How do I place an order?

To discuss a larger project with us call  07917 225 484 or email info@scribetranscription.com for a provisional costing. For a fixed quote please upload a sample audio file via the upload form, to receive a detailed quote via email within two working hours.

 When do I pay?

Payment is accepted by bank transfer, online card payment via Paypal or cheque. Organisational invoices are issued upon confirmation of order, payable within 30 days of completion of the work. Advance payment is sometimes required from private customers unless you have an established account with us.

 What security measures are in place to ensure confidentiality?

We transfer data via an 128bit SSL secured site, and all file transfers are encrypted.  Only key staff have copy access to data, and all staff are subject to a legally binding NDA, with particularly sensitive material being restricted to senior staff only.

 How are transcripts delivered?

By default, transcripts are emailed to your registered billing address via unencrypted email attachment in Word format. Transcripts are fully editable. Various security measures are available on request. For example, transcripts may be stored and retrieved from your private file area, encrypted and password protected.

 How are multiple speakers identified?

A transcript with 'tracked speakers' means that each speaker change is identified by name, or a code unique to that speaker. An un-tracked speaker is identified only by gender or role. Quoted rates are inclusive of speaker tracking for up to three speakers. Additional speakers may attract further charges, depending on the quality of the audio recording.

 What quality assurance procedures are in place?

As standard, each and every transcript is spot checked by a dedicated, full-time proof reader, whose sole responsibility is to ensure all transcripts are of a consistent quality. Ambiguous passages are flagged and examined. Additional QA measures are available as required. Any required revisions are completed at no extra cost.

 Which audio formats are preferred?

Our preferred format for transcription is MP3 or WMA. However all common audio formats are accepted as we can convert them (subject to adequate audio quality). If your files are very large (video files or uncompressed WAV files are too large to make uploading practical) then you might consider compressing the audio using a free software application such as Switch. Alternatively you can post audio files on a USB stick or disc to us.

 What transcription styles do you offer?

The transcription style may vary depending on the recording’s intended purpose. The styles below are useful as guides, but editing decisions are based on common sense and an understanding of the transcript’s purpose. Please discuss your preferences with us before work begins.

• True verbatim transcription (word-for-word)

True verbatim includes everything that has been said including hesitations and half sentences. This form of transcription is mainly used for legal purposes, for example when transcribing ‘under-caution’ police interviews (PACE – Police And Criminal Evidence interviews).

• Clean verbatim transcription

When using clean verbatim, hesitations and meaningless half sentences are omitted in order to maintain the flow and essential meaning of what has been said. Contractions (for example, “that’s” or “I’m”) are retained but grammar will be corrected unless the speaker uses a colloquialism or dialect that is important to retain. Sentence structure is sometimes altered to provide clarity or to correct non-standard English, particularly when English is not the speaker’s first language. Please inform us if you do not want grammar or non-standard English to be corrected.

• Edited transcription

Edited transcription (also known as ’intelligent transcription’) is very similar to clean verbatim. It is more formal and sentences are perhaps more readily edited for the sake of clarity or good English. Contractions are usually written in full (for example, “that’s” becomes “that is” and “I’m” becomes “I am”). As in clean verbatim, grammar and sentence structure are corrected.

Edited transcription is mostly used to transcribe speeches or presentations that are intended for publication. The emphasis is on creating full and coherent sentences that convey the essential meaning of what a person is trying to say.

Scribe Transcription can transcribe documents using British or American spelling.

Unless otherwise instructed, we will use the clean verbatim style with British spelling.

All transcriptions are independently and carefully proofread against the recording.