Any freelance audio typists around?

[OnTheFerry]

Morning!

As the title suggests - are there any freelance audio typists around? Specifically NOT working for Dict8 (I can't work for them as no medical sec experience).

I'm thinking of leaving my stressful NHS job to do freelance audio typing, but I'm not sure I can actually make a decent wage from it. I am experienced and have been offered some work with different companies, one at 0.45p per audio minute and one at 0.70p (waiting to hear back from other organisations).

My typing speed is decent and I think I could probably do 2-3 hours of audio per day (aiming to work 6 hour days roughly).

Am I being unrealistic here? Does anyone do this and if so would you mind sharing how much you tend to make per month on average? Is it possible to make a living solely from typing or would I need to do more general secretary stuff too?

Thanks so much in advance!

[happyinherts]

I've been a transcriber for 30 years, now freelance and charge around £1.00 per minute. In the commercial field, the industry has generally been hit by AI, especially for You Tube transcription, business interviews, etc.

With medical and legal there's more of a need (AI isn't perfect), but you need a regular source of work to make it worth while, and good clear audio recordings otherwise you'll be pulling your hair out. If you're trying to look after little ones while working at home, you really will be frazzled.

One hour of audio recording generally takes around 3 to 4 hours to type. So, if for a 60 minute recording at 45p makes you £27 and it takes you 4 hours, you'll earn less than £7 per hour. From there, you can probably work out how much you're likely to earn and whether it's worth it.

[OnTheFerry]

Thanks so much @happyinherts , that's really helpful!

[happyinherts]

PS. I'm on a freelance site and the transcription work has dried up - probably due to AI, so I've had to branch out into editing, and report writing.

A lot of medical recordings are dictated with background noise, which does amplify and hurt your ears. A spoon being put on a saucer in a coffee shop makes more of a din that you realise when amplified and played back through headphones. People also tend to dictate, change their mind, stutter with sentences - I've done medical transcription where consultants are interrupted, talk quickly, mutter through drug names.

It's not for the faint hearted, I'll tell you that. I'm sure you'll get replies from people using Dict8 though.

[Cuffelinks]

@happyinherts hi, just wondering how did you branch out into editing and report writing? Thanks for the information above too :)

[happyinherts]

@Cuffelinks - Just by pitching on online freelance website (Peopleperhour, Upwork) etc. Talking the talk, if you like! Mind you, none of these sites are as lucrative now. AI has taken over the new things. I've built up a client base of individuals who do prefer a more 'human' approach, so I guess I've been lucky.

LinkedIn may provide you with audio transcription agencies who are recruiting, and other roles which may be suitable too. Good luck.