Today we’re featuring Natalie Mintz on the spotlight here on PA, and she’s sharing her experience with Transcript Proofreading: Theory and Practice™.
Check out Natalie’s experience with the course below.
When did you start proofreading transcripts, and what made you decide to learn how to proofread transcripts?
I was offered the opportunity to learn about proofreading transcripts because of an email invite I received on Fiverr. I’ve been a freelance copy editor for years as a secondary job, but lately I’ve been trying to make a go of it as a primary income source. I figured transcripts might be a good way not only to make some extra money, but also hone my skills as an “eagle eye.” Also, having the benefit of a mentor/teacher who is accessible at all times is great.
What was the most challenging part in getting started?
Maybe just the initial start up, which isn’t much. The cost of Caitlin’s program (worth it) and the cost of the iPad ($180 for an iPad2 on eBay) can be made back pretty fast if you follow her advice.
What was/were the most valuable thing(s) you learned during the course?
Advertise, advertise, advertise! The instructions in this program are sound and you WILL be successful if you follow them! Be on social media, advertise that you are a proofreader, and before long your business will be booming!
How long did it take you to find your first client? How many clients do you have now?
It was probably about 3 weeks before I had a client and then crickets. After I joined a group on LinkedIn and placed an ad, however, I have been getting almost daily emails. I have two pretty regular clients and an agency that hires me as a freelancer.
What advice would you give anyone thinking about enrolling in the course? Is it worth the money?
As with anything, you get out what you put in. That said, I do not regret the financial investment and I think it is still paying off. Real feedback from a real person is definitely worth the money and the effort, especially if you copy edit for a living. This has helped me hone my skills and also taught me a new aspect to my chosen career.
I’ve read through these success stories and I’m feeling worried I won’t be able to be successful because I do not have any college experience. It’s seems like the people here have all had previous college experience. I’m interested in investing in an education that is specific for one job. I don’t want to pay a university tens of thousands of dollars for something general. Your course strikes major interest with me, but I need to know if it requires any type of previous training or prerequisite?
The only prerequisites are having a SHARP eye for error and details, patience, and a willingness to work hard. I do have a college degree, but I’ll be the first to tell you: nothing I learned in college prepared me for this type of work! 🙂
I feel as if I’m ALWAYS in edit-mode; which is why proofreading seems to be right up my alley. Currently I’m debating between General and Transcript proofreading. I work full-time and my schedule is already so tight, so I don’t want to hastily make the wrong decision. General appears to be an easier course, but I would rather put my money toward a more specific arena of transcript proofreading; which hopefully will result in a better income. Uugghh— decisions decisions ! :0 But interviews such as this one is very helpful !
It can be so hard to make a decision! 🙂 Have you read this post that Caitlin wrote to help people make a decision?