Frequently Asked Questions - Services - Transcribing
What is transcribing?
Transcribing involves listening to a recording of something and typing the contents up into a document, which is then returned to the client, giving them a written record of what is on the recording.
What kind of things have you transcribed?
Typically, transcription services are used for research interviews or job application interviews. Over the years, we have transcribed a large number of such interviews and our transcribers have extensive experience in the work they do.
Who will do the transcribing?
The transcription will be carried out by one of our experiences, qualified transcribers who will have over 10 years experience doing this work, and will understand the needs of your work.
What are the benefits of using your service compared to using transcribing software?
There are many limitations and problems with using transcription software. Software is unable to make the distinction between the relevant target voice, and other voices in the background. Using software also requires a clear and discernible voice, which is not compatible with speedy talking or particular dialects and accents, and usually results in countless confusing errors which will hinder the progress of your work. Transcription software technology is still a work in progress and cannot make the distinction between similar sounding words and sometimes even mistakes fillers such as "errrms" and "aaammms" for actual words. With our service you can rest assured that your work will be edited by a real, live human with extensive experience in transcribing all kinds of recordings.
Do you use transcription software?
Absolutely not. Due to the limitations of transcription software we do not use it in any way, shape, or form to transcribe your recordings. You can rest assured that every letter of your recordings will be transcribed by a real, live person, with extensive experience and expertise in transcription.
I need to transcribe something from another language directly into English. Can you help?
Most likely yes. We also offer a translation service, so if you require a recording to be transcribed from another language directly into English, you can use both out translation service and our transcription service at the same time. Our ability to offer this service depends on the availability of our expert translators in your chosen language. We cover most widely spoken languages, so we will most likely be able to offer you both services.
How long will it take?
We pride ourselves in offering a much faster turn-around than 90% of similar service providers, while offering a much cheaper price, and the same standard of quality, if not a better one. Our minimum guaranteed turnaround is 90 minutes of recorded audio per day. If you are operating under a specific deadline, please let us know and we will do our best to figure it out.
I have a very large group of recordings to transcribe. Can I submit them in parts?
Yes, absolutely. In the same way that we work on a chapter-by-chapter basis with our other services, we offer our transcribing service on a stage-by-stage basis, whereby your designated transcriber only moves on to the next portion of your recording after we receive your approval.
If I submit my recordings in parts, can I still use the same person to transcribe everything?
Yes. In the overwhelming majority of cases we will be able to provide you with the same transcriber. This is actually better for both the client and the transcriber as they will already be familiar with your work and its needs.
My work contains very sensitive information. It must be confidential at all costs. Will it stay that way?
Absolutely. We value your work and appreciate the amount of trust you put into us and our team members when you choose to work with us. We take this responsibility very seriously.
We guarantee that the only people who can have access to your work are the editing manager, who will be in touch with you during every step of the process, and the editor who will be transcribing your work.
All our staff members and editors have already been signed to very strict confidentiality agreements, as well as an NDA pertaining to any work they receive from us. In fact, your designated editing manager and editor are both bound to delete all copies of your work from their systems once they have completed editing your work.
Would you be willing to sign a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA)?
Yes, we are happy to sign an NDA upon request. Please contact us for specifics.
How does your process work?
Our process is designed to be as simple and straightforward as possible, while also giving our clients the comfort of knowing that they are in touch with a designated editing manager who is available to take care of their needs 24/7. We also wanted to give our clients the security of ensuring that our work meets their expectations, so you will receive the work from us on a section-by-section basis. If you are satisfied with our transcriber's work you can engage us further to work on subsequent sections of your recordings. If you feel that our transcriber could have done a better job, within reason, or if you have any notes or comments on their work, your designated transcriber would be happy to re-review each section at no extra cost to incorporate your notes and/ or concerns.
Our process works as follows:
- You submit your recordings to us by email, with any additional information such as deadlines and context..
- A member of our staff will answer you, and after having reviewed your recordings, they will be able to liaise with you about any requirements you may have, such as strict deadlines.
- Your editing manager will then select the best possible choice for your work and its needs from our large network of highly qualified editors - they will choose a transcriber who is also an expert in the subject matter of your work, if possible.
- Your work is sent to your designated transcriber, who then begins editing your work.
- After your designated editor completes the first section of your recordings, you will receive the transcribed document in MS word format. Or, if you prefer another file type, please let us know and we will send you the transcribed document in your desired format.
- Once you review the document and are happy with the quality of our work, we bill you for the section that was done, based on its number of minutes and then our transcriber moves on to the next section and so on.
- After you receive and approve the final transcribed section of your recording, all would be done!
Will the transcribed work need any subsequent proofreading?
it should not. Our team of transcribers undergo a rigorous selection process and we make sure that they are all qualified, certified, possess over 10 years experience, and are native English speakers with the highest possible standard of written and spoken English. Your transcribed work will not require further proofreading as the standard of English used by your transcriber should be at the highest level. The only limitation with transcription, is that your transcriber is bound to adhere to any grammatical errors in speech because they are required to transcribe the audio verbatim.
