Something you said in your video made me come back and comment, because it was so absolutely awesome. When you said that, only a handful of people may ever hear the story you tell, maybe even only one person. But that person will never hear the story if you don't tell it. That will stay with me for a long time. Thanks for the inspiration =)
I have been narrating for ACX for five years. I am working on my 100th book and have sold 3750 books. Most of them on royalty share. I like your candor. Very few people make it as a sole source of income. The way I look at it is a hobby that pays a little.
hey, I have a doubt can I edit my audio before submitting it for audition on acx because I have some noises going on in the background so I edited it using an app. is that ok???
@@littleiglesias It all depends on the author or publisher. Most times, they will explicitly tell you where to start from and what to omit. If in doubt, contact the author/publisher. There are no hard and fast rules about this.
Thankful for the wisdom, as a married 26 yr old w/ a 1.5 yr old & another coming next week, I wondered if this was even an option for fun in my free time. I have always loved reading out loud and believe I have the right desires for this. I’m leaving this video informed! excited to see where this takes me.
Thank you so much for this video! To be honest, I've spent the last ten years thinking, "What do i want to do with my life?" Then I had an epiphany. I love to read, I love to tell stories. I used to spend hours, whole days even, reading aloud to my mother. It hit me like a ton of bricks. This is what I want to do. And for the first time, this was the first career I've considered where my first thought wasn't, "How much money am I going to make?" Twelve dollars or twelve thousand, I don't care. Thank you for the advice, I truly appreciate it.
Kevin, Thank you for your time. I am starting into to VO work and have built a recording studio in the closet under the stairway. Most people my age have come out of the closet by now, and I am going back in. You have a good heart.
I did not think you were being mean at all :) I'm also not a marshmallow! I'm an ER/ ICU nurse who's fed up with medical and who has been interested in narrating/ voice over work for years. This is my first video and I thought it was clear, concise and honest.
Try listening to an annoying voice for 8+ hours, the voice is very important, but mainly, can you ACT. Acting is important in all forms of voice work. Your goal as an audiobook narrator is to hand hold the listener through the story, not speeding up for example, when things get heated/tense, which will make the listener pay more attention, even physically lean in, because they're like, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT, READ FASTER! I want to KNOW FFS! That is where you should be cautious of employing the same steady pace...There are just so many things that make a narration engaging (I have listened to a lot of audio-books, and will not go passed a minute, if the narrator sounds bad, I have to like their voice is what I'm saying). So if you're blessed with a great voice, then that's one less thing to worry too much about in the session as a VO artist, yes, Artist.
You helped me realize that I'm thinking of doing it for the right reasons (not money) because I've been wanting to do this without having ANY idea how much money you could make from it, never even crossed my mind.
"Allocate your resources wisely." Truer words have never been spoken, regardless of the subject being discussed. Thank you, Kevin! (Lots of other good stuff in this video as well!)
Sounds like Brian The dog, & Steve Mcfarlane (Of GamilyGuy) Mike & the News anchor all mixed into ONE VOICE.. Mike Rowe from Firty jobs.. Also Mike tells story's somenare true storys... not sure he wrote them all or not .. #"read letters he's mother wrote him s letter (sweet) and shes really exceptional at writing and story telling :) I'd buy either of their books!~☆ (CHECK IT OUT)
I've been told my entire life that I have an amazing voice. I honestly don't hear anything special about it, but recently came across narrator audio book careers and I'm very interested.
Ha ha. My unedited audio is hilarious. I edit it myself but the channel I do narration for always wants my uncut file for entertainment. It was never about money for me. I love to speak. I love everything about communication. And I cut my first “spot” sitting in my dads lap in front of a mic of a little mom and pop radio station that he ran. This is my favorite video advice on this subject. Virtual fist bump, Mr Kevin Clay.
I have just had a light bulb moment and thought to myself “I like telling a story, I wonder how I can get into narration?” So I googled it and found this great video. Thanks!
A lot of great advice in this video. "Whether you realize it or not somebody is waiting to hear that story" As someone who is somewhat new to the world of narrating audiobooks, I find what you said here very motivating and clarity inducing.
Remarkably generous and speaking from the heart. No nonsense advice from someone who has put in the work and wants to help others. This is gold, thank you.
Hi my name is Chuck if you need help in recording end of the narration business I can help you with Audacity if that's what you have as a DAW my email is cdproradio@gmail.com Thanks and hope to hear from you!
