by Rachel Smith
06 January 2016
Hi Rachel and Leo. Just wondering if you or the RL community could please recommend any specific transcribing services? I’ve got to the stage now where I could be using my time more efficiently by outsourcing this boring task. Thanks so much. Leigh
Hi Leigh. You’re so not alone; I myself put transcribing up there with other hated activities such as cleaning the loo, doing the washing up, washing lettuce (when I discovered those pre-washed lettuce bags it was like all my Christmases had come at once). So to avoid ever having to transcribe, I have paid a number of different transcribers to do it for me over the years. I consider it a necessary expense.
I’ve had great transcribers and really bad ones, and it really is trial and error. I basically need two things: reliability and over 80 percent accuracy; without the first I’m behind in my own work and without the second I’m having to go back to the audio file to check quotes myself (which I can’t stand).
I’ve used local transcribers and overseas ones. At the moment, I use a guy in the Philippines who is pretty good and probably about 80 percent accurate; he charges $1 AUD per audio minute – and I’ve paid similar rates for a local transcriber but that was a couple of years ago. You’re more likely to pay close to $2/per audio minute at places like Transcript Divas.
I know a lot of freelancers who swear by Rev which charges $1/minute (USD) and has a 24-hour turnaround. I’ve not used it myself but it’s on my list to try.
List members, who do you use for transcribing? Or are you a transcriber yourself who’s reading and wants to spruik your services? Hit up the comments below.
Andrew here from Transcript Divas Australia. As with a lot of things (including writing) transcription rates reflect what country the work is completed in. The low rate services like REV outsource to developing countries (like the Philippines etc.) and are not paying local Australian wages etc.
Transcript Divas are local and use Australian typists. Our rates have to be higher, otherwise no one in Australia would want to work for us (however, based on google last month, our rates are the lowest in Australia BTW).
The higher local based rates do come with some bonuses though. The typists actually understand the Australian accent and colourful turn of phrase – so accuracy is higher. You can call the office and speak directly with the manager producing the transcript – so you make requests, tailor your service, or request random stuff or just check on progress. And if you want to maintain privacy we often sign off on legally binding client confidentiality agreements pretty often for “exclusive” stories etc.
However, cost may be the primary deciding factor and thus offshore services the only option. If so – remember you will improve accuracy with English as a second language typists if the recording is HIGH QUALITY. Place mics close to the target speaker/s, and make a real effort to record in a quiet environment.
Regards to all.
Andrew
Thanks for popping by to share that info Andrew, much appreciated.
I read your job posting looking for freelance transcriptionists with great interest. I feel that my experience as a transcriptionist with the ability to meet strict deadlines would prove to be an asset to you.
I have transcribed for several companies and I am familiar with various formats and styles, always keeping the client’s best interest in mind. I am highly organized, detail orientated, and I am a quick learner, which are beneficial characteristics to have in this industry.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions,look forward to hearing from you.
I used to use http://www.pacifictranscription.com.au/regularly. I found them to be very good and they have all the usual features you’d expect. While I would use them again without hesitation if I was really under the pump, I don’t use transcription services as much as I used to.
Why? You ask. Well, I did an analysis of where my money was going and found I was spending a lot on transcription, thousands of dollars per year when I was really busy. I decided to spend some time and money on getting my typing speed up and found I didn’t need transcription services as much as a result.
My mix of work also changed, I started doing more business writing and less journalism which also reduced the need for transcribing as a lot of business writing has maybe one interview, if that.
Hi Rachel,
I’m a freelance transcriber and am available for transcription assignments at US$ 1 per minute. Please let me know if you have any transcription needs. Thanks – Cliff
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