Choosing a Quality Transcriptionist

Many businesses and individuals often find themselves in need of transcription services. Unfortunately, anyone can call him or herself a transcriptionist. If you do a Google search, you can probably find a ton of websites dedicated to people who take on the title. But how do you know you’re choosing the right one to transcribe your seminar, interview, teleconference, or podcast? Consider the following attributes of a good transcriptionist.

Quality transcriptionists…

• Have at least 2+ years’ experience. Transcription is not simply being a good typist, so your transcriptionist should have at least two years’ experience (and preferably five or more) producing transcripts in a professional setting.
• Give out samples. If a transcriptionist performs quality work, he or she should be willing to perform a free sample for you. This will give you an idea of what your finished transcript will look like and let you know whether the transcriptionist you are evaluating has good spelling, grammar, punctuation, and research skills.
• Have testimonials and/or clients who are willing to vouch for their services. If they do not have any testimonials, be sure to ask for a free sample so that you can gauge the quality of their services yourself.
• Have a price list clearly posted on their website. There are several factors that may influence transcription prices, such as audio quality and number of speakers; however, transcriptionists should be able to tell you what their base prices are and give you a final and binding quote before starting on your project.
• Will research terms. This doesn’t mean that you can count on having absolutely no blanks left in your transcript; however, you should be able to tell that your transcriptionist made a decent effort to research unfamiliar terms or names.
• Answers your e-mail inquiries or phone calls in a timely fashion.  They should have their hours of operation listed on their website and monitor their e-mail/voicemail during those hours. Many transcriptionists prefer to be contacted by e-mail instead of by phone to reduce interruptions while they are transcribing; however, they must be willing and able to respond to clients’ e-mails within minutes or at least within the next hour or two during operating hours.
• Meet deadlines consistently. Transcriptionists who more often than not miss your deadline do not deserve to keep you as a client. Emergencies do happen, but your transcriptionist should be willing and able to meet the deadline you agreed upon and inform you well ahead of time if he/she will be unable to make the deadline. Always leave yourself at least a 24-hour “window” of time between the deadline you agreed upon and the actual time you need the transcript returned.

If you keep these things in mind when searching for a transcriber, you’ll be able to form a long-lasting relationship with an exceptional transcriptionist who will make converting your audio or video files to text an easy and painless experience.

Contact OmegaTranscripts.com today to order audio or video transcription services.