I recognize the training, dedication, and financial commitment it took to become an excellent court reporter. I also take very seriously the fact that your name and reputation accompany every transcript you produce.
I also understand that the court reporting community is relatively small, so my reputation relies on protecting yours.
STEP 1: Check My Availability
Contact me to make sure I am available to proofread for you. Let me know the type of testimony, the number of pages, and the turnaround time you need. The last thing either of us wants is for me to not get a job back to you by deadline.
STEP 2: I’ll Respond Promptly
I will reply to your inquiry and confirm the number of pages, the turnaround time, and my rate for the job.
If I don’t have a completed Court Reporter Preferences (PDF – 151 KB) form on file, I will ask you to complete that before we proceed, because style preferences vary greatly among court reporters.
Note: The linked Court Reporter Preferences file is a fillable form, BUT you need to save it to your computer and open it in Acrobat Reader for that to work. Merely viewing it in your browser will not allow you to fill it out. I can also email you the form—just let me know using the Get In Touch form at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, you can fill out the Google Forms version for your preferences.
STEP 3: Send Me the File
I proofread PDF transcripts using an iPad and iAnnotate. Transcripts received as PDFs allow me to make suggestions directly onto the pages and lines where they apply. [Annotated page example (PDF)] No errata sheet means my eyes never leave the page, and I can stay focused on your transcript.
If you need a way to convert files to PDF, I recommend the free CutePDF Writer.
If the job is large, please send it in 40- to 50-page chunks. That way we can both be working on the job at the same time.
I can also accept .txt and .doc(x) files in a pinch.
STEP 4: I’ll Confirm That I Received the File Intact
I will let you know that I have received the file and confirm, again, your required turnaround time. The turnaround clock will start when I receive the file. If I receive the file after 8:00 P.M. central time or on Sunday, the job will be “clocked in” at 8:00 A.M. the following workday.
STEP 5: I’ll Begin Proofreading
I’ll get to work reading your transcript. I’ll look for
- Misspellings
- Incorrect words (homophones & near homophones)
- Incorrect names and dates
- Generic vs. Brand name drugs and products
- Consistent use of terminology & style
- Correct punctuation (hyphens, apostrophes, plurals)
- Missing or transposed words
- Spacing issues
- Readability
I will contact you via email (or text message, if you prefer) if questions arise. As we continue working together, I’ll learn your writing style and will need to ask fewer questions.
STEP 6: I’ll Return the Corrections
I will return the corrected transcript by the agreed-upon deadline. I will send only the pages with corrections, with all suggestions clearly marked.
For you, getting back only annotated pages means less time spent reviewing my suggestions and making changes.
STEP 7: Provide Feedback
After you receive the corrected transcript, please follow up with any questions or feedback. I value your feedback and will use it to provide an even better experience for you next time!
STEP 8: I’ll Send an Invoice
If this is the first time we’ve worked together, I will send you the invoice for my services immediately after returning the corrected transcript. If you are an established client, I will send you an invoice on the 1st and 15th of each month.