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The Writer's Guide to Training Your Dragon - Using Speech Recognition Software to Dictate Your Book and Supercharge Your Writing Workflow
Want to dictate up to 5000 WORDS an hour? Want to do it with 99% ACCURACY from the day you start?
NEW EDITION: REVISED and UPDATED to cover the latest Dragon Professional Individual v15 for PC and v6 for Mac
FREE video training included!
As writers, we all know what an incredible tool dictation software can be. It enables us to write faster and avoid the dangers of RSI and a sedentary lifestyle. But many of us give up on dictating when we find we can't get the accuracy we need to be truly productive.
This book changes all of that. With almost two decades of using Dragon software under his belt and a wealth of insider knowledge from within the dictation industry, Scott Baker will reveal how to supercharge your writing and achieve sky-high recognition accuracy from the moment you start using the software. You will learn:
- Hidden tricks to use when installing Dragon NaturallySpeaking on a Windows PC or Dragon Dictate for Mac;
- How to choose the right microphone and set it up perfectly for speech recognition;
- The little-known techniques that will ensure around 99% accuracy from your first install—and how to make this even better over time;
- Setting up fail-safe dictation profiles with multiple microphones and voice recorders, without impacting your accuracy;
- How to train the software to adapt to both your voice AND writing style and avoid your accuracy declining;
- Strategies for achieving your entire daily word count in just one or two hours;
- Many more tips and tricks you won't find anywhere else.
At the end of the book, you'll also find an exclusive list of resources and links to FREE video training to take your knowledge even further.
It's time to write at the speed of speech—and transform your writing workflow forever!
NEW EDITION: REVISED and UPDATED to cover the latest Dragon Professional Individual v15 for PC and v6 for Mac
FREE video training included!
As writers, we all know what an incredible tool dictation software can be. It enables us to write faster and avoid the dangers of RSI and a sedentary lifestyle. But many of us give up on dictating when we find we can't get the accuracy we need to be truly productive.
This book changes all of that. With almost two decades of using Dragon software under his belt and a wealth of insider knowledge from within the dictation industry, Scott Baker will reveal how to supercharge your writing and achieve sky-high recognition accuracy from the moment you start using the software. You will learn:
- Hidden tricks to use when installing Dragon NaturallySpeaking on a Windows PC or Dragon Dictate for Mac;
- How to choose the right microphone and set it up perfectly for speech recognition;
- The little-known techniques that will ensure around 99% accuracy from your first install—and how to make this even better over time;
- Setting up fail-safe dictation profiles with multiple microphones and voice recorders, without impacting your accuracy;
- How to train the software to adapt to both your voice AND writing style and avoid your accuracy declining;
- Strategies for achieving your entire daily word count in just one or two hours;
- Many more tips and tricks you won't find anywhere else.
At the end of the book, you'll also find an exclusive list of resources and links to FREE video training to take your knowledge even further.
It's time to write at the speed of speech—and transform your writing workflow forever!
ebook
Published April 6, 2016
198 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Scott Baker
3 books4 followersScott Baker has written dozens of books under various pen names and spent most of the last decade working as a freelance writer for numerous publications in the UK. He first began dabbling with Dragon voice recognition software in the late 1990s when it was, quite frankly, terrible. Things have improved dramatically since then and Scott now uses dictation on a daily basis, taking advantage of the tricks and techniques used by professionals within the speech recognition industry to write thousands of words per hour.
He lives in the North of England with his wife, two sons and a tank full of tropical fish.
He lives in the North of England with his wife, two sons and a tank full of tropical fish.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 21, 2020
Informative
I learned a few tips and tricks through this book and also what works and how much I should expect from Dragon. It was short and to the point.
I learned a few tips and tricks through this book and also what works and how much I should expect from Dragon. It was short and to the point.
May 4, 2021
I've been in and out of dictation for some time, starting and stopping many times. Now, back into it, I'm sticking with it (right?). There's a lot here I did not use or already knew (versions, technical details) but there are also some very valuable tips and tricks here I would never have thought of, little tweaks to make the overall experience much more accurate, and better.
