Scribing as you speak: reports, submissions, testimonies, life stories
Since COVID entered our lives a bit over a year ago, I have expanded my Gippsland-based business On Time Typing, editing and Proofreading (OTTEP) to include a stronger focus on ‘typing what you say, while you speak’.
My three scribes and myself do this via:
- telephone – you speaking while I type what you say
- Zoom (using screenshare so you can see what I’m typing),
- telephone plus Google.docs (so we can both see what I’m typing), and
- with Gippsland clients, also via face to face consultations, where I type into my laptop while you speak.
About my scribing experience
I have been scribing as people speak for 30 years: it’s my best skill. I type what you say, then edit that into the standard and style of copy that you need, which always depends on your audience. I do research to cross-check facts or fill in details where needed. I submit the edited copy back to you, or if you like, I write it into your online platform of choice (Blog, website, LinkedIn article).
I even scribe as people speak then edit and produce what they have said into a self-published book (and I have done this many times).
Some people call this ‘ghost writing’ but I do not. Because speaking your story (or article or website content) is just as valid as writing it down: you are the sole author. I am not acting as your ‘writer’. I’m simply acting as your scribe and editor.
If you find talking easier than writing, or if you don’t have time to write, the option of using a scribe to type while you speak may be the way to go.
