Way With Words is a UK-based transcription company in business since 2001, working with academic, business, legal, media and market research clients. It hires freelance transcribers in several countries, but its tests are demanding and only a small share of applicants pass. Once in, you work as an independent contractor, with no minimum hours, and are paid monthly through PayPal.
At a glance
| What it is | UK transcription company |
| In business since | 2001 |
| Pay | About $0.40 to $1.20 per audio minute, per reviews |
| Payouts | Monthly via PayPal |
| Selectivity | Only a small share of applicants pass |
| Countries | UK, US, EU, Canada, Australia and others |
How it works
You apply on Way With Words’ site when applications are open, then complete a grammar test and transcription tests with difficult audio. Testing can take a couple of weeks. If accepted, you take on files for its clients, from academic interviews to business meetings and media content.
What you earn
Reviews put pay at about $0.40 to $1.20 per audio minute, depending on the type and urgency of the work. Way With Words’ audio is often harder than average, so check your real hourly rate as you go.
How selective it is
Way With Words has said only around two to four percent of applicants pass its tests. That keeps quality high and is part of why its clients pay more. Treat the tests as a serious exam and prepare for them.
Who can apply
When applications are open, it has accepted freelancers from the UK, the US, EU countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Malaysia. Applications are not always open.
Common mistakes
Applicants often treat the test like an entry-level quiz. Study the guidelines, check your grammar carefully and take your time on the difficult audio.
Getting started
Build experience on other platforms first, then apply when you’re confident in your accuracy. Check the site regularly, since applications open and close.
Is it worth it?
For skilled transcribers, yes: the bar is high, but the work and clients are better than on mass platforms.
Preparing for the test
Practise with difficult audio: accents, several speakers and background noise. Brush up on grammar and punctuation, and read Way With Words’ guidelines until you know them well. Accuracy matters far more than speed in the test.
Equipment
High-quality headphones and a quiet room are essential for the kind of audio Way With Words handles.
Tracking your real rate
Record the time each file takes so you can see your real hourly rate.
Taxes
As an independent contractor, you handle your own tax reporting.
Combining platforms
Because applications open and close, keep working on other platforms while you wait to apply. The experience will help you pass the tests when the window opens.
Equipment for difficult audio
Transcription software that lets you slow audio down without distorting it is worth having for the accented and multi-speaker files Way With Words often handles. Pair it with closed-back headphones to catch every word.
Owen’s take
Way With Words is a good next step once you’re accurate and confident. The tough test filters out much of the competition.
Who it suits
It suits experienced, accurate transcribers in the supported countries. It suits less well beginners still learning.
Similar options
- GoTranscript hires worldwide in many languages.
- Ubiqus offers corporate and legal work.
- Rev is a large transcription platform.
- Transcribe Anywhere teaches transcription skills.
More options are in Transcribing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Better-quality clients
- Several countries accepted
- No minimum hours
Cons
- Very selective tests
- Applications not always open
- Paid monthly
FAQ
How much does Way With Words pay?
About $0.40 to $1.20 per audio minute, according to reviews.
How does Way With Words pay?
Monthly through PayPal.
Is it hard to get accepted?
Yes, only a small share of applicants pass the tests.
Which countries can apply?
The UK, the US, EU countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Malaysia, when applications are open.
Do I need experience?
Not formally, but strong skills are needed to pass.
