Welcome! Whether you dream of becoming an audiobook narrator or already are one, you’ve found THE destination for audiobook narrators of all levels!
If you’re new to this career, every resource on this page — articles, books, connections, and videos — answers the question “How can I become an audiobook narrator?” You’ll find invaluable advice from industry pros that you will want to read and absorb. Success leaves tracks!
The sign posts in the site navigation above point to avenues of greater interest to experienced narrators. Some sections are free to all, while others are offered only to subscribers. You’ll find more information and even more links in the Welcome Center.
I’m still developing content for the site. Sign up for updates and/or subscribe to this site’s Twitter account to be alerted about site additions. Questions or comments? Please send me an email!
Karen Commins
Tour Guide and Chief Cartographer
Articles
- Audiobook Narrator Self-Assessment Quiz — Karen Commins
- How to Become An Audiobook Narrator— Karen Commins
- Getting Started and Narrators Guide — Audio Publishers Association
- Two Cents — R. C. Bray
- How to Break Into Narration — Scott Brick
- 10 Skills You Need for Audiobook Narration + Voice Work — Marc Cashman
- How To Be An Audiobook Narrator (In Many Steps) — C. S. E. Cooney
- Step Up to the Mic/Become a Narrator — Erin deWard
- So you want to record Audiobooks — Marissa DuBois
- So You Want To Be A Narrator — Tanya Eby
- How to Become A Narrator — Robert Fass
- Breaking Into Audiobooks Part 1 and Part 2 — Rachel Fulginiti
- How to Become an Audiobook Narrator — Tavia Gilbert
- Audiobook Narration Tips That Don’t Suck — Johnny Heller
- Is Audiobok Narration Right for You? Part 1 and Part 2 — Tom Jordan
- Letter to Newcomers — Jeffrey Kafer
- How to Get Started Narrating Audiobooks — Steve Marvel
- Curious About Becoming a Narrator? Learn to Fish… — Ann Richardson
- Audiobooks — SAG/AFTRA
These articles provide information about starting work as a voice talent.
- So you want to get into voiceovers — Karen Commins
- Info Sheet for Newcomers — Pamela Almand
- VO Strategist FAQ — Tom Dheere
- The Voice Over Entrance Exam — Peter O’Connell
- Why is doing voice-overs so difficult Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 — Paul Strikwerda
Books/Audiobooks
Acting With The Voice: The Art of Recording Books
by Robert Blumenfeld
Storyteller: How to Be an Audiobook Narrator
by Lorelei King and Ali Muirden
Audiobook Narrator: The Art of Recording Audio Books
by Barbara Rosenblat
Connections
The first thing any prospective narrator should do is LISTEN to audiobooks. AudioFile Magazine is the premiere source of professional reviews of audiobooks in its magazine, newsletters, and podcast. The web site includes a talent and industry database which lists publisher information.
The Audio Publishers Association offers numerous benefits of membership including webinars, news updates about the industry, and an annual conference.
A listing of vetted audiobook coaches and consultants for both audiobook performance and business issues can be found in this spreadsheet.
Narrator Rich Miller hosts the informative and entertaining Audiobook Speakeasy podcast with guests from across the audiobook industry.
In his Audiobook Narration for Beginners podcast, narrator and host J. Rodney Turner shares tips and info he has learned on his path.
Subscribe to my Twitter lists to keep up with industry news in tweets from audiobook narrators, producers, publishers, and reviewers.
New narrators can create a narrator profile or submit demos on 2 sites listed below. However — and I cannot stress this point too much — you only have 1 chance to make a good first impression! In fact, this point is so important that I want to highlight this excellent advice from award-winning narrator Ann Richardson:
Make sure it is a positive one that reinforces your professionalism and expounds on the excellence you’re bringing to the table. If, however, it conveys you’re new, inexperienced, not prepared, it would behoove you to resist the urge. It has been my experience that people grow weary quickly of multiple bumbling attempts, insecurity, and demonstrated lack of proficiency. In addition, they’re not usually willing to let you learn and iron out the kinks on their project.
In all cases, you need to be sure your demos are competitive in both your performance and sound production. Also, follow the submission instructions EXACTLY.
- ACX.com Marketplace site with titles available for audition
- FindawayVoices.com Findaway may send you auditions
If you have a profile on ACX, you can join the Indie (ACX and Others) Audiobook Narrators and Producers Facebook group. Narrators of all experience levels are members of this active group, and it’s a great place to ask questions and learn from others. Check out the extensive group FAQ, which I created and maintain.
Videos
Sean Pratt: So...You want to be an audiobook narrator?
Barbara Rosenblat Coaching Excellent New Audiobook Narrator
Audiobook Performance Tips w/ Scott Brick, Patrick Fraley, and Hillary Huber
Jim Meskimen: How NOT to Narrate an Audiobook
SAG Foundation: How To Get Paid For Reading Books
Derek Perkins: Audio Book Narration
Celeste Lawson, Library of Congress: The Art of Audiobook Narration
Kevin Clay: Audio Book Narration Tips for Beginners
APA Webcast: What I Wish I Knew...
Ira Glass on The Gap
KC Johnston: Want to be an audiobook narrator? Well SLOW DOWN!!!!