Back in 1983 when I first starting working steadily doing voiceovers, I had no idea that at one point 30 years down the road, my focus would shift to mainly narrating audiobooks. Of course, at the time I’d never heard of audiobooks, so there’s that.
The main thing I love about narrating audiobooks is that because I love to read, this gives me something to read every day. And because I’m hired by multiple publishers to narrate their books, I have ever changing subjects to read. I’m endlessly fascinated by people and events; so, I am always delighted to learn new things from the books I’m narrating.
Yes, narrating is hard work. It’s not like a commercial session where you’re in and out in 60 minutes or less. Each book takes several (sometimes MANY) sessions to complete and it’s important to keep the arc of the story going from beginning to end. But there’s such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment each time a book is completed.
I also love that the work can be very steady. I like to work and I love telling stories, so at least for me, narrating audiobooks is work for which I was born.
I heard an audiobook that you narrated entitled the problem with socialism. You did such a fabulous job on that book that I couldn’t stop listening to it. Your voice was articulate, plesant to listen to, and made what could have been a boring subject, extremely interesting. Everything about your reading, including your tone and pacing, made it enjoyable listening! You are AWESOME!
Thank you for your very kind comment, Ron.
Hey! I just read the paperback of “Problem with Socialism” a couple months ago! Now I discover you from Peter K O Connell and how you do non fiction?! Weird world!
I’d love to do VO acting with audiobooks too! Good job!
Hi Tiffany,
There are tons of resources on the web for folks who want to start working in audiobooks. A great place to start is the Narrator’s Roadmap. And thank you for your kind comments. I wish you all the best.
Bob