I hope to make more progress over the next few weeks and months using some of the tips in this book.
I hope to make more progress over the next few weeks and months using some of the tips in this book.
April 20, 2017
Extremely helpful
The section regarding setting up the options is very helpful -- I don't know how long it might have been before I had found those settings on my own, or even realized I needed them.
This is a good guide to getting up and running dictating. Many other guides emphasize productivity of word count possible by dictating, but this book takes the approach of getting you started so you can have success right away.
The section regarding setting up the options is very helpful -- I don't know how long it might have been before I had found those settings on my own, or even realized I needed them.
This is a good guide to getting up and running dictating. Many other guides emphasize productivity of word count possible by dictating, but this book takes the approach of getting you started so you can have success right away.
October 2, 2016
Short and to the point
A quick read that is very to the point with tricks on how to make it easy and efficient to use Dragon. I especially appreciate the key points called out in bullets at the end of chapters so they can be easily found for future reference..
A quick read that is very to the point with tricks on how to make it easy and efficient to use Dragon. I especially appreciate the key points called out in bullets at the end of chapters so they can be easily found for future reference..
May 1, 2016
Terrific book for those of you starting out with Dragon NaturallySpeaking, which I've had to learn due to Repetitive Stress Injury. Great place to start, great tips and ideas. Well worth the read.
October 1, 2018
This is one of those books that sets out to do one thing, in this case guide you through using voice dictation with Nuance's Dragon software to improve your writing output. And author Scott Baker succeeds in providing a concise, clear and confident set of advice, covering everything from set up to hardware recommendations, the common pitfalls to avoid and more.
A lot of the advice also applies in general terms to using any kind of voice dictation, though Baker as much admits that Dragon is the only credible option for the best results (and is more expensive now that the Premium version has been discontinued in favor of the pricier Professional version). Dictation has the potential to dramatically improve your writing speed on first drafts--Baker advises against using it for editing, as do other authors I've read who are otherwise strong advocates of dictation--and Baker encourages the reader/writer to use it whenever they can.
He also addresses a problem people generally have with voice technology, whether it's dictating or just speaking a command to your smart phone--it can feel somewhat embarrassing to do in public. Baker gamely insists people won't care and my transit rides suggest he may be right, but he provides solutions ranging from dictating in your car on the ride in to work, to dictating as you leave the train and head to the office. With the increased speed of dictation over writing, even 10 or 15 minutes can yield great results.
Baker's website also includes video tutorials for buyers of the book, as well as a blog where he regularly reviews microphones and other hardware, as well as provides a useful bunch of links to resources ranging from books, microphones, software and other accessories.
In all, this slim volume is an excellent way to acquaint yourself with Dragon dictation software, but more than that, it's a good primer on why dictation is worthwhile to begin with, full of practical advice and good tips.
Recommended.
A lot of the advice also applies in general terms to using any kind of voice dictation, though Baker as much admits that Dragon is the only credible option for the best results (and is more expensive now that the Premium version has been discontinued in favor of the pricier Professional version). Dictation has the potential to dramatically improve your writing speed on first drafts--Baker advises against using it for editing, as do other authors I've read who are otherwise strong advocates of dictation--and Baker encourages the reader/writer to use it whenever they can.
He also addresses a problem people generally have with voice technology, whether it's dictating or just speaking a command to your smart phone--it can feel somewhat embarrassing to do in public. Baker gamely insists people won't care and my transit rides suggest he may be right, but he provides solutions ranging from dictating in your car on the ride in to work, to dictating as you leave the train and head to the office. With the increased speed of dictation over writing, even 10 or 15 minutes can yield great results.
Baker's website also includes video tutorials for buyers of the book, as well as a blog where he regularly reviews microphones and other hardware, as well as provides a useful bunch of links to resources ranging from books, microphones, software and other accessories.
