Our policy is to keep procedures uncomplicated, customer friendly and transparent. To that end we have not produced endless web pages presenting information which may or may not be of use to you. We make the basic assumptions that you want the work done accurately, efficiently, economically and according to your specifications.
Types of work undertaken
Transcription from audio digital files - any format:
for academic institutions and businesses - interviews, orals, lectures, symposia, conferences, focus group sessions …
Word processing:
for authors – manuscripts, articles…
students – theses, dissertations…
businesses – reports, presentations…
In other words, if it is in hard copy form or digitally recorded it can be transcribed.
Literal, semi-literal and edited transcripts
These categories refer to degree of compliance that the client requires the transcript to have to the original audio recordings. 'Literal' refers to the reproduction of "oh”, “ah”, “you know”, “I mean” etc, including coughs, laughter, pauses and so on. It can also include commentary (following the clients’ conventions) such as ‘speech slower, louder, quieter…' etc as well as inclusions indicating the emotional tenor of the interview eg. ‘nervously’, ‘happily’ and so on. 'Edited' transcript refers to the case where the client only requires the substance or content of the interview to be reproduced and therefore does not need reference to the above. 'Semi-edited' lies at some point between these two and reflects the specifications of the client.
Rates
These will be dependent on a number of factors. However as a rough guideline we set our prices to an equivalence of £15 per hour of our time. Therefore the key elements in determining the cost to the customer will be those which increase or decrease the amount of time involved in carrying out the assignments (see Factors). A more detailed estimate will be provided subsequent to receipt of the form (see Estimate page).
Confidentiality
We understand the importance of confidentiality to our customers. Digital file transfer is encrypted and suitable for legal, medical and other documents. No information will be disclosed to third parties (subject to legal requirements) and we are aware of and comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. All files will be deleted subsequent to clearance of payment.
We are quite prepared to sign confidentiality agreements as presented by the client.
Clients: past and present
London University: Kings College, LSE, UCL, Queen Mary, Goldsmiths, Institute of Education, Birkbeck, SOAS, Institute of Historical Research
Brunel University
City University
Terms
An invoice will be presented at the completion of each piece of work (unless otherwise agreed).
Payment is due within one calendar month from the date of the invoice unless otherwise stated (payment methods indicated in invoice - by bank transfer or cheque).
Variation in charges will occur where the terms on which the work is submitted to us, or the content, or both, are substantially different from that indicated in the preliminary description. In these instances the clients will be notified of the amended charges and their written consent required before any work is carried out.
The client is encouraged to examine any completed work prior to payment to ensure that it meets the required specifications; any errors that are our responsibility will be corrected free of charge but only prior to payment. Otherwise the remainder remains the responsibility of the client.
All material is scanned for viruses before receipt or despatch.
Contact details: see Procedure