How to improve transcription skills

[wilke041]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I was wondering if any of you knew of resources (books or websites) I could use in order to improve my transcription skills. I feel this could be a big money maker for my business and I've been approached by a business to subcontract for them.

Thanks in advance.

[marnz_06]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I was wondering if any of you knew of resources (books or websites) I could use in order to improve my transcription skills. I feel this could be a big money maker for my business and I've been approached by a business to subcontract for them.

Thanks in advance.

It really depends on what kind of transcrption genre you are into as there are a couple of variety...however, I am guessing you're into business transcription (interviews, podcasts and the likes). I myself is a transcriptionist but I specialize in medical ones. As a mentor for transcription in general, I always tell my students that practice makes things perfect as, in fact most of them opt more into business transcription as it is less technical.

For medical transcriptionist, the book we use is AMMT guidelines. Speaking of transcription in general that could also be your guide as well. Specially for rules of transcription.

[wilke041]

Thank you for responding. Yes, I would be doing business or general transcription. Where would be a good place to practice? I don't feel comfortable practicing transcription by doing work for this other company. Since I may not be as polished as some of their other subcontractors, it could cost me future assignments.

[marnz_06]

Hmm let me see if your doing interviews and/or podcast likely it would be an easy one..e unlike medical. As if you're writing a script...have to put on noise background, claping, laughing, well depending on what you have agreed upon. ALso for contractions, you should be left out as is never expand as you're paid per hour.

It really depends on you how you feel about transcription. I can share you the e-book I don't know how but I think you can PM me...

[marnz_06]

Hi,

I just can't PM you yet need a few posts more for this Anyway, I'll give it for free but don't know how

[UKVAS]

You should be able to PM now Marnz_06 now you have 26 posts

Can you PM me it too please.

Many thanks x

Sharen

[Kerans VA]

There are two websites that might be of use for practicing transcription. One is Stenospeed which allows you to download audio files and practice and the second one is Listen and Write, which allows you to listen to news and practice your transcribing skills at the same time.

You can also listen to podcasts and practice transcribing that way.

Good luck!

[wilke041]

That's great advice Kate, thanks! Thanks in advance Marnz for the ebook.

[Marian]

A site that I have used for transcription is for CastingWords through Mechanical Turk. It's great practice, and they pay, too...just not very much. Of course, I didn't do it for the pay, but the practice. They are 100% legit and I've been transcribing for them for years now. Any money you earn can go toward an Amazon gift certificate account or transferred to your bank through Amazon Payments.

If you work for them, be VERY sure to read through their style guide and get it right the first time. Others will grade you according to that guide and it will have an impact on how much you earn, if you care about that. But if you're wanting to improve your transcription skills, then I assume you care.

Additionally, I HIGHLY suggest the use of Express Scribe software. It's free software and I use it constantly. Some people use the foot pedal, but I just use the keyboard shortcuts. And of course, a really high quality headset is essential for accurate transcription. It can make all the difference when you are trying to decipher words.

(PS--This is my first post here so I hope I'm not breaking any terms by mentioning those sites and software. I consider them to be tools of the trade and find them very valuable, especially the free software part.)

[wilke041]

Thanks Marian! I already have Express Scribe and it works great for me. I will check out CastingWords through Mechanical Turk. Thanks again for everyone's advice.