Are you planning to send out recorded material for transcription? Keep these three things in mind to ensure you get the best results:

Decide the level of detail required

Do you want every word transcribed? Would you like some parts to be edited out – like speech habits, repetitions and incomplete sentences? Think over the editing requirements to avoid re-work on the transcript later.

The level of detail also affects turnaround time and cost. Read about transcription styles here.

Assess the accents involved

Does your recording have speakers with different accents? Accents can take 2-3 times longer to transcribe. Some accents require highly experienced transcribers and sometimes even native speakers to ensure accuracy.

Check if your transcription service has experience working with the accents that are there on your recording.

Consider the complexity of content

If your recording involves technical terminology like names of software programs, medical procedures, etc., decide if you need the terms spelled correctly in the transcript.

This  is not so important if you plan to edit the transcript yourself, but it’s crucial if you’re looking for a print-ready document that’s error-free. Many transcription companies use online research for checking spellings, this is a good method.

However, if your audio involves very complex terminology, it’s a good idea to hire a service that’s experienced in working with your subject. For e.g., choose transcription firm that specializes in medical transcription for medical recordings.

There are several other factors that go into planning a transcription project. You can find more information here.