By :

Colleen Jil io-Ryan

HOW PROOFREADING

TRANSCRIPTS WILL BENEFIT

COURT REPORTERS

Court reporters can build their reputations by making sure that

transcripts are proofread before submitting them to attorneys

and other entities.

While some court reporters do their own proofreading, others do

not have the time hire proofreaders.

Check out some facts to pursue a successful career in

proofreading legal transcripts:

A court reporter is someone hired by an attorney to record

a deposition or other type of legal meeting.

The reporter delivers a transcript of the meeting, which may be

from recordings or a steno machine .

Court reporters use dif ferent types of computer-aided

transcription (CAT) software to help document events.

In order to make sure the transcript is free of errors, the court

reporter hires a proofreader.

WHO IS A COURT REPORTER?

Getting a job as a proofreader is quite dif ficult since many people do not

take the time to pay close attention to detail .

The proofreader is the final line of defense for quality control and must

be extremely accurate.

HOW TO BECOME A PROOFREADER?

If you have a flexible working schedule and have mastered

the skills, you can approach court reporters and offer your

freelance proofreading services.

The job of proofreading is not for everyone. A person who likes to

spot errors and look for inconsistencies makes a good proofreader.

The job requires knowledge of advanced grammar and spelling. It

also requires a long attention span.

Most of the transcripts you will read involve topics that are not very

exciting, such as worker’s compensation and court hearings.

You need to devote your concentration to the material and

occasionally take breaks so that you do not lose interest.

SKILLS REQUIRED TO BECOME A PROOFREADER

Proofreading for court reporters can lead to multiple freelance income streams.It is common for a proofreader to earn anywhere from 35 to 65 cents perdouble-spaced page of 25 lines.

The earnings potential of such terms can be $35 to $65 per hour, depending onyour speed reading skills and the type of transcript . Some jobs that have quickturnaround times may pay more.

There are other ways for proofreaders to increase their earnings. You can chargemore if the transcript uses a lot of medical terminology, which requires moreeffort to read carefully. Expedited transcripts will also bring in more money forthe proofreader.

The easiest jobs involve reviewing workers’ compensation transcripts that onlyneed quick yes and no answers. A proofreader can realistically earn $3,000 permonth part-time working 20-25 hours per week. It ’s also possible to earn up to$5,000 working 40 hours per week.

POTENTIAL EARNINGS OF A PROOFREADER

It’s important to be fair when billing reporters. There are times when youshould not bill the reporter for an expedite transcript, especially if it were for aquick workers’ compensation deposition.

Such a consideration will help build a solid relationship with a court reporter,who may have access to a pool of many different proofreaders to choose from.

Billing your reporters can be done with an Excel spreadsheet for every transcript you read.

Each invoice should include the following details:

Date you proofread the transcript

A job or transcript number

A transcript summary or name of deponent

Number read transcript pages, rate charged

Total amount due

WHAT SHOULD BE THE PROCEDURE TO BILL

REPORTERS?

I . You can print out a complete transcript, and read the text, using a pen for

corrections. You would then scan the transcript with your corrections, and

email it back to the court reporter.

II . Another method is to proofread the text directly on your computer while

typing corrections into a Word document or email.

III . The third and preferred method involves using an iPad and the iAnnotate

app. This app allows you to open PDF files directly from email. It also allows

you to create your own toolbox and stamps to help speed up the process.

3 USEFUL PROOFREADING TIPS

Working as a freelance proofreader does require patience and a competitive

spirit.

The best way to build a career as a proofreader is to work with multiple clients

and to serve them with high efficiency and reliability.

You will be valuable to reporters if you’re always available to help

them expedite transcripts.

HOW TO MAKE A CAREER OUT OF PROOFREADING

Proofreading legal transcripts can be a lucrative

career for individuals who want to work at home,

which allows you to create your own work

schedule.

FOR ALL TYPE OF COURT REPORTING SERVICES:

DEPOSITION SERVICES

VIDEO SERVICES

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