Spelling

Unsure how to spell something?

For words or phrases you can hear but are unsure of how to spell even after researching (usually proper nouns or names):

• Do your best to phonetically spell it out in red font (true red, not dark red)
• Never insert [sic]
• Do not use italics or brackets
• Time stamp the word the first time it is used/heard:

word 00:00

• Every time thereafter, use only the word:

word

S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G out words

If a speaker spells out a word or a name, capitalize the letters and separate each letter with a hyphen.

Interviewer:                What’s your name and how do you spell it?

Interviewee:               My name is Susan, S as in Sam, U-S-A-N

Legal or academic terms

If a speaker uses a legal or academic term that is Latin or in another language, please italicize the word. Color in red if you aren’t sure of the spelling.

Interviewer:                What do you think of pets such as dogs, cats, birds, et cetera?

Profanity or "curse" words

Please spell out any profanity or curse words in the transcript. No redacting or encrypting is necessary unless specifically instructed.

The word "Et cetera"

The word et cetera always has to be italicized.