Cazmanian_minx's MFi3 diary

setmefree2

cazmanian_minx wrote: »

Just a quickie to report an absolutely storming week for bead selling - £1845! Looking at my spreadsheet this morning, sales are up around 60% on this time last year :beer:

well done :T:T

ViolaLass

Cazmanian_minx, forgive me if this has already been answered (I've read most of this thread - but not absolutely every post - in awe), where do you get your transcription work from? Direct or through an agency?

I'm a freelance minute taker i.e. I spend far too much time on these boards and would like to expand my work from the agency I'm with (who are good but can't always give me as much work as I want). If you'd rather not say or I've inadvertently caused a faux-pas by asking, please ignore this post.

cazmanian_minx

ViolaLass wrote: »

where do you get your transcription work from? Direct or through an agency?

I fell into it completely by accident actually! A friend used to take home work for the place she worked and they paid her extra to do it. She decided she didn't have enough time for it any more, knew that I had secretarial qualifications and asked if I'd like to take it over. They're still my major client, but have brought me two more via word of mouth recommendation.

I work primarily for educational research departments at universities - universities are a great source of transcription work, because so many researchers now record their interviews on their iPods! Linguistics departments are also a good bet,but nearly all departments will have post-grads and professors desperately looking for someone to type up research interviews, focus groups etc. etc. If you've got a local uni, try sticking an advert on the notice board in the student union with your contact details on tear-off strips on the bottom. A friend built up an entire proof-reading and copy-editing business at Cardiff that way.

Hope that helps!

In a bit of unrelated news, I appear to be starting on a new career - after photographing OH's niece's wedding last week, my neighbours came over yesterday and said their friend had been let down by her photographer for her wedding on Friday and could I step in? Just had a call from the bride and though they've got someone to do the shots at the church, he can't do the reception, so I'm booked! Now have a checklist as long as my arm of things I need to do tomorrow - find spare camera batteries, round up memory cards, make sure lenses are clean...

Caz

lil.mouse

Well done and good luck on the photography!

setmefree2

cazmanian_minx wrote: »

Just had a call from the bride and though they've got someone to do the shots at the church, he can't do the reception, so I'm booked! Now have a checklist as long as my arm of things I need to do tomorrow - find spare camera batteries, round up memory cards, make sure lenses are clean...

Caz

ViolaLass

Thanks for the tips Caz. I'm currently completely re-working my website then I'll give the universities a go. I'm not that long out of uni myself so I guess my own will be a good place to start.

cazmanian_minx

Now *this* is a good feeling - the postman has delivered a complimentary copy of the book of erotic short stories I sold to. Not only does it contain my cheque as a bookmark, my short story is also the first of four picked out in the blurb on the back, which means it's made it onto the Amazon description as well! :D:D

OH's mother and great niece arriving at 2pm, so have had to hastily remove it from the living room before embarrassing explanations are required :eek:

Caz

earthgirl

Congratulations! Although I agree not perhaps a coffee table item! EGx

StuartGMC

cazmanian_minx wrote: »

Now *this* is a good feeling - the postman has delivered a complimentary copy of the book of erotic short stories I sold to. Not only does it contain my cheque as a bookmark, my short story is also the first of four picked out in the blurb on the back, which means it's made it onto the Amazon description as well! :D:D

OH's mother and great niece arriving at 2pm, so have had to hastily remove it from the living room before embarrassing explanations are required :eek:

Caz

So where do we find the details?
Well done on the photography and best wishes with the lighting etc

cazmanian_minx

Not sure if I get done for advertising if I tell you the title - I guess it's OK if I don't give you a link and since I've been paid a flat fee for the story, I don't profit from any extra royalties!

The book is called Ultimate Curves and it's published by Xcite Books, out next week. My story is the second from last, Painted Lady (written as Amelia Fox so my mother doesn't have to be embarrassed!)

Caz