3 answers
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Palo Alto, California
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How to become an Audiobook Narrator?
Lend your expertise: what does it take to become an Audiobook Narrator?
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
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3 answers
Sarah Cockrell, MBA, MSCM
Organizational Development (Learning & Development and HR Learning Technology)
11
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Audiobook narrators are essentially voice actors. Begin by receiving coaching in voice acting and creating your own demo. Next, look for an agent who can help you find opportunities. Additionally, consider investing in equipment to set up a studio at home, allowing you to practice and prepare demos for potential jobs.
Charles Constant
Actor
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Charles’s Answer
Hi,
My initial advice would be for you to find a quiet, confined space, such as a closet, and devote an hour or two to reading aloud. Each time you stumble or make an error, start the sentence over. This might seem tedious, and you may not enjoy it, but it's a crucial step.
Once you've accomplished this, it's time to consider acting training if you haven't done so already. A cost-effective method for this is to explore the numerous narration tutorials available on YouTube. However, if you have the financial means, you might want to think about enrolling in classes or hiring a coach.
As Sarah pointed out, you'll need some equipment to practice, and learning how to use it can be challenging. But don't let that discourage you; it's entirely achievable. I would advise against seeking an agent, as most are not interested in audiobook narration due to its lower pay scale and lack of residuals.
While it may seem daunting, you certainly have the capability to succeed in this field. It will require some diligent research, learning, and practice on your part.
Should you require any specific video recommendations or further assistance, feel free to reach out.
Best wishes,
Charles Constant
My initial advice would be for you to find a quiet, confined space, such as a closet, and devote an hour or two to reading aloud. Each time you stumble or make an error, start the sentence over. This might seem tedious, and you may not enjoy it, but it's a crucial step.
Once you've accomplished this, it's time to consider acting training if you haven't done so already. A cost-effective method for this is to explore the numerous narration tutorials available on YouTube. However, if you have the financial means, you might want to think about enrolling in classes or hiring a coach.
As Sarah pointed out, you'll need some equipment to practice, and learning how to use it can be challenging. But don't let that discourage you; it's entirely achievable. I would advise against seeking an agent, as most are not interested in audiobook narration due to its lower pay scale and lack of residuals.
While it may seem daunting, you certainly have the capability to succeed in this field. It will require some diligent research, learning, and practice on your part.
Should you require any specific video recommendations or further assistance, feel free to reach out.
Best wishes,
Charles Constant
Michael Bauer
Producer
1
Answer
Santa Rosa, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Here is how to book your first audiobook gig: go to ACX dot com, its audible's open market audition site for narrator and authors to connect. Create a profile for yourself and brows projects that are seeking talent. Find a project, download the audition manuscript, record and edit your audition (usually 5-10 minutes) and submit it. Of course, before doing this you're going to want to grab a usb mic and procure a silent closet area to record in, while also finding some suitable editing software (I recommend audacity for beginners, I think its still free.)
But thats the practical way to get your first paying audiobook gig. Hope this helps. Good luck.
-Mike Bauer
But thats the practical way to get your first paying audiobook gig. Hope this helps. Good luck.
-Mike Bauer