lgbtq+ WRITING

Are you an aspiring narrator looking to break into the world of audiobooks?

I am working on an audiobook with a narrator, and have spent some time trying to find suitable narrators and voice actors to work with. I thought it might be of interest to budding narrators to consider some tips and advice from an author’s perspective, so they meet their needs and don’t piss them off…

Whether you’re interested in narrating fiction or non-fiction, working with Audible, Findaway Voices, ACX, or even exploring opportunities in podcasts, these 13 tips will help you captivate your audience and secure gigs.

1. Master your articulation: Clear, precise pronunciation is crucial for keeping listeners engaged. Practice tongue twisters and enunciation exercises to improve your speech.
2. Breathe like a pro: Avoid fading, swallowing, or gulping sounds that can distract from the story. Learn proper breathing techniques to maintain a consistent, steady flow of narration.
3. Sync your brain, eyes, and mouth: Develop the skill of reading ahead with your eyes while speaking the words on the page. This will help you anticipate inflection, pauses, and character changes.
4. Maintain consistency: Keep your volume, energy, pitch, and speed consistent throughout the recording. Listeners should feel like they’re in the hands of a confident, professional narrator.
5. Bring characters to life: Study accents, dialects, and vocal techniques to create distinct voices for each character. Invest in acting classes or workshops to enhance your performance skills.
6. Build your stamina: Narrating an entire audiobook requires physical and mental endurance. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase your recording time to build stamina.
7. Commit emotionally: Connect with the story and characters to convey genuine emotion. Listeners can sense when a narrator is fully invested in the material.
8. Master basic sound editing: Learn to use audio editing software like Audacity or Adobe Audition. Removing background noise, breaths, and mouth sounds will make your auditions stand out. If I get an audition and in the first five seconds there is background noise and breathing, I’m instantly put off.
9. Create a dedicated recording space: Invest in a quiet, acoustically-treated room to ensure professional-quality recordings. A closet filled with clothes can work well for beginners.
10. Invest in quality equipment: Purchase a good condenser microphone, pop filter, and headphones. Audible, Findaway Voices, and ACX have specific technical requirements, so research before investing. A handy blog is here.
11. Take care of your voice: Your voice is your instrument. Stay hydrated, avoid screaming or whispering for extended periods, and rest your voice between sessions.
12. Listen critically: Study successful audiobooks in your genre, paying attention to pacing, tone, and character voices. Analyze your own recordings with a critical ear and seek feedback from trusted peers. This helpful blog lists some fantastic narrators to check out.
13. Persist and market yourself: Breaking into audiobook narration takes time and persistence. Create a professional website, demo reel, and social media presence. Network with authors, publishers, and other industry professionals to find opportunities.

By implementing these 13 tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a sought-after audiobook narrator. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep honing your craft and putting yourself out there. Your unique voice has the power to bring stories to life and captivate audiences around the world.