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Author Topic: Has anyone used a transcription service?  (Read 922 times)

Offline TraceyABennett

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Has anyone used a transcription service?
« on: Saturday 13 April 13 08:57 BST (UK) »
I've come across an old 17th C document which I've copied but don't have a hope of deciphering! I've done a few wills from the same era but this document is in another league, I just can't make it out at all.

I've been thinking of paying to have it done professionally but don't know where to start. Has anyone done this? How much did it cost? I've seen an hourly rate of £20 but I don't know how long it may take. Any tips on how to make sure a pick a reputable company?

Offline lizci

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Re: Has anyone used a transcription service?
« Reply #1 on: Saturday 13 April 13 11:43 BST (UK) »
Go to the Association of Professional Genealogists website http://www.apgen.org - all members work to a Code of Ethics which you can read on the website.  You'll be able to do a search for someone who does transcriptions, and in whatever geographic area you want, eg UK/England/Scotland/Australia/USA etc etc.  They should give you a quote for the work .. you can get in touch with more than one person if you want, to compare what they're offering.    (I'm a member of the APG but I don't do "Secretary Hand", if that's what your document's in.  However there are people well qualified to do transcriptions like this.)

Lizci
Gilchrist, Twaddle, Jamieson - LANARKSHIRE; Moffat, Irving - DUMFRIESSHIRE; Ninian - FIFE/EDINBURGH/DUNDEE; Campbell - ARGYLL; Johnston - BERWICKSHIRE/ROXBURGHSHIRE/LANARKSHIRE; Swanston - BERWICKSHIRE; Pirie - ABERDEENSHIRE; Cameron - FORFARSHIRE/ABERDEENSHIRE; Alexander - FORFARSHIRE; Taylor - LANCASHIRE; Dee, Rudd, Vasseur - LONDON; Johnson, Wooding, Linger - BEDFORDSHIRE; Simmons, Lane - DEVON.

Offline Treetotal

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Re: Has anyone used a transcription service?
« Reply #2 on: Saturday 13 April 13 12:49 BST (UK) »
CAPES Hull. KIRK  Leeds, Hull. JONES  Wales,  Lancashire. CARROLL Ireland, Lancashire, U.S.A. BROUGHTON Leicester, Goole, Hull BORRILL  Lincolnshire, Durham, Hull. GROOM  Wishbech, Hull. ANTHONY St. John's Nfld. BUCKNALL Lincolnshire, Hull. BUTT Harbour Grace, Newfoundland. PARSONS  Western Bay, Newfoundland. MONAGHAN  Ireland, U.S.A. PERRY Cheshire, Liverpool.
 
RESTORERS:PLEASE DO NOT USE MY RESTORES WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION - THANK YOU

Offline TraceyABennett

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Re: Has anyone used a transcription service?
« Reply #3 on: Saturday 13 April 13 12:55 BST (UK) »
That's great, thanks for the replies. Lizci, talking of the geographical area, the document was written in Cheshire, do you think someone who specialises in 'England' will be sufficient or would I need someone who's familiar with that region?

Offline TraceyABennett

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Re: Has anyone used a transcription service?
« Reply #4 on: Saturday 13 April 13 13:05 BST (UK) »
I should also add, I've no idea if it's in secretary hand or not!

Offline lizci

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Re: Has anyone used a transcription service?
« Reply #5 on: Saturday 13 April 13 13:35 BST (UK) »
You just need someone who's familiar with English documents - legal documents tend to be of a standard style, layout and wording.

Have a look at this website http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/palaeography/ for an idea of the different types of old handwriting.  The Interactive Tutorial gives a number of examples.

Lizci
Gilchrist, Twaddle, Jamieson - LANARKSHIRE; Moffat, Irving - DUMFRIESSHIRE; Ninian - FIFE/EDINBURGH/DUNDEE; Campbell - ARGYLL; Johnston - BERWICKSHIRE/ROXBURGHSHIRE/LANARKSHIRE; Swanston - BERWICKSHIRE; Pirie - ABERDEENSHIRE; Cameron - FORFARSHIRE/ABERDEENSHIRE; Alexander - FORFARSHIRE; Taylor - LANCASHIRE; Dee, Rudd, Vasseur - LONDON; Johnson, Wooding, Linger - BEDFORDSHIRE; Simmons, Lane - DEVON.

Offline TraceyABennett

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Re: Has anyone used a transcription service?
« Reply #6 on: Saturday 13 April 13 15:00 BST (UK) »
That's great, thanks again.  :)

Offline Alexander.

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Re: Has anyone used a transcription service?
« Reply #7 on: Saturday 13 April 13 16:33 BST (UK) »
I might not be as quick or experienced as a professional transcriber but I would be willing to have a go at transcribing it (free of charge of course). PM me to let me know. :)

Alexander

Offline TraceyABennett

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Re: Has anyone used a transcription service?
« Reply #8 on: Saturday 13 April 13 16:38 BST (UK) »
That's a very kind offer, thank you. I will warn you though, it looks pretty tough! I'll PM you.
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