How I Became a Transcriber

...the fellow told me I only needed a PC, a good headphones, a pair of keen, clear eardrums, and able fingers that could press the keyboard...

 

I am Clement, an experienced transcriber/transcriptionist. According to Indeed, "a transcriber is a professional who creates a written copy of either video or audio content. Also called transcriptionists, transcribers convert recorded or live human speech into text. Transcribers create copy that follows the conventions of written language, such as grammar rules, and the standards of their industry."

When I ventured out to become a freelance writer in 2017, I realized being passionate about writing was not enough: I needed a tutor to walk me through the basics.

Online writing is not something you jump into merely because you speak good English and can always spell words like "Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis" and “hippopotamus.” Okay, I’m not downplaying the importance of mastering your language.

But when you want to become a freelance, you better be ready to learn the ropes first. You don’t come along and start earning money on day one.

I learned it the hard way, to put it mildly. I had been overconfident. I believed I needed no tutor since I naturally love writing. I ended up making critical mistakes.

The Training

I realized I needed a trainer. I had to learn the ropes. But, unfortunately, at that time, I could not afford the small fee the best article-writing trainers charged. That’s when someone I had met on one of the credible Facebook freelance writers groups advised me to take transcription lessons because it was less pricey compared to article writing lessons.

I think a transcription course cost roughly $10 and lasted for a month back then. Article Writing lessons cost about $40 around the same period, if I am not wrong.

On asking what I would need to be a good transcriber (or a transcriptionist in some quarters), the fellow told me I only needed a PC, a good headphones, a pair of keen, clear eardrums, and able fingers that could press the keyboard. Since God had graciously provided me with ears and all fingers, I looked for the other items.

I bought a second-hand mini laptop, paid the transcription fee, and enrolled.

I like to remind people that the first paid course I ever took as a virtual assistant was transcription. I spent over one month learning remotely from one Nelly Mutua (May her soul rest in peace). She was patient with me.

After Training

Once trained, Nelly urged me to start applying for work on the various online transcription platforms available back then. GoTranscript was very popular among the platforms that accepted workers across the globe.

But passing the GoTranscript test wasn’t a walk in the park. I think I failed the first time and only succeeded on the second attempt. I remember jumping up wildly when I received the congratulatory message from GoTranscript that my application to join as a transcriber was approved.

Two or three other transcription platforms had rejected my applications after I failed their entry test, so this one success had to be celebrated intensely to compensate for the anguish I went through earlier.

I started transcribing and earning some money on GoTranscript. The quality of the audio files were generally bad and discouraging. The speakers generally spoke through their noses; I found this frustrating. Others seemed to be choking while speaking.

But I persevered, even if it meant re-tuning my ears while rewinding the problematic part again and again. Sometimes, I landed relatively clear audio files so it was not always a slow-motion work. I wanted to gain more skills in transcription.

I now do a dozen other online stuff apart from transcription. I am just one too many. It’s the only way to survive as a virtual assistant. I can’t depend on one source. Each source has its famine season, you see.

Do You Need A Transcriber to Work on your Audio Files?

So whether you need a transcription of a business meeting, interview, court proceeding, doctor-to-person session, political debate, news release, podcast, or any other audio or video content, I am here to help. Let me take the stress out of your transcription needs and provide you with the top-notch service you deserve.

I am a well-organized, reliable, detail-oriented, efficient, communicative, full-time virtual assistant with a strong, dependable internet connection and a fast-loading laptop. Plus, I have got the right earphones or headphones for transcription. My PC has all the necessary apps/software to aid in the formatting of your documents. Plus, my eardrums are clearer than ever. My fingers are faster.