How to Become an Audiobook Narrator

Do you love the sound of your own voice and have a knack for clear pronunciation? If you're considering a career as an audiobook narrator but don't know where to start, this guide is for you. We’ll explore what audiobook narration entails, the skills you'll need, the equipment required, and steps to kick-start your career.

What does an audiobook narrator do?

An audiobook narrator brings a written story to life by reading it aloud and embodying its characters, all while being recorded with professional equipment. There are various styles of audiobook narration, including solo narration, duet narration, full-cast, and multicast narration. Narrators must often portray multiple characters with distinct voices, genders, accents, and emotions within a single recording.

Narration isn't limited to just audiobooks; narrators can also work with other types of media such as articles, magazines, and other written pieces on digital platforms. With the growing demand for accessible content, the need for skilled narrators is increasing.

What are the essential skills for audiobook narration?

Having a passion for audiobooks, a pleasant voice, clear pronunciation, and a talent for audio narration are essential for any audiobook narrator. However, these alone aren't sufficient. It's equally important to bring life and emotion to the audiobook through your voice.

From a soft skills perspective, an audiobook narrator should be organized, capable of meeting deadlines, and proficient in handling invoices and contracts, especially when freelancing.

Now, let's explore the hard skills required for pursuing a full-time or freelance career in audiobook narration.

Passion & vocal talent

A genuine love for audiobooks, a pleasant voice, and clear pronunciation are foundational skills. However, it's equally important to infuse the reading with life and emotion.

Soft skills

Being organized, meeting deadlines, and handling contracts and invoices are of great importance for freelancers because they ensure you can manage your workload efficiently.

Acting background

While not mandatory, acting experience can be incredibly beneficial. It helps in impersonating various characters and bringing depth to the narration.

Differentiating voices, accents & dialects

This skill is a nice add-on if you're creating distinct characters. You need to master different accents and dialects to stand out and make your narration more engaging.

Stamina

Narrating for extended periods can be physically demanding. You need the stamina to record for hours, maintaining a consistent voice quality throughout.

Broad lnowledge

Thorough research helps avoid mispronunciations of names and places. Reading through the material beforehand to identify tricky words can be very helpful.

Vocal skills for audiobook narration

Articulation

Clear pronunciation is essential. Avoid smacking, whistling, or other distracting noises unless it’s a character trait.

Breath Control

Efficient breath control prevents interruptions during recording. Techniques to manage breath and avoid unwanted sounds like swallowing or clearing your throat are vital.

Pacing

Maintaining a steady pace keeps listeners engaged. The appropriate pace varies with the story and characters, so adapt accordingly.

Getting started: Steps to become an audiobook narrator

Step #1. Identify your niche

Sounds like very generic advice, we know, but it doesn't diminish its importance. Audiobook narration is distinct from other types of voice-over work. Unlike commercial voice actors who aim to sell products or animation voice artists who create high-energy characters, audiobook narrators focus on telling a story in a specific genre, as intended by the author. Every narrator has a specialty, and finding yours will come with experience.

Step #2. Define your...voice

Create a list of words that describe your vocal style and delivery. This will help you identify which areas of narration you're best suited for.

Step #3. Identify your strengths & weaknesses

Evaluate what emotions you can convey easily, whether you find it challenging to perform various accents, and if you have strong comic timing. This understanding will help you determine where you fit best.

Step #4. Consider your favorite genres

Reflect on the types of literature you enjoy. Your enthusiasm for certain genres will be evident in your performance. If you’re interested in nonfiction or how-to books, having expertise in those areas can enhance your credibility.

Step #5. Tailor your skills to the genre

Each audiobook genre has unique characteristics that your vocal skills need to match. If you can create and maintain multiple characters, fiction might be a good fit. If you have a friendly, engaging, and informative voice, consider e-learning books.