In all, this slim volume is an excellent way to acquaint yourself with Dragon dictation software, but more than that, it's a good primer on why dictation is worthwhile to begin with, full of practical advice and good tips.
Recommended.
July 6, 2018
Only read this book if you want to improve your author career.
“Read the manual. “Deep down, you know you should always read the manual. It will make whatever you’re doing easier, more efficient, and more effective.
This is the manual if you want a better experience with Dragon dictation.
If you want to see writing efficiency rates you currently own only dream about or you’d like to give your fingers, wrists and arms a break from typing. Maybe your back is killing you. Maybe you’d like to turn that park near your house into your office. Or maybe you’d like to access a different part of your creative brain to see what’s there.
if any or all of those sound like even a remotely interesting idea, then you should read this book.
Again, I would like to emphasize that this book is for authors who take their careers seriously, want to write more, want to improve the bottom line, and, here’s a bonus, turn creating into an outdoor activity that opens up your mind and releases your imagination from the chains of your fingers to the keyboard.
For the record, I dictated this review with a smile on my face in the forest while my dog chases the stick into the pond and my creative Arthur career feels like it got a rocket boost of energy.
“Read the manual. “Deep down, you know you should always read the manual. It will make whatever you’re doing easier, more efficient, and more effective.
This is the manual if you want a better experience with Dragon dictation.
If you want to see writing efficiency rates you currently own only dream about or you’d like to give your fingers, wrists and arms a break from typing. Maybe your back is killing you. Maybe you’d like to turn that park near your house into your office. Or maybe you’d like to access a different part of your creative brain to see what’s there.
if any or all of those sound like even a remotely interesting idea, then you should read this book.
Again, I would like to emphasize that this book is for authors who take their careers seriously, want to write more, want to improve the bottom line, and, here’s a bonus, turn creating into an outdoor activity that opens up your mind and releases your imagination from the chains of your fingers to the keyboard.
For the record, I dictated this review with a smile on my face in the forest while my dog chases the stick into the pond and my creative Arthur career feels like it got a rocket boost of energy.
January 25, 2019
This is a very useful book for those who want to learn to use Dragon dictation software. I recommend you read it first, to avoid any unnecessary mistakes both in the set up and the learning curve and execution of using the software.
Scott Baker knows what he's about in this guide, and he warns you of the pitfalls of buying the wrong dictation microphone (it should have a USB port plug and not simply the kind you have for earbuds). He shows you how to check your sound levels before you use it, how to set up a profile, and is especially useful warning you of the pitfalls and trying to use Dragon with a Mac OS instead of a PC. He also let you know how much RAM you will need for your machine. All of these things are very useful to know before you even get started.
Once you started it's full of tips to get the most out of your software. I heartily recommend this book for anyone who's not some sort of difficulty typing and is considering using Dragon software. In my case I miss a dyslexic typist and it made me 100 times faster, both of my writing and editing work. It's also useful for those who have carpal tunnel syndrome or severe arthritis. But trust me, you want to buy this book 1st.
Scott Baker knows what he's about in this guide, and he warns you of the pitfalls of buying the wrong dictation microphone (it should have a USB port plug and not simply the kind you have for earbuds). He shows you how to check your sound levels before you use it, how to set up a profile, and is especially useful warning you of the pitfalls and trying to use Dragon with a Mac OS instead of a PC. He also let you know how much RAM you will need for your machine. All of these things are very useful to know before you even get started.
Once you started it's full of tips to get the most out of your software. I heartily recommend this book for anyone who's not some sort of difficulty typing and is considering using Dragon software. In my case I miss a dyslexic typist and it made me 100 times faster, both of my writing and editing work. It's also useful for those who have carpal tunnel syndrome or severe arthritis. But trust me, you want to buy this book 1st.
