1) Learn the appropriate transcription format by heart.

All transcription companies have different transcription formats and style guides for transcription – make sure to follow them so that you incur lesser revisions. Always keep in mind that client preference is first and that they may be using it for a specific purpose, so make sure to communicate with your clients (or company you work for) and abide by their needs.

2) Listen. Listen. Listen.

That’s right! You heard me! The reason why transcribing isn’t an easy task is because more often than not, there will be inaudible parts of the file that you will need to listen to again and again until you get it right. Here’s a veteran tip! It gets easier when you understand the context of the subject you are transcribing, and more so when you do a second review of the recording!

3) How well do you know English and Proper Grammar?

If you haven’t figured out by now, you will need to have a good command of the English language. You should know the homophones and which one is more appropriate when considering the context – is it then, or than? Is it affect or effect? Another important thing is that, yes, transcriptions do have punctuations, so you will need to freshen up your spelling and grammar skills!

4) Research is key!

Why would you need to research when all you have to do is listen and type the words from the audio file? Well, what if the audio file given to you included highly technical terms and phrases? Obviously, you will need to do a bit of research to fully comprehend and transcribe what they are talking about and to make sure you’re spelling the technical terms properly.

5) Can you type fast like your life depended on it?

There are a lot of clients who need a quick turn-around for their transcriptions, and more often than not you will meet these kinds of clients on your journey to becoming the best transcriptionist out there. Just like anything, listening and typing at the same time takes practice to be accurate and fast at the same time.

These are the 5 most basic things you need to know on your journey to becoming a freelance transcriptionist. If you are interested in becoming the best transcriptionist and earning a good income, you can learn more from this comprehensive general transcription guide for freelancers. Once you apply all of these things to your transcription freelancing sideline, trust me, you will be successful in no time.