Ask ten different beekeepers the same question and you're bound to get ten completely different answers. Sounds like the ACX Forum. You're the first audio book narrator I've run across who was clearly in radio. There are 72,000 voices on ACX when I last checked. That's a lot of competition. It sounds like a tough business to break into, but once you've got your foot in that door, you're in. And, by the way, I am an ex radio guy. Spent a good portion of my life in small box rooms talking into microphones and using things like wax pens, razor blades (which were always dull, hmm...) and specialized tape. If that tells you anything, it's this: I'm damn old. Take care...
I enjoy how you qualified yourself and this video in the first moments of the video, explaining why someone should even pay attention to what you’ve got to say. This is the type of content newcomers NEED to hear.
Thank you, Kevin! You share some sound, thoughtful, and realistic information that I feel every aspiring Book Narrator should hear. I know it helped me immensely! I also deeply appreciate your sharing your Earned Income your first year in Narration. "Nothing good comes easy." And normally, nothing great will come to us quickly. By showing us what you made in your second year of Narration, at least for me, it confirmed that perseverance and dedication can really pay off. I'm more of a Behind The Scenes kind of a guy, and from the enormous amount of Voice Over/Voice Acting resources (books, videos, websites, podcasts, and more) I've consumed, not a lot is focused on Audio Book Narration. I believe that's because the profession isn't seen as "glamorous" as doing commercials, promos, or animation. Couple that with the amount of time you must put in for a single project and that can dissuade many from promoting it or wanting to try it. It's for some of those very reasons, along with my great passion for reading, that make me feel I should pursue it with everything I've got.
@@kevinclay I sensed that you are having fun doing the Narrating, and that is something else that inspires me, because I am truly enjoying the learning process.
Love it, Kevin. I have written 9 books over the last 8 months and now want them in audio. You gave me the idea that I could do it myself with the right training and getting the right tools in my toolbox. Okay, here goes.
That would be awesome! Having the actual author reading to the listener/reader couldn't be more perfect since you would know the inflections intended and tones and temperament. I hope you succeed!
I have been struggling as a video editing freelancer for 2 years and stumbled upon ACX per finished hour gigs, and I'm currently working on 4 books. I have already completed 5 books, mostly 3 hour long ones. I'm pretty blown away. I have never made close to this much money doing video editing, and I only recently discovered I could record voice at all. It's not a huge amount in terms of hourly if you count all of the auditioning and editing, but it's significantly above minimum wage and I don't have a boss, which is kind of the whole point. :) Thanks for your perspective, my friend.
After two years and over two dozen titles, I'm just now getting to where I feel confident charging a pro-level pfh rate and think about outsourcing the editing. I've made some mistakes and not only had to learn but had to re-approach a disappointed client to try to make it right. I've learned a lot, and I've had the blessing of working with some really creative folks and tell their stories. That's the WHY for what I do in VO. --David A. Conatser, Storyline Voice-Over
I think that's a perfectly reasonable approach. I wouldn't have felt right charging what the "experts" said I should be charging when I was starting out. Every field has entry level positions and pay. Audiobooks are no different. Best of luck to you! :)
Thank you so much! This video helped me a lot. I'm young, yet I'm doing a narration for an audio called "Journey to the Spark", and I was having trouble until I found this video!
I LOVE the advice of listen and learn from the negative feedback. Also, invest in yourself and allocate your resources wisely. BOTH are very solid advice tips and I am going to follow these to the fullest.
I love telling stories to others and may never narrate a book but I certainly love to tell stories to others and love listening more than anything to other great story tellers. I want to be able to entertain my friends and families with being a good speaker. Thank you. Practice! Practice! Practice!!!
Still a fantastic video, 7 years later. Thanks Kevin! I've been a ghostwriter/editor for years, just got into narration and don't really have what you'd call a rich voice. I had several clients mention how articulate I am, and how familiar with reading aloud; and they wanted to hire me for a few gigs. It sort of seems to be growing from there, we'll see how far it goes.
Thank you for this video. This is the most practical, down-to-earth, source of information and advice I think I have ever seen. It gives me not only hope that I can do this, but a sense of practicality that I really needed to approach this. Really, really appreciate it.
You aren't being mean, your being real. I started 2 months ago, got 2 jobs all ready. I have my rode nt usb mic in my closet, record and edit using audacity which is free. I have some that sound like poop and some that came out really well. I am going through a divorce and once it's over and I get some money freed up I am going to buy Shure mic with cloud lifter and Focusrite. I will stick with Audacity because I am familiar with it. You can't make money doing something if you can't put time and money into it. If I can get work with no experience and minimum equipment then when I spend a little money to get better...sky is the limit
This needs more views! Thank you for the advice! I'm casually starting to do niche stories, I love how you put that, that somebody, being one body. As long as one person listens to my work, I'll be satisfied.