August 8, 2017
A really useful book for understanding the intricacies and practicalities of dictation using Dragon. After being recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hand, it's been really important for me to look at other options for sustainability, productivity and writing. This book covers technical and practical advice. It's really useful information for just knowing how dictation works to get moving on sustainable writing habits to improve creativity and productivity. I listened to it as an audiobook and I found this a really good way to absorb the information. I also have the e-book as well - it's good value and a great investment in your skills and sustainable practice as a writer. It will be useful for cross-checking on the detail of how to get moving. The information on transcription was especially useful and something I will look to apply. See The Creative Penn also for a great podcast chat with Scott Baker on dictation.
November 7, 2017
I'm so glad I got this book to supplement his other, shorter book because this is the one that really encouraged me to finally make the leap to dictation!
Writers spend a lot of time hunched over a keyboard, squinting at a laptop screen, and this is not particularly healthy. Dragon NaturallySpeaking Premium software, with all its little fits and starts, is truly the most powerful option available to help us break out of that situation of being chained to the keyboard. And Baker is quite correct when he states that the most amazing and useful aspect of the Premium version of the software is the transcription feature. It is the one I use most now, though I did invest in a nice microphone for the laptop (not super expensive either, he's got recommendations). He's also done all the painful work figuring out how to maximize this software so all we have to do is set it up right the first time and get to work!
Cannot recommend this highly enough!
Writers spend a lot of time hunched over a keyboard, squinting at a laptop screen, and this is not particularly healthy. Dragon NaturallySpeaking Premium software, with all its little fits and starts, is truly the most powerful option available to help us break out of that situation of being chained to the keyboard. And Baker is quite correct when he states that the most amazing and useful aspect of the Premium version of the software is the transcription feature. It is the one I use most now, though I did invest in a nice microphone for the laptop (not super expensive either, he's got recommendations). He's also done all the painful work figuring out how to maximize this software so all we have to do is set it up right the first time and get to work!
Cannot recommend this highly enough!
March 21, 2018
I'm an aspiring writer and while I have good typing skills there are times that I wish I could export my thoughts directly to the page.
This book helps writers of all levels move from the slower keyboard entry to the faster speaking method by learning techniques to make dictation work efficiently and effectively and make Nuance's dragon software work better for you.
There are loads of tips which allow you to get the software running to its best performance, including things that you should avoid doing even though the software prompts you to do them. Plus suggestions on the type of equipment you should use and why. Once Dragon is installed, it doesn't take long to set the configuration and to start using the program and to get the best outcome.
This book is definitely a must for anybody who wishes to improve the volume of words they want to capture in a timely manner and take away one more excuse for procrastination.
This book helps writers of all levels move from the slower keyboard entry to the faster speaking method by learning techniques to make dictation work efficiently and effectively and make Nuance's dragon software work better for you.
There are loads of tips which allow you to get the software running to its best performance, including things that you should avoid doing even though the software prompts you to do them. Plus suggestions on the type of equipment you should use and why. Once Dragon is installed, it doesn't take long to set the configuration and to start using the program and to get the best outcome.
This book is definitely a must for anybody who wishes to improve the volume of words they want to capture in a timely manner and take away one more excuse for procrastination.
August 23, 2017
Short and useful book. I'm glad I read it before opening my software package.
I bought this book along with the home version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking and a fairly cheap headset. But the author pitches a terrific argument on getting the Premium version instead because this version has the transcription option -- you don't have to be tied to your computer to use Dragon. Instead, with a smartphone or voice recorder you can dictate anywhere, then later transfer it to Dragon. The author's idea of getting off your fanny and exercising PLUS writing has convinced me to return the Home version for the Premium version. Also, I'm upgrading my headset and will look into voice recorders.
The author gives dozens of useful tips on hardware and getting started with dictation. I recommend the book highly.
I bought this book along with the home version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking and a fairly cheap headset. But the author pitches a terrific argument on getting the Premium version instead because this version has the transcription option -- you don't have to be tied to your computer to use Dragon. Instead, with a smartphone or voice recorder you can dictate anywhere, then later transfer it to Dragon. The author's idea of getting off your fanny and exercising PLUS writing has convinced me to return the Home version for the Premium version. Also, I'm upgrading my headset and will look into voice recorders.
