The authors examine three types of text problems that scientific-technical-medical manuscript translators in Spain often encounter, and discuss measures to ensure that the translation does not reproduce writing deficiencies present in the original. Solutions range from straightforward editing to correct local content errors or style shortcomings to full-fledged author-reader conferences guided by research into the writing process. Author-translator conferences are the ideal solution to serious problems in the source text. When authors cannot be contacted, however, opportunities to improve unclear writing in the course of translation still exist and should be taken advantage of.