Sup. Income - Writing, editing, internet research, transcription?

**GFNancy** · 08-18-2007, 07:40 PM

I was wondering if anyone does any of this and how you got started.

First of all, I used to be a medical transcriptionist. I owned my own business, had subcontractors - the whole nine yards. I don't have my transcriber anymore though. I stopped doing it over seven years ago. Everything was done on cassette. I've got no idea how things are done now. I wouldn't mind getting back into it, I just don't have much money to put into equipment, software, etc.

I LOVE doing online research. I got my skillz (yes, that's with a z!) in the earlier days of the internet, hunting down obscure medical words to verify spelling and usage. If I could find a way to get paid to do research, I'd be so excited.

I'm pretty good at editing. My husband has me edit all of his presentations. One of my friends emails me her stuff to edit once in a while too.

I've also got an idea for a book geared toward a growing niche market. I have no idea how one goes about getting a book published though.

I've seen people here mention doing copywriting too. How do you get into doing that?

Thanks for any advice.

Nancy

**LisaInND** · 08-18-2007, 09:25 PM

Hi Nancy,

I am just about to finish an online course in Medical Transcription through Career Step, one of about three online courses that are accredited by the AAMT. I have been taking the course for almost a year, while working full time, and will leave my job I have had for the past 11 years to start working from home. This has been my dream for a long time and I am so excited to finally realize it. As I'm sure you know, MT work (or most other production-based work) doesn't pay so well until one gets some experience and builds up speed, which is one reason I am now frequenting this forum! I will actually be working for my former employee as an Independent Contractor part time, from home, once I leave, so that will soften the blow a bit.

But to answer your question, these days the only equipment one really needs is a computer and monitor, preferably a high-speed internet connection, headphones, and a foot pedal. Of course a medical spellchecker is invaluable, and there are some expander programs out there (I'm using Instant Text) that really help your productivity by doing some of the typing for you. Most companies now provide the files as sound files that you download via the Internet or an FTP site, and then you submit your completed reports back to them the same way. It's pretty slick how it all works. I hope to start out as an IC, part-time, so that I can have the flexibility that I am leaving my current job for. I have a 10 year old son who will be too old for daycare soon, and I don't want him coming home to an empty house.

With your experience, I'm sure you could get back into the MT business without too much trouble. If you are interested, there is a lot of good information on the Career Step forum (careerstep.com). There are other good resources out there as well.

Good luck, and feel free to PM me if you would like more information.

Lisa

**slv_squared** · 08-19-2007, 10:14 AM

I write both copy and content for websites. Check out www.warriorforum.com - they have a whole forum on how to copywrite. You could also google "free copywriting course" and you should come up with a couple hits.

Sandi

**Amanda W** · 08-19-2007, 10:51 AM

Hi, Nancy. I've been working at home as a medical transcriptionist for almost 3 years now. The best advice I can give anyone is to visit mtchat.com and spend a significant amount of time reading through the posts there. It's really an incredible resource.

I don't think anything is done by tape anymore. I work as a full-type employee, and my company gave me my computer and all necessary equipment.

**GFNancy** · 08-20-2007, 04:18 PM

Thanks for all the information. I went and lurked on all the boards.

I think I might look into doing some MT subcontracting, vacation coverage, etc. Maybe even proofreading or missed word research. That digital stuff is pretty slick. No pickup or delivery? Awesome.

I remember how much time out of my day it used to take just to do pickup, delivery and sometimes printing too. Not needing to do that frees up a lot of time. I used to get up at 5am and many times not be done working until after 10pm. It would take me almost three hours just to do my "rounds" every day. Then one of the offices added a doctor and I ended up hiring my MIL to courier for me.

I talked to DH about doing MT again and he said that he wants me to wait a couple months. He said that he's still going to ask for a raise and wants to see what will happen with that first. It would take a few hundred dollars for me to get started again - business license, wavpedal, software, etc. If he doesn't get a raise by the end of October, then I'll do it.

By the time we know, it will be getting close to the holidays. I know that when I was working, I would have given my right arm to be able to have someone else proofread, or do a couple tapes so I could go do Christmas shopping (or sleep. or eat.). When I was working, I would have to do my Christmas shopping online while I was waiting for tapes to rewind or reports to print.

Nancy

**Judi Dial** · 08-20-2007, 05:41 PM

Along this line, but not quite the same. I used to work for a service bureau, doing data entry of their insurance forms. I suppose there's no need for this any more? If so, does anyone have an idea where I'd get more data?

I wasn't working with tapes, but stacks of forms and a Wang terminal; back in the day....

Thanks!

JD