The author gives dozens of useful tips on hardware and getting started with dictation. I recommend the book highly.
January 2, 2024
I have been considering getting Dragon Naturally Speaking for a while now. Due to physical limitations my typing tops out at about 45 WPM. I have considered using dictation to increase my productivity.
Not so sure that I am going to bite the bullet and invest the $$$ into a new version of Dragon. We have Dragon Ver. #12, and as picky as it is I think it will piss me off more than be helpful. Not sure that investing the time screwing around with a wonky word to text program, when that time I could better use to type the old fashioned way.
I have a better USB headset coming to replace the 3.5mm jack POS headset (as per the author) that came with the program. If that does not improve the accuracy, I do not believe that I am going to invest more $$$ in this fiasco.
Not so sure that I am going to bite the bullet and invest the $$$ into a new version of Dragon. We have Dragon Ver. #12, and as picky as it is I think it will piss me off more than be helpful. Not sure that investing the time screwing around with a wonky word to text program, when that time I could better use to type the old fashioned way.
I have a better USB headset coming to replace the 3.5mm jack POS headset (as per the author) that came with the program. If that does not improve the accuracy, I do not believe that I am going to invest more $$$ in this fiasco.
October 24, 2018
Short and simple instructions on what to buy, and how to set Dragon up. Scott gives you clear understandings of what it takes hardware wise, in order to achieve the most accuracy from your software. Also, of key importance, is that you come away with the knowledge that you are using dictation to get to your first draft more quickly. He teaches you what are the MOST important commands to use the product, and that it’s not necessary to learn to do every bell and whistle Dragon offers. It’s simply not necessary. So much time is spent editing, that the errors that show up during dictation will be corrected during the 2nd draft.
August 29, 2019
Encouraging excellent book on Dictation
I have used dictation in the past but need to develop an ongoing habit of doing so. This book covers the use of Nuance’s Dictation software on Windows and Apple machine in great detail. It is pragmatic guide to using dictation to encourage mainly authors to increase their output dramatically. There are other Dictation softwares out there but the do not compare favorably with Nuance’s offering. The emphasis is on the adoption and use of the tool ...almost error free dictation to drive the creators word count and thereby improve their productivity. Well worth reading.
I have used dictation in the past but need to develop an ongoing habit of doing so. This book covers the use of Nuance’s Dictation software on Windows and Apple machine in great detail. It is pragmatic guide to using dictation to encourage mainly authors to increase their output dramatically. There are other Dictation softwares out there but the do not compare favorably with Nuance’s offering. The emphasis is on the adoption and use of the tool ...almost error free dictation to drive the creators word count and thereby improve their productivity. Well worth reading.
June 24, 2023
Useful points.
This is a very thorough treatment of getting started with dictation. Straight and to the point. Technically inclined users may find they skip around as some of the advice is for less technical users. Just about anyone should be able to get started with this, even your grandma, or your average Luddite. Also some good advice about raining Dragon to learn your vocabulary, and also to be realistic in your expectations. Honestly I have been blown away how accurate it can be when dictating my novels. But you always need to train it up for story specific vocabulary and character names.
This is a very thorough treatment of getting started with dictation. Straight and to the point. Technically inclined users may find they skip around as some of the advice is for less technical users. Just about anyone should be able to get started with this, even your grandma, or your average Luddite. Also some good advice about raining Dragon to learn your vocabulary, and also to be realistic in your expectations. Honestly I have been blown away how accurate it can be when dictating my novels. But you always need to train it up for story specific vocabulary and character names.
October 3, 2017
Scott Baker's tips for getting the most out of Dragon are required reading for any author using this software. I've owned Dragon for many years, but until I read this book I did not understand why the software wasn't working for me. Thanks to his simple explanations of how to train Dragon properly, my faith in this software is completely renewed and I'm getting great accuracy almost immediately. Well worth every penny.
