Comments on: General Transcription 101 eBook on Sale for $14.99!

By: Leah

Leah — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:27:24 +0000

Will do! Thank you!

By: Tara Kuczykowski

Tara Kuczykowski — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:44:10 +0000

Leah, I'm not really sure what the status is on the industry these days since it's been a couple of years since I've done it. However, I'd suggest that you check out workplacelikehome.com and wahm.com -- both have transcription folders that I think you'll find useful!

By: Leah

Leah — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:38:48 +0000

Tarah, I noticed you no longer work as a transcriptionist. Is it still a career you'd recommend for others? I'm concerned about the job market in today's economy

By: Lisa J.

Lisa J. — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:44:05 +0000

Oh no! I thought the deal on the package ran through the end of the month, not the 20th. Argh! I'll keep an eye out for your next special! :)

By: Tara Kuczykowski

Tara Kuczykowski — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:36:08 +0000

Karen, I'd say you could earn approximately $12 to $15 per hour with your scenario with increasing opportunities as your skills increase.

By: Karen Rone

Karen Rone — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:12:59 +0000

What kind of income can one expect to earn from doing transcription work if the hours you work are the hours that the kids are in school and if you are at least average on job performance?

By: Tara Kuczykowski

Tara Kuczykowski — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:05:49 +0000

Kate, the book has not been updated since the first edition other than to fix broken links; however we still feel it's an excellent representation of the industry.

Here are the table of contents from the general ebook:

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Is Transcription Right for You? 5
Who We Are 5
Why General Transcription? 5
Skills Needed 6
Expected Earnings 7
Benefits – Why Transcription? 8
Chapter 2 Hardware and Software To Get You Started 10
High-Speed Internet 10
Hardware 10
Earphones 10
Pedal 11
Word Processors 11
Express Scribe 11
TheRecord Player 12
Ergonomics 13
Back, Neck and Shoulders 13
Wrists 14
Eyes 14
Chapter 3 Translating the Spoken Word into Grammatically Correct Transcripts 15
Grammar Basics 15
Eliminating Run-On Sentences 15
Hyphenating Compound Modifiers 16
Choosing Between Homophones 16
Punctuating Quotes 17
Chapter 4 Researching for Accurate Transcripts 18
Search Engine Basics 18
Refining Your Search 18
More Research Resources 19
Research Beyond Search Engines 19
Researching Specific Industries 19
Chapter 5 Practice Makes Perfect 20
Style Differences 20
Inaudible and Phonetic Words 21
Finding Practice Audio Online 21
Transcribing with Express Scribe 21
Chapter 6 Cover Letters and Résumés – Your First Impression 23
Cover Letters 23
Résumés 24
Chapter 7 Finding Work – The People That Pay 26
Pay Rates 26
Guru/Elance/Craigslist 27
Contracting with Transcription Companies 27
Finding Your Own Clients 28
Chapter 8 The Keys to Successfully Working At Home 29
Your Workspace 29
Staying on Task 29
Working At Home with Small Children 30
Taxes for Independent Contractors 31
Chapter 9 Increasing Productivity – Work Smarter, Not Harder 32
Intro to Text Expanders 32
Systems for Creating Shortcuts 32
Using Autocorrect to Your Advantage 34
Microsoft Shortcuts 35
Chapter 10 Making It Happen 36
Action Checklist 36
Appendix I – Grammar Resources 37
Online Resources 37
Printed Resources 37
Appendix II – Industry-Specific Terminology and Glossaries 38
Appendix III – Sample Résumé 39
Appendix IV – Transcription Companies 40
About the Authors 42

By: Kate

Kate — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 21:08:18 +0000

Tara - just wondering if this book is updated from the "1st edition" - for example, is the potential income updated to today's job climate (guessing this would be found in the bonus ebook)? Are the technology references (software, equipment recommended, etc.) current? Just wondering if I will find current and more thorough information on how to set up being a transcriptionist through your book VS the old website and / or other websites out there. The price sounds great, but it's hard to decide when I don't know what all is included. The purchase page doesn't list a general idea of what I will find in the book, how long it is, etc. Can you give any more information - without telling us so much we don't buy it, of course - about what is in the book so we can tell if it has info we can use?

By: Tara Kuczykowski

Tara Kuczykowski — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:28:39 +0000

Anna, you might try posting on http://www.wahm.com. There are always women looking for contract work on there.

Lorrie, I do know of some teenagers that do it, but they're usually a sub for a parent that's also doing it. Many companies would probably be reluctant to hire anyone under the age of 18 as an independent contractor. However, the great thing about transcription is that it's so flexible. You have a deadline for when the work needs to be completed, but outside of that you set your own hours and work at your own pace.

By: Lorrie

Lorrie — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:18:33 +0000

Is there an age constrant? I am thinking of myself but also possibly some teenagers I know that would love to make some money. I am not sure if I can do it since I have carpal tunnel syndrome and am afraid all the typing would hurt it. Can you pick and choose how often you work? Thanks for the great info!!

By: Anna Smith

Anna Smith — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:31:16 +0000

Thanks so much for the info! What a great way for us mamas to make a little extra cash. I'm actually looking for a good referral for transcribers...have any?

By: Tara Kuczykowski

Tara Kuczykowski — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:47:51 +0000

Yes, there is a list of companies that hire independent contractors listed in the ebook, many of which we've for in the past between the 3 of us.

By: Gina Vandzura

Gina Vandzura — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:16:40 +0000

Thanks! My husband are I have been trying to find some way to supplement our income - just a few hundred bucks a month would be great!

Does the book tell you what companies might be interested in hiring? Or how do we find that out?