FAQ - Guidelines for proof listeners

2. What to look for when proof listening

Listen to the book while reading along in the manuscript.
Write down all mistakes and corrections along the way in the Swann Studio proof listening form.
Make sure to note down timestamps corresponding to the time in the RAW files and check the boxes if the correction is to the narrator or the engineer.
Make sure intro and outro narration is correct using the publisher’s narration guide as reference.
Use the manuscript as reference to make sure that beginning and ending of each file fit together.
Narration mistakes such as faulty words, mispronunciations, chopped words and missing sentences.
Please also mark down if the narrator takes long unnecessary pauses that does not fit the flow or engagement of the story or if there are any editing mistakes such as double-breathings, bumps, clicks, unwanted bakground noises, distorted audio or change in audio quality.
Make sure all chapters are present in the recording and the narrator reads the chapters consistently.
This should all be noted with correct time stamps and if audio is missing or you find a lot of audiorelated mistakes, please contact Swann Studio.

1. Folder structure of your assignment

The file exchange goes through our FTP server. You will receive a login from us. If you don’t have a server client, you can download the Filezilla server client here: https://filezilla-project.org/
On the server you will find your assignmentfolder under new assignments in the folder Proofing.
The primary assignment folder contains the manuscript and narration guide. Furthermore you will find to folders - one with the name of the audiobook and one with the name of the audiobook ending with RAW. In the folder ending with RAW you will find all the raw audio files - use these files to proof listen the audiobook.
You will find the template for the proof listening form as the last file in the primary folder on the server.
You may also see to other files - one named metadata.txt and an image file with the cover. Please don’t move these files as they need to remain in the folders you find them.

3. When proof listening is done

Make sure files are named correctly and are in the correct order when delivering an assignment.
Please upload the proof listening form on the server in your assignment folder found in Proof listening form.
The Trello app contains boards, lanes, and cards. In our setup, the boards contain all assignments for proof listeners. The lanes represent types of tasks, and each proof listener has a personal lane.
An assignment is represented as a card. The cards are moved between lanes, depending on their progress. It is possible to tag members of Swann in a comment on each card, by typing @[name].
Each proof listener has a personal lane. When working on assignments, the assignments/cards are placed in the proof listener’s lane. Each card contains the name of the audiobook, publisher imprint and language.
When the proof listening of an audiobook is done, and the proof listening form is uploaded to the server, move the card to this lane. Tag the person who gave you the assignment in the comments, to notify that the proof is done.
The timeframe of each assignment depends on the length of the book and the type of assignment. Deadlines for delivery are agreed upon for each specific project.
We only accept payment by invoice. Send invoices to invoice@swann-studio.com on the first day of the month containing the work done that month. Payment terms: 30 days net.
The invoice needs to contain audiobook titles, playing time, and salary for the assignments.
When sending and invoice, register the playing time of the finished audiobook, and not the playing time the of original files.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Maria Knauss mk@swann-studio.com or Helle Cramer Krogsøe hck@swann-studio.com