July 7, 2024
If you're new to Dragon, this is an essential read. There are many suggestions to help you become a competent user of the product. The only downside is that this book was published in October 2016 after Dragon 15 was introduced. Consequently, many of the references to both hardware and software have become outdated, not surprising given how quickly information technology evolves. Nevertheless, it's still a worthwhile read.
December 1, 2017
Great Info to Get Started Dictating!
This book was just what I needed to know before starting to use Dragon. It covered everything I needed to get started and to keep dictating and how to get the best accuracy with the program. I highly recommended it for anybody looking to use Dragon to dictate, or if you're thinking about dictating.
This book was just what I needed to know before starting to use Dragon. It covered everything I needed to get started and to keep dictating and how to get the best accuracy with the program. I highly recommended it for anybody looking to use Dragon to dictate, or if you're thinking about dictating.
January 31, 2018
Helpful, but basic
I'm not sold on the pro/premier versions of Dragon like Baker is. I get stuff transcribed through another service. His free follow-up was more helpful to me. But if you've never done any audio work with your computer before, this will help a lot.
I'm not sold on the pro/premier versions of Dragon like Baker is. I get stuff transcribed through another service. His free follow-up was more helpful to me. But if you've never done any audio work with your computer before, this will help a lot.
March 31, 2018
What I wanted
I'm excited to tackle writing, but with a slight twist now: I like the dictation concept, but of more importance to me is the idea that formatting comes in editing. I think I've always tried to produce final results in the first draft. Now to change...
I'm excited to tackle writing, but with a slight twist now: I like the dictation concept, but of more importance to me is the idea that formatting comes in editing. I think I've always tried to produce final results in the first draft. Now to change...
April 23, 2018
Loved it, super helpful. This book goes into a lot of detail on which accessories to buy, how to set up the software, and how to work with it to achieve better accuracy. I'm not a tech person, but I could understand this. I'm really excited--and a lot more confident--about working with Dragon.
June 5, 2018
Pointless. The software does not work (at least the the basic version I bought didn't), so any "guides" are useless. The book itself wallowed in the quality of microphones, but offered precious little actual help in getting the software to function properly, or how to use it efficiently.
August 12, 2018
Very useful book!
A short but excellent book for authors on the essentials of setting up Dragon dictation software. At the back of the book are useful links to videos and other content. Highly recommended.
A short but excellent book for authors on the essentials of setting up Dragon dictation software. At the back of the book are useful links to videos and other content. Highly recommended.
August 26, 2018
a.j.sez
I not type of writer this book was geared. I use Dragon several hrs a day, emails a and various correspondence. I've learned a great deal from this book and I highly recommend it for anybody especially if they're just getting started or if they plan on writing a book.
I not type of writer this book was geared. I use Dragon several hrs a day, emails a and various correspondence. I've learned a great deal from this book and I highly recommend it for anybody especially if they're just getting started or if they plan on writing a book.
November 23, 2019
I didn't read this straight from cover but rather used it to dip in and out of as a guide to getting Dragon working for me - step by step. The book did the trick and got me started. Plus, it now lives on my desk as an essential piece of reference when I need it.
June 27, 2020
Not what I expected but it did give you a few clues to what mics to buy. I was wondering about the actual dictating and how to dictate punctuation and make corrections but there was very little on that.
September 29, 2020
Wonderful
A brilliant guide to getting started with dictation and transcription for the software Dragon. The author provides several useful tips to get you started on dictation. If you’ve never dictated before then give this guide a try and take note of his recommendations.
A brilliant guide to getting started with dictation and transcription for the software Dragon. The author provides several useful tips to get you started on dictation. If you’ve never dictated before then give this guide a try and take note of his recommendations.
May 17, 2017
Scott has written several books on Dragon and all are great reference works!
July 17, 2017
Looking forward to using what I learned in this book and applying it to Dragon .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews