Manuscript vs. Transcript: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A manuscript is an original written or typewritten work, while a transcript is a written or typed copy of spoken words.
Key Differences
A manuscript is typically an author's original work, written by hand or typed, often unpublished. A transcript, conversely, is a written record of spoken words, such as from an interview or speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Manuscripts are used in literary and academic contexts, representing the initial form of literary works, research papers, or books. Transcripts are commonly used in legal, academic, and media settings to document spoken dialogue or proceedings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
In the context of historical documents, a manuscript refers to documents written by hand before the age of printing. In contrast, a transcript in historical contexts usually involves the transcription of historical speeches, recordings, or oral testimonies.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Manuscripts can include drafts, personal letters, or original compositions in music or literature. Transcripts, however, are more about conversion from spoken to written form, including court transcripts, interview records, or captioning for videos.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
The value of a manuscript often lies in its originality and authenticity as a primary source. The importance of a transcript is in its accuracy in representing the spoken word, crucial for records, accessibility, or translations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Original written or typed work
Written or typed copy of spoken words
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Typical Use
Literary works, research, personal writings
Legal records, academic notes, media
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Historical Context
Handwritten documents pre-printing era
Transcriptions of historical speeches
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Nature of Content
Original compositions, drafts
Accurate representation of spoken dialogue
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Manuscript and Transcript Definitions
Manuscript
An author's original written or typed work.
The manuscript of her novel was submitted to the publisher.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Transcript
A written record of spoken words.
The court's transcript captured every word of the trial.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Manuscript
A document written by hand, especially historically.
The medieval manuscript was carefully preserved in the museum.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Transcript
An academic record detailing a student's courses and grades.
His college transcript showed excellent grades.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Manuscript
A text prepared for publication or presentation.
The research paper's manuscript was peer-reviewed before publication.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Transcript
A typed or printed version of a speech or broadcast.
Journalists received a transcript of the press conference.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Manuscript
A handwritten book, poem, or other document, or a collection of such handwritten documents bound together
The contents of the manuscript include a romance and a saint's life.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Transcript
Something transcribed, especially a written, typewritten, or printed copy
The transcript of court testimony.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Manuscript
A version of a book, article, or other work before being published or prepared for publication
The author submitted the manuscript as a text file.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Transcript
A record of a student's academic performance issued by an institution of learning.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Manuscript
Handwriting, especially in contrast to print
Her last poems were left in manuscript.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Manuscript
Handwritten, or by extension manually typewritten, as opposed to being mechanically reproduced.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Transcript
Something which has been transcribed; a writing or composition consisting of the same words as the original; a written copy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Manuscript
A book, composition or any other document, written by hand (or manually typewritten), not mechanically reproduced.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Manuscript
A single, original copy of a book, article, composition etc, written by hand or even printed, submitted as original for (copy-editing and) reproductive publication.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Transcript
A written version of what was said orally
The transcript of a trial
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Manuscript
Written with or by the hand; not printed; as, a manuscript volume.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Manuscript
An original literary or musical composition written by the author, formerly with the hand, now usually by typewriter or word processor. It is contrasted with a printed copy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Transcript
(education) An inventory of the courses taken and grades earned of a student alleged throughout a course.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Manuscript
Writing, as opposed to print; as, the book exists only in manuscript.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Transcript
That which has been transcribed; a writing or composition consisting of the same words as the original; a written copy.
The decalogue of Moses was but a transcript.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Transcript
A copy of any kind; an imitation.
The Grecian learning was but a transcript of the Chaldean and Egyptian.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Manuscript
A draft version of a book, article, or music composition.
The composer's original manuscript was full of annotations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Transcript
A written version of what was said orally; as, a transcript of a trial.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Manuscript
Any written or typed document, especially an author's work.
He discovered an unpublished manuscript in the attic.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Transcript
Something that has been transcribed; a written record (usually typewritten) of dictated or recorded speech;
He read a transcript of the interrogation
You can obtain a transcript of this radio program by sending a self-addressed envelope to the station
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Transcript
A reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Transcript
A document transcribing recorded speech.
She read the transcript of the president's speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Transcript
Transcription of audio or video content.
The movie's transcript was used for subtitling in different languages.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is a manuscript always handwritten?
Historically, yes, but now it can also be typewritten.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Are manuscripts only for books?
No, they can be for any written work, including music and research.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Can a transcript be used in court?
Yes, court transcripts are vital legal documents.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Do manuscripts have historical value?
Often, especially if they're old or from notable figures.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Is a transcript the same as subtitles?
Subtitles are a form of transcription for video content.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Is a draft of a novel a manuscript?
Yes, any version of the author's original work is a manuscript.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Can a manuscript be revised?
Yes, revisions are often part of the writing process.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Do manuscripts include illustrations?
They can, particularly in works like illustrated books.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Can a transcript be edited?
For clarity, yes, but without altering the meaning.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Are transcripts confidential?
They can be, depending on their nature and use.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Can anyone make a transcript?
Yes, but accuracy is key, especially for official records.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Can a manuscript be digital?
Yes, in modern contexts, digital manuscripts are common.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Do transcripts include non-verbal cues?
Not typically, unless specifically noted.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Are transcripts admissible as evidence?
Yes, in legal settings, they are often crucial.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Is a manuscript a final product?
Not usually; it often undergoes editing before publication.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Are transcripts used in journalism?
Yes, for documenting interviews and speeches.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
