Book Review of “Transcription Crash Course: Starting A General Transcription Business”

This week I’ve decided to write a book review on an e-book that changed my life. That’s right, I said it changed my life! If you read my blog, you know that transcription is my main bread and butter. How did I get where I am today? Everyone has to start somewhere. My journey began with an online search for a viable career online that would keep me home with my family while providing me with enough income to do that and only that full time.

While searching, I came across Transcription Crash Course: Starting A General Transcription Business by Loretta Oliver. I knew I didn’t have a lot to spend in order to get started, so the price of $27.00 was worth it to me. I thought, “Even if this doesn’t pan out, I’m only out 27 bucks.”
Transcription Crash Course Make Money Typing

Let me tell you a little bit about the author. Loretta has been a work at home mom solely making a living online since 2001. She dabbles in some different areas, but transcription is her main focus. When I read that she was a mom and was really making a living online, I thought, “I can do this, too.” Loretta touts the book as, “…your fast-track to a home-based business to be proud of-without spending a ton of cash, and even if you have no experience. I’ll show you how!”

The book is laid out in an easy-to-read fashion. The flow makes sense for someone just starting out in transcription.  It starts with a necessary list of programs and items you will need. True to its description, I really didn’t spend much while following this book to set up my business. The book includes links to the programs (which were FREE) that you will need and a chapter on how to use the main digital transcription program called Express Scribe.

Transcription Crash Course (TCC) also covers the basics of formatting and even provides you with a sample audio to try. Loretta also includes a finished transcript so that you can compare your work to the real thing. TCC also includes information on how to find work, how to create your website and the importance of social media involvement.

So, what did I think of the book? If you couldn’t tell from my opening paragraph, it was a game changer. Loretta wrote this book with a no muss, no fuss approach. Finding a viable online career can be overwhelming, but TCC provided step- by-step instructions. Having that sample audio was a big help. I was able to practice with it and really think about my decision on this career. I’m not going to lie. The first time I typed from the audio, I was super slow. I had to change the talking speed to 50% and stopped and started that baby like a mad-woman. However, the book reminds you that practice makes perfect and that’s the truth in this business.

Another big positive for me was that there really weren’t a lot of start-up costs. I was not in a position to spend a lot of money to get going. I had researched some other online careers that claimed to be inexpensive only to find that you had to purchase this or that package to learn more or take the next step.

Last but not least, another important factor is that Loretta makes herself available to you. She has a website dedicated to the book and provides you with her e-mail and Twitter handle so that you can always reach her. I have bothered her on more than one occasion with questions, even on a weekend when I had a potential new client and wasn’t sure how to handle the situation. I tweeted Loretta and she responded with great advice which led to me landing that client. Yeah!

If even a little part of you has been thinking about a career in transcription, don’t hesitate to buy this book. What do you have to lose? I mean, $27 is not going to break you. Feel free to click on any of the links referring to this book in order to purchase. Here’s my disclaimer: these are my affiliate links. I strongly believe in the product or I would not endorse it.

Here’s your chance to give me some feedback. Have you heard of the book? Have you read it? Would you recommend it to a friend? Let me know what you think! Oh, you can now sign up to receive my blog post updates via e-mail by clicking here. Want monthly tips from me? Sign up for my e-newsletter and get a free gift.

 

10 thoughts on “Book Review of “Transcription Crash Course: Starting A General Transcription Business””

  1. Very interesting and so happy it worked out for you that it has allowed you to work from home. You see so many of these offers that get you in but it ends up being and endless string of additional purchases.

    And bravo for you in letting your community know how helpful Loretta has provided after the fact; hopefully this will resonate with some and be a benefit for her as well.

    Good to see you and hope you have a great weekend.

    1. Hey Bill!

      Yes, the whole “endless string of additional purchases” is what I was finding before this book.
      Loretta definitely deserves some credit and recognition!

  2. Thank you so much for the review, Alicia! I love your story of getting started, and having worked with you on transcription projects I can say that I know you do fantastic work!

    1. You are very welcome, Loretta! I decided since your book–and you– were so much help to my career that I shouldn’t keep it a secret!
      Thanks for the compliment! It means a lot coming from you.

    1. Hi Amelia!

      If you’re truly interested, I can provide you with some resources to get started in this field.
      Of course, I would recommend purchasing this e-book first as it’s very cost-effective.
      Please let me know if you’d like to chat more about becoming a transcriptionist.
      Thanks for stopping by!

  3. Thank you so much for the review, Alicia! I love your story of getting started, and having worked with you on transcription projects. | 😛

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