Should I Narrate My Own Audiobook?
Undeniably, audiobooks have never been in such demand. It’s certainly an additional source of revenue and expands your audience. However, creating an audiobook is also a strategic consideration, as well as, who should do the narration for your book. As a film director, producer and voice talent coach, I have written scripts for and directed voice artists for many years, in addition to working with audiobook talent. I love the vocal performance and collaborating on the right selection. Like a musical instrument, the voice is a unique and important choice in the entire orchestration. I will listen to countless demo tracks of voice artists before finding the right one. Should the voice be a woman, man, what age, what tone, what range, what genre, will we record in their studio or ours, will they work well with direction and are multiple voices required—all important. At other times, I will hear a type or even specific voice in my head as I read the particular written word. “Casting” is always critical. Other times, when appropriate and it makes commercial sense from a marketing and content standpoint, a recognizable celebrity voice may be the path.
Most often authors will ask, “Should I narrate my audiobook?” It potentially saves money but if your book substantially rises in popularity and status, offers to fund an audiobook from Audible, for example, or other companies is certainly a possibility. Your audiobook with your voice recording becomes yet another asset for you to maximize. Narrating your book will additionally create an intimate connection for your readers and listeners to you, as an author. It will further expand your skillsets and brand, may lead to other work assignments, as well as, showcasing aspects (i.e. your voice and delivery) as a speaker which hiring engagements frequently evaluate. Personalizing then the voice uniqueness of your platform and capitalizing on that is another component to your success. If your talent really shines in this capacity, nominations for the best narration by an author and awards such as an Audie, the “Oscar” of the Audio Publishers Association for audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment are a further prospect.
Delivery of the written word is very different than just reading your book. Commitment, practice, coaching and directing are required. But if you have the natural talent and desire, doing your own narration of your audiobook can be very rewarding and lots of fun. Let us evaluate your potential and your voice, along with the applicability of an audiobook, in the strategic process of your book. Do you have the voice to deliver your story? Do you have the stamina, the physicality, the focus, the professionalism, the passion and drive to do so? You also many have absolutely no interest to be the voice artist for your audiobook and that’s equally as okay, too. You may not have the time or acumen. Whatever the case, we will assist in finding the right avenue for you.
