Posted by Alice on August 25, 2000 at 15:02:42:
In Reply to: Back to transcription ratio posted by Sandy on August 25, 2000 at 13:43:18:
Sandy - No, I don't think you're slow or anything - if the quality is not good and there is obviously a lot of dialog to get down on paper - that's what the client is paying you for.
I would suggest completing one tape, proofing, printing, etc. Then I would contact your client and let him know what's up. Only you can decide how much your time is worth. I would hate to have you finish this job and then have the client balk at your charges.
You might suggest to the client that you will spell-check the document but not proof-read. This will save some time. Also, if you can Email the client the finished document, you can shave off some time with printing (and also your costs for paper and toner, etc.).
I did a job last year for an author where I ultimately transcribed close to 100 tapes. I did this job for about six months, in between other work. I quoted the client 4 to 6 times the length of tape - four or six hours for a one-hour tape. When the first tape took longer than I expected, I stopped and emailed my client, informing him of this info. Then I Emailed him the completed document to show the quality of the transcription, etc. He was happy to pay whatever it took per tape - some tapes were shorter, and some were definitely longer.
Hope this helps - hang in there!
Alice