Someone astoundingly said, “Just like breath and the circulation of blood, Narration is said to be a part of human nature as well.” You have definitely listened to a lot of narrators over Audible and would love them completely. This also caused an eagerness in you as well to read for Audible.
So, I came up with this exciting idea to inform you how you can become one.
If you have a clear voice and a great interest in speaking, you can be a great audiobook narrator on Audible.
To read for audible you will have to work on the following things:
- Love for audiobooks
- Pleasant voice
- Right skills
- Practice to become perfect
- Join Audible using ACX
If you are wondering how much audible narrators get paid, then I have also discussed it in detail later. (Spoiler: It’s Shocking!)
In this article, I will explain the only steps you need to become an Audible audiobook narrator. After reading this guide, you can boost your imagination to create your story and join millions of others on this wonderful journey.
So, Let’s break the ice.
Read for Audible – How to be an Audible Narrator?
Are you looking to become a narrator for a rewarding platform like Audible? Indeed, you have significantly made the right choice. But to be an Audible narrator you should have to be competent enough.
There are millions of narrators currently available on Audible. Each has its own audacity and work ethic. Each narrator has their own unique voice which captivates his wide range of fan base. Among millions of narrators, you should have qualities that will distinguish you from Audible Narrators.
After having distinct qualities, when you’re determined to become an audiobook narrator, follow the mentioned guideline:
- You should send an email at [email protected]
- Your email should include a 2-minute MP3 clip of yours narrating an audiobook.
- Your email should also include a list of books you have narrated, if any.
- You should provide a link to your site (if available).
- Provide your contact information which includes your city and state where you are residing.
Now, I will shed light on the skills that are prerequisites for you to become an ardent Audible narrator.
Skills Required to Become an Audible Narrator
Of course, narrating audiobooks is a profession, not simply a hobby. But one can make his profession a hobby with his ultimate passion. It is just like any other profession which at starting off requires a specific set of abilities.
Therefore, be sure that you can affirmatively state yourself as a narrator before you enter the domain of storytelling.
The skills required to be a narrator for Audible are as follows:
Have Expertise in Distinguishing Between Dialects, Accents, and Voices
Another essential skill is embodying characters from different backgrounds. This will distinguish you from other narrators. Also, you should be an expert in performing this skill.
Let’s take for instance you might be running into a scene where seven sisters or three women in their 40s are involved. You should have to utilize this skill to produce their voices. This must sound differently to your listener.
I hope, now, you should have realized how important it is to have expertise in producing different dialects, accents, and voices.
Have Endurance or Stamina
It might appear simpler for you at first but it is not. Narrating throughout the day, and sitting down for hours requires patience. It is a reality that patience gets crippled as the hours prolong and you start feeling exhausted. That’s why it is crucial to endure yourself and maintain your energy.
Remember, the narration is not just sitting and talking. Actually, you need to be physically capable enough to accomplish it. It really involves breath control while performing. Also, you should be aware of when to pitch up your voice and when to soften it.
Inevitably, you should have enough stamina so you can cope with the hours prolonging performance. Also, you should be capable of managing a range of emotions that are bubbling in you during this.
Proficiency in Research Skills
Finally, another essential skill on which you should rely is Research. While you might be thinking about how research comes into play in all this.
Well, it may be the case that you are going to encounter unfamiliar pieces of words, references, and content. During these moments, conducting thorough research will help you enhance your abilities.
Beware, don’t pretend that you know everything. Be aware of what you don’t know and step up to take the initiative of research for yourself. Inevitably, it is crucial for you to deliver your best performance.
Have Acting Experience
When you are making a transition to narration, you must have a foundational knowledge of acting. This will result in a huge difference.
Lambrix once famously said:
“Narration is a gig of acting. You are narrating stories while taking on various personalities. So, being able to accomplish that is quite crucial.”
This quotation mostly inspires narrators to have a sense of acting to deliver the best.
It is likely to be considered that most of the individuals have an acting background in the field of narration. Remember, you are going to tell a story in the narration which is likely not to be your story. That’s why, Acting is a foundational skill.
Have Expertise in Distinguishing Between Dialects, Accents, and Voices
Another essential skill is embodying characters from different backgrounds. This will distinguish you from other narrators. Also, you should be an expert in performing this skill.
Let’s take for instance you might be running into a scene where seven sisters or three women in their 40s are involved. You should have to utilize this skill to produce their voices. This must sound differently to your listener.
I hope, now, you should have realized how important it is to have expertise in producing different dialects, accents, and voices.
