To my great surprise I've been asked to hold an 'Audiobook Narration for Beginners' webinar for StarShipSofa.com. So, my question to any narrators out there: what tips, hints, do's and don'ts would you give to an aspiring narrator? Any suggestions welcome, be they blindingly obvious or just downright bizarre. And if you are an aspiring narrator, what would you like to know that would help you on the journey? Thanks muchly, kind folk!
Well done Nicholas.... not surprised at all.... Looking forward to reading the answers in reply...
Cheers, Janet. Me too!
Question #1) When is it? It's a webinar so I'm assuming I could catch it online, yes? Question #2) How do you get a sense of what material matches your voice type? Just trial and error? Or is there a better/faster way?
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Hello, Christine #1 We are still working on the when, but most likely early October, and indeed it is on-line catchable. I'll chuck up a link when we are good to go. #2 Oooo, that's a good question! Briefly, I don't think there is a voice type correlation (although I doubt Tom Waits would be asked to narrate many romance novels!). Yes, some voices match certain genres, and casters/authors will often fall prey to stereotype, but if you approach the text with integrity and leave your ego at home, you're halfway there. Tell the story, be the conduit and you can probably narrate almost anything. And thanks for the add!
As a narrator, I think that the time investment is important to discuss (especially editing, reading, developing character voices), a brief overview of home studio (equipment, recording space, software), maybe even tips on how to get narration jobs.
Thank you, Moniece! I hadn't even thought to mention the amount of time it takes, and that's probably one of the most important aspects. It is a looong process. People are amazed (or think you're lying) when you tell them it might sometimes take 5/6 hours to do one finished hour. And I shall certainly be giving tips about how to get jobs, although I'd like a few more of those tips, myself :-0
Lol, I know that I didn't understand until I did my first audiobook! Happy to help :) If I can think of anymore, I'll let you know! Good luck on your webinar! :)
I thought of something else... Letting people know that what types of books they get booked for depends on the client's opinion of your voice. Like me for example, I get booked most, in the audiobook world anyway, for work in the romance novels. I enjoy nonfiction and children's books in real life, but clients have a different perception what I should narrate. Also discussing the difference on how you get paid (per finished hour vs royalties) would be helpful.
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You, madam, are a veritable treasure trove of golden nuggety ideas! Thank you so much.
Yes she is indeed..... Moniece, I might be seeking you out for advice myself. It has been suggested... I read my own children's tales on audio once again... Interesting, that you do children's books also....
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The date is set. Here be linkage: https://narratorvideoworkshop.eventbrite.co.uk/
Cool.... Going to take a listen....
LOVE THE DOG! Woof... shut up! Woof....