How it Works
A well-proofed transcript is accurate, consistent, and easy to read. My process ensures that every detail is carefully reviewed, so you can deliver a transcript you feel confident in.
The Proofreading Process
Proofreading is so much more than catching typos. It ensures the accuracy, clarity, and readability of your transcript. I carefully review each document for errors, formatting issues, and inconsistencies that impact readability. Below are some of the key areas I focus on during the proofreading process.
Speaker Identification
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Confirming text is attributed to the correct speaker
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Verifying correct speaker ID formatting in examinations and colloquy
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Ensuring proper and consistent use of honorifics
Formatting
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Verifying correct layout and formatting of the Appearances page
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Confirming formatting meets jurisdictional requirements
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Reviewing bylines, colloquy, Q&A, and parentheticals for correct formatting
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Assessing index formatting to ensure accuracy, consistency, and correct numbering
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Ensuring proper text justification for readability
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Identifying and correcting spacing inconsistencies
Omissions
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Detecting and flagging skipped or missing words
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Identifying dropped articles
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Catching omitted prefixes and suffixes
Transpositions
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Confirming text is attributed to the correct speaker
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Verifying correct speaker ID formatting in examinations and colloquy
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Ensuring proper and consistent use of honorifics
Inconsistencies
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Evaluating for consistent capitalization, punctuation, and formatting
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Reviewing for consistency in conventions and spellings
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Ensuring consistency in terminology & style
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Verifying consistency in names, numbers, and exhibits
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Flagging questionable areas and potential inconsistencies
Spelling
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Checking general spelling
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Identifying commonly misspelled words and terms
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Verifying proper names and locations
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Ensuring accurate spelling of legal, medical, and technical terminology
Punctuation
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Checking for proper use of dashes, hyphens, slashes, commas, periods, semicolons, and colons
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Ensuring proper punctuation in quotations and nested quotations
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Confirming correct punctuation in serial and echo questions
Homophone
Errors
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Identifying incorrect words (homophones & near homophones)
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Reviewing for commonly misused words (ensure/insure, effect/affect, perspective/prospective, etc.)
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Catching misheard or mispronounced words
Quality
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Ensuring clarity and readability
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Maintaining consistency in terminology & style
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Recognizing transcription errors vs. poor grammar
Research
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Checking all proper nouns and name spellings
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Confirming attorneys' names, firms, and contact information
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Ensuring correct dates and exhibit numbering
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Verifying legal, medical, and technical terminology
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Cross-checking brand vs. generic drug names
Reference Materials
I rely on these trusted references to help maintain accuracy and consistency in every transcript:
Merriam-Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
(Online)
The Gregg Reference Manual, Tribute (11th) Edition
(W.A. Sabin)
Court Reporting: Bad Grammar/Good Punctuation
(M. Wakeman Wells)
Wick's Punctuation Rules for Court Reporters
(K. Wick)
National Court Reporters Association Guidelines
The Associated Press Stylebook