How to Become an Audiobook Narrator

Audiobook narration is a demanding profession that requires a lot of practice. It is not an easy task to narrate an audiobook, but with the right preparation and dedication, it can be done. Here you will find out the answer to the main question: how to become an audiobook narrator?

There are many things one needs to know before an audiobook narrator starts narrating an audiobook.

• The first thing would be to find out if they have the right voice for it.
• They should also consider what kind of books they would enjoy reading or listening to themselves.
• The next step is to find out how much time and effort it will take them as well as what their budget will be like and whether or not they have any experience in voice acting for commercials or cartoons.

The most common myths about audiobook narrators

Having a “Good Voice” is only the tip of the iceberg for an audiobook narrator

If there is one thing any professional audio producer has heard of, it’s someone promising they have a voice perfect for audiobooks narration. Trust me, that you will be receiving an eye roll and heavy sigh if you say these words to them.

Yes, listeners definitely appreciate a “good voice” but we think they’ll appreciate it more if you connect with the meaning behind it. That means the voice actors must be thinking about subtext & pace is going to be much more important than how they sound.

Extra tip. Audiobook narration or voice acting requires long hours of uninterrupted talking – a pricey proposition if you rent a recording studio. Make sure to drink tea with honey and warm up your voice before use. Avoid vocal strain by limiting the use of your “voice” to natural talking.

You’ve done a lot of work with radio, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the training from here.

People with expertise in this field are indeed more likely to get the job, but being able to relate the words on the page is just as important. The audiobook narrators should be able to express the meaning professionally and clearly, so anyone who listens can follow.

Most great audiobook narrators I know are theatre actors or theatre voice actors as they have a wide vocal range and know-how to express their emotions well with acting skills and great voice.

The right casting director just needs to hear me

Audiobooks have been around for a while but they’re still not as prevalent as other formats. Surprisingly, publishers who work with big names are pretty tight. In most cases, they attend conferences and share ideas.

Producers and casting directors risk their livelihood when casting an unknown or little-known writer. There are a few outliers, but for the most part, you have to put in the work before someone at the highest levels of the audiobook industry will take off on your writing.

I will make money sooner than later

Audiobook narrator jobs are hard ones. It requires being in control of the time you’re working while still being able to make a living.

If you’re thinking of going full-time with your freelance writing business, it’s not something that you can do without investing time and money. To get started, a lot of freelancers recommend starting slowly while setting aside money to learn the industry and find other professionals to network with.

What skills do you need to have a successful career as an audiobook narrator?

Basics in acting

It may seem old-hat but having some kind of rudimentary knowledge of acting makes a huge difference when making the transition to audiobook narration. Narration is an acting gig. You’re embodying different characters and telling stories so it’s really important to be able to do that.

Lots of people have gone to theatre school, but some are still hesitant. If you’re a parent and looking for a backup career plan for your child, then this could be worth considering. No matter what, knowing how to act is a fundamental skill…you’re telling a story and it’s not just your own.

Stamina 

Going through a day of narrating can seem easy at first, but once you’ve been reading for a few hours, it can take its toll. It’s important to stay focused and keep your energy up. Do not forget to control your breathing.

Information analyses

You’re just reading the book, right? But what happens when you’re recording and you come across a word, country name, or anything else you’re not familiar with how to say?

When you’re reading a book, you can always get in touch with the author to ask them what they mean. But when you’re recording audiobooks, this option is not available. If you come across a word or topic that you are not familiar with, how can you find out how to pronounce it?

It’s important to do your research beforehand and be prepared when it comes time to narrate. The more you know, the less knowledgeable you are. If a situation is too complex and overwhelming, don’t try to pretend that you know everything. Instead, learn what’s important and go out there to find the answers!

Are you ready to become a professional audiobook narrator?

It can be hard to find the time to record an audiobook when you’re juggling a job, family, and other life commitments. A professional audiobook narrator is someone who commands at least $200 per finished hour per project and has the capacity to produce at least 144 hours of finished audio a year.

That’s why it can seem like a dream come true when you find out how easy it is to create your audiobook. And now you should know how to become an audiobook narrator. Read our FAQ in case you have more questions.

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