So you have a great speaking voice, love reading books, and you have a sneaking suspicion you can do as well -- and maybe even better than -- some of the audiobook narrators out there. To earn a living as an audiobook narrator, you must make yourself stand out from the crowd. How much money you earn depends on your experience in voice-over work or acting. Before you can get started in this competitive industry, however, you must do your homework to find out the best way to break into the industry. In many ways, applying for an audiobook narrator job works just like any other job.
Instructions
1. Join an organization such as the Audio Publishers Association (APA), which is open to all professionals in the audiobook industry. An APA membership provides you with several benefits including a listing in their membership directory, available online. This keeps you connected with other professionals in this field.
2. Create an MP3 demo recording showing your ability to speak both male and female voices, different accents, emotions, and languages. This demo becomes your resume.
3. Make a list of companies you would like to work for. Find out the names of the people hiring audiobook narrators, then send them a cover letter along with your demo.
4. Make yourself more marketable by taking acting or voice-over classes at a nearby college. Consider volunteering at a community theater to get some acting experience.
5. Create an account at an online voice-over agency. You can get a basic listing for free or pay a fee for additional membership services, such as a more visible, online directory presence. Upload your MP3 demo to the site.
6. Practice reading out-loud on tape to find out where you need improvement. Ask a professional to critique your practice tape.
7. Read as much as you can to improve your vocabulary and pronunciation. Volunteer at public libraries, bookstores, or schools to read to children. Esther Tolkoff, author of the Audio File Magazine article, "Voice Acting: A New Career Opportunity," also suggests reading for the blind. Tolkoff says, "The organizations Recordings for the Blind and The Braille Institute have locations throughout the country, which use volunteers to read in a studio setting and acquire invaluable experience."
8. Learn to breathe deeply from your diaphragm, not your chest. Practice yoga breathing techniques.
9. Eat a green apple before your gig, which creates moisture, keeping your throat clear. Bring extra green apples to the studio. Drink room temperature water and leave coffee and tea alone as they dry out your mouth. In his article, "Taking Care of Your Voice in a Voice Over Session," freelance voice-over talent and copywriter/producer Peter Drew recommends, "Avoid eating or drinking dairy an hour or two before a session. It can create excess mucous. Also, fruit juices can cause mucous secretion."
(See Reference 3)
