations) (2) Understand why hiccups happen Probably it may take us unexpectedly long time to digest some contents. we need to know this to communicate with clients. and also see if can learn any lessons from the hiccups

Asking the translator to send in their WIP translation periodically so that if the final output is going to take longer than expected, another resource can be chipped in to help complete the work quicker by splitting it between the two.