Audiobook narrator equipment starter pack

If you're planning to audition, seek agents, or simply practice, having a proper recording setup is essential. Here's what you'll need:

• Quality microphone. Choose between condenser and dynamic microphones. Condenser mics are highly sensitive and capture more detail, making them ideal for most voiceover work. Dynamic mics are less sensitive, which helps reduce background noise. Your choice should depend on your budget, desired sound quality, and recording environment.
• Pop filter. This screen helps minimize mouth noises, pops, and other plosive sounds, ensuring a cleaner recording.
• Noise-canceling headphones. These headphones help you focus on your recording without external distractions, ensuring you stay in the zone.
• Computer with ample storage. Audio recording and rendering require significant storage and processing power. Ensure your computer can handle these tasks. Consider using an external hard drive or cloud storage for backups.
• Secondary screen. A tablet or second monitor is useful for reading your script without creating noise from turning pages.
• Audio production software. For beginners, Waveroom is great—it's a free option with features tailored specifically to audiobook narrators, podcasters, and everyone who needs to record their voice. It's user-friendly and easy to learn. For more advanced users, Adobe Audition and Logic Pro X offer more detailed recording, editing, and mastering tools.

• Quiet recording area. While some narrators record in professional studios, most work remotely. You don't need a full home studio, but soundproofing a quiet space in your home will ensure consistent sound quality throughout your recordings.

How to find work as an audiobook narrator

Networking

Start building connections in the industry right from the start. But for that, you'll need to reach out to authors, fellow narrators, and publishers who might hire you. Here are some steps to get you started:

• Add new details about yourself and your skills. If you have a website with a portfolio and examples of your recordings, be sure to share it on your profile. Connect with people and agencies in the field and stay active online. This is especially important for freelancers.
• If you have a website showcasing your work, include samples of your recordings and relevant skills. Share this portfolio with your connections on social media.
• Networking goes beyond online interactions. Attend industry events, literary gatherings, and book fairs to meet potential clients and collaborators in person.
• LinkedIn is not only for networking but also for finding full-time positions or project-based work as a narrator. Many people post vacancies and project opportunities, making it a valuable resource.
• Keep up with industry trends and developments. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations and identify new opportunities.

Volunteer

Offer your services as an audiobook narrator by reading for the blind. This allows you to help others while also enhancing your portfolio. Recording these sessions can provide you with valuable experience and showcase your skills to potential clients.

Create a website with portfolio

Having an online presence has never been more important for marketing yourself as a freelancer. To build it, use platforms like WordPress, Wix, Ghost, Readymag, or Notion to create a simple portfolio yourself, or hire a professional to design a website for you. You should include high-quality samples of your recordings to draw maximum attention from potential customers. Highlight your relevant skills, language fluency, and the genres/niches you specialize in. Then, promote your website and portfolio on social media to reach a wider audience.

Use career sites

Start your search for audiobook narration work on general freelancing platforms such as UpWork, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Fiverr, Freelancer, and Guru. These sites are great for landing your first orders. To refine your search, consider using platforms that focus specifically on audiobooks.

Use audiobook platforms

Platforms like ACX.com, VoiceBunny, and Voices.com can also be a nice place to start, since they connect narrators with books and publishers. Adding your demos to sites like Backstage or Voice123 can also increase your visibility to potential clients.

Submit your demos to audiobook production houses

In addition to online platforms, you can submit your demos to audiobook production houses such as New Village Press, Macmillan Audio, and Grand Central Publishing. These companies have in-house teams of narrators and periodically accept submissions to find new talent. Make sure to follow their submission guidelines carefully when sending in your demo.

How much can you make as an audiobook  narrator?

Your income depends on your experience, clients, and time commitment. Many narrators are paid per hour of finished audio, while others may earn hourly rates in studio settings. Joining the SAG-AFTRA union can provide access to minimum rate standards.

By honing your skills, investing in the right equipment, and actively seeking opportunities, you can build a successful career as an audiobook narrator.