My next post will talk about getting all the details about the required format of a typed transcription but what about receiving the job in the first place?
I often get people filling out a job request on my site or phoning me to find out about the cost of getting a transcription done. However they give me little other information initially and I have to ask questions.
There are a number of things that needs to be known when organising a quote for transcription work:
- What format is the recording in – analogue (tape) or digital (file)?
- If analogue, what type of tape is it? Mini, micro or regular size?
- If digital what file type is it? dss, wav, mp3 or other – sometimes it could also be a video file.
- How long is the recording? A transcription can take 3-6 hours typing time for 1 hour of recorded time.
- Is there more than one voice speaking?
- Is there any background noise?
- Are the voices clear or muffled, fast or slow?
- Is there any specialised terminology?
- What is the timeframe this is needed?
The answers to these questions will help determine a more accurate quote for the job to be done.
It is important that VAs have previous transcription experience before taking this work on. It’s not as easy as might be thought and can be long hours for those not used to this type of work. It’s not just typing what you hear, but it’s editing for grammar and checking for spelling. Be sure to check what version of English too – is your client using US English or UK English? Or perhaps another variation altogether.
Check also for their paper size – in Australia it’s A4, in the US it’s Letter.
Getting all the details in the first place will ensure that you won’t have the work handed back to you, to fix up what you missed – or didn’t ask about.
virtualassistant says
I guess this needs a fast turn around right? 3-6 hours typing a one hour audio file would mean that the audio could be clear and without noise.
Kathie Thomas says
3 hours would mean clear without background noise, and not too fast, 6 hours would mean that it’s faster or less clear and harder to transcribe.
Shannon says
What a great post, with sound information.. I’m eagerly anticipating the next one discussing formats!
Fisk Gawsen says
If I may suggest. There is a powerful tool I’ve used for getting the important answers from potential clients who are searching a quote.
I took a course at InfoProdCreation.com that showed me how to create my own product without spending through the nose, but I also use it to provide potential clients with proposals on a DVD.
If you can give your potential client some audio and visual guidance they will be a lot more motivated to give you the answers you are looking for.
Just my two cents:-)
Fisk Gawsen
Alexandra says
Hiya Kathie!
I’m just about to embark on my VA career, and notice you get a lot of digital transcription requests. I haven’t done this “virtually†before, however I have done dictaphone transcriptions way back when. Does this count when applying to clients? I have almost 20 years various office experience in many industries, solid writing skills, and approx 90wpm typing, so please advise how I should approach securing my first digital transcription job!
Thanks for your help again!
Alex
Kathie M. Thomas says
If you have prior transcription experience then doing it digitally or virtually won’t take a great deal for you to get used to. Go to http://www.nch.com.au to download a free copy of their scribe program and get some MP3s or podcasts to start practicing on. Or, if you’re a member of our chat forum at [email protected] we have some practice files there also.
Once you do feel confident you can use the software and any related hardware (like a footpedal for your computer if you don’t want to do keyboard control) then you can start promoting you do digital transcription. We still get requests for analogue too – on mini, micro and regular sized tapes as well.
Alexandra says
I simply did a search for “free small business podcasts” to download which is the BEST way to get 3 for 1 – typing speed prac along with digi transcription experience whilst also learning about being a small biz owner!!! Thanks to all in VAIG! 😉