Looking for Audio Transcription work

[Squina1]

Hi,

I need some advice. I have a wealth of experience in audio typing, having completed various oral history projects for many of the major hospitals in London. Unfortunately, after 8 years the work has dried up so I am now looking for more work (my fourth child will be increasing his nursery hours as of Monday so I will have a lot more time on my hands). I have set up a very basic website, but that's as far as I've got. Would you recommend registering with an already existing transcription website or try and gain my own customers? If the latter then what is the best way to go about it? I'm not too sure where to start. My typing speed is 90wpm and I have a 2:1 degree.

You say the market has dried up - so why do you think the work will exist outside of the archaic world of the NHS?

With voice recognition software I just don't think there is much of a market anymore - although obviously your market research will give you a yay or a nay.

If you're smart and proactive, would being a VA suit?

The quickest way to get work is to apply to existing transcription companies. I did this a few months ago and obtained contracts with two companies. It is not very well paid however. Getting your own clients However will obviously lead to much better financial returns.

There is still work available - voice recognition is still not accurate enough to replace human transcribers.

Thanks. I agree icedtea - I have tested the voice recognition software and it is still very poor and doesn't punctuate, so proofreading can take more time than just typing it yourself.

The particular area of oral history I was working on has dried up, but other areas of audio work are still being advertised. It's just knowing the websites to trust and what rates of pay to expect (they seem to vary enormously). I was being paid very well previously and it does appear that unless you acquire the work yourself the rates of pay are quite poor in comparison. I certainly haven't ruled out being a VA.

I am going to email some companies today (councils, police, surgeries, etc) and see what happens. Fingers crossed!