Have Endurance or Stamina
It might appear simpler for you at first but it is not. Narrating throughout the day, and sitting down for hours requires patience. It is a reality that patience gets crippled as the hours prolong and you start feeling exhausted. That’s why it is crucial to endure yourself and maintain your energy.
Remember, the narration is not just sitting and talking. Actually, you need to be physically capable enough to accomplish it. It really involves breath control while performing. Also, you should be aware of when to pitch up your voice and when to soften it.
Inevitably, you should have enough stamina so you can cope with the hours prolonging performance. Also, you should be capable of managing a range of emotions that are bubbling in you during this.
Proficiency in Research Skills
Finally, another essential skill on which you should rely is Research. While you might be thinking about how research comes into play in all this.
Well, it may be the case that you are going to encounter unfamiliar pieces of words, references, and content. During these moments, conducting thorough research will help you enhance your abilities.
Beware, don’t pretend that you know everything. Be aware of what you don’t know and step up to take the initiative of research for yourself. Inevitably, it is crucial for you to deliver your best performance.
Focus on Improving Your Skills
If you have decided to become an audiobook narrator then be one of the best. Becoming one of the best audiobook narrators is more rewarding on Audible or any other platform like it. To become the best, you should focus on how to improve your skills and refine them.
Do Practice or Repetition
You have certainly heard, “Practice makes the man perfect”. Similar is the case here as well. To be the best, you need a lot of practice to do. Also, quite often repetition of your work. This will surely unlock your hidden potential. Indeed, you will become the best one day if you practice smart and hard.
Learn from the Experts
Another way to improve your skills is to learn from the experienced ones. To be the best, you have to learn from the best. Experts facilitate you with wonderful insights. These insights then help you a lot in your career. Networking with experts enables you to learn the best strategies in the field.
Getting Yourself Started as an Audible Narrator
Once you have built your skills and improved them, you have completed half of the journey. The remaining journey is all about how you are going to start your career as an Audible narrator. For this, I am going to list the steps so you may understand. The steps are as follows:
- Join ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) for Audible.
- Identify audiobook companies that are collaborating with Audible.
- Learn the requirements and how to submit your work.
- Create a demo reel and submit it to the identified companies.
- Create a network with authors, publishers, and narrators.
- Look for self-publishing options.
- Most importantly, Show resilience and be patient.
After following all these steps, you are all set to become an Audible narrator. Soon, you are going to have your first opportunity. Amidst all this, always remember, Audible is a remarkable rewarding platform and you have taken the right decision. Remember, why you have started all this at first.
|
Narrators |
Notable Works |
Accent/Dialects |
|---|---|---|
|
Richard Morant |
Snobs, & Past Imperfect |
Clear British accent |
|
Leah Remini |
Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology |
Thick Brooklyn accent |
|
Raymond Porter |
The Terminal List, The Sandman, & Project Hail Mary |
Commanding and soothing voice |
|
Julia Whelan |
Gone Girl, & Four Winds |
Versatile voice; skilled in various accents and dialects |
|
Saskia Maarleveld |
Recorded over 160 audiobooks |
Skilled in British, Australian, Kiwi accents, and various dialects |
How much do Audible narrators get paid?
At a beginner level, the ACX narrators earn $10 to $100. While, at a professional level, they earn $100 to $500. The amount at which they get paid depends upon the quality of work, feedback, experience, and their niche.
How can I make money reading for Audible?
The books narrated by you for Audible can appear on other popular platforms as well such as iTunes. To get started, follow the following steps:
- Sign up for an ACX account.
- Follow the guidelines of ACX.
- Upload high-quality samples to your profile.
- Set your hourly rate.
Related: How Do I Write An eBook Without Writing? [A Thorough Guide]
Is it hard to become an audiobook narrator?
To become an audiobook narrator, you require top-notch skills and qualities in your character. It requires resilience and patience.
An audiobook narrator spends almost 20 hours in the studio as per estimation. This shows narrators who are physically and emotionally fit will be able to sustain this profession.
Related: How Do I Read An Audible Book? (Steps)
Conclusion
My best suggestion is to make a genuine connection with your listeners. This connection will foster the trust and reliability of your listeners upon you.
Also, you should speak with clarity. Let your listeners understand your tone and develop an emotional connection with you. Always keep your listeners engaged while speaking clearly.
At last, keep your practice and continue to become the best. Your efforts will bear fruit for you one day. Surely, one day you will become one of the best if not the best.