I'm an old Aussie man just beginning and your comment that it's not your voice it's if you can tell a stoory which I know I can, so thankyou as you've given me more confidence. I'm an author whose going to narrative his own books! Thank you.
I'm planning on doing this with out of copyright books (ones that I like), just on youtube, and I like how you told us you made $12 in your first year and then progressed to "a little bit more", it makes it sound realistic a opposed to almost-literal ads where they say they made $120 in their first week and then $120000 the rest of the year ^_^ the monster truck rally thing is hilarious. i showed my dad take 1 of a short story where i took time to pronounce (read: stuttered) made up names I hadn't practiced and he said it was good (he has done similar work) but agreed about practicing the names.
admire the way you did NOT try to aggrandize yourself by quoting your income or pretending a lucky break entitles you to tell others how they should proceed. Thank You
Thanks for the advice! I'm starting off pretty cheap because I want to get my foot in the door and I've always loved audiobooks and was fascinated in anime dub ect. I'm determined to get better and do what I need to do to be successful❤
I know you did this video 7 years ago, but I am seeing it for the first time. I am getting ready to retire from my current job and want to start a new chapter in my life. Music has always been a part of my life, but now I'm looking to get a home recording studio together and also look into voice work. I wanted to thank you for the quote-unquote "reality check" about the business. It is good to not be given a blue ribbon for everything or expect one. I need to know the cold hard truth up front. It does not mean I will not pursue what I think I would like to do. But I will not be delusional thinking I'm going to bring in a ton of money my first week of doing this kind of work. Thanks again and I hope you have been well and have done more after this video. I'll go check out your channel now and see if you have anything more current. Take care.
Thanks, Steve! The audiobook business is still doing well for me, although I've found that the experience I've gained from audiobooks has really translated well to other voicework wihich I must say pays much better for the time spent. As you progress don't forget to see what else your newfound talents can be used for. Best of luck! :)
Just by seeing you talking I feel like you're so humble, down to earth man. In the whole video you're like, look I'm not really that great but I care for you. This is the best part in people who without knowing somebody wants to do good for them. And that makes them beautiful inside out. Thanks for the video. Thanks a lot. I want to become an audiobook narrator because at the very first hand I wanted to learn speaking English and the other and that is important too (but not really much more important than the first reason) is...that I need money.
Thank-You for that I know some friends who are gospel singers and are awesome singers and they have taken lessons, and of course, I thought way and asked them and they told me what you said, but they improved. thanks, I am going for the audio narration and I do expect to spend some money.
Great Video with Solid Real World Advice. There is a lot to learn when just starting out so training is critical to be successful as an Audiobook Narrator. There's really only two options to Success - Pay the Money and Learn Quickly or Learn through Time and Failure. Thanks again for a great video. God Bless, Anthony 2 Tim 1:7
I've been voice acting for several years. I have the equipment. I have the software, and I have the experience. This is still good advice. It means that I'm on the right track. *EDIT* The job I applied for severely underpaid. I rejected it in the nick of time.
So many to choose from on Google...I clicked and hit magic with Kevin!! Your realism, sense of humor and candor has me a subscriber now!! So excited to get started...will you come build my soundproof room, lol?? Thank you!!
Thank you for this great, REAL, advice. One other TH-camr suggested his 'test' of reading aloud in a confined space for one to two hours over the span of two weeks. This will give a more accurate representation of the work it takes to be an audiobook narrator, and if you cannot do THAT, then all the additional hours it takes to actually do this line of work may not be for you. I am going to do this as well as follow your advice to see where I stand. Thanks for this video.
You haven't posted in awhile, so you may never see this. But, I wanted to say, that you helped me make a huge decision in my career. You have also given me great tips. I hope youre doing well friend
I'm on TH-cam pretty regularly but don't post anything unless I've got something profound to say... which isn't often! Glad the video was helpful. Best of luck to you!
thank you very much for the very level headed approach I can understand the fact that we spend $100,000 for a degree on teachers who have never done the real world experience and now it makes so much sense to get the good advice and apply it. Thank you very much!!!
Thank you Kevin for sharing this information I am interested in audio book narration and didn't know where to start.You gave frank and enlightening advice for the beginner.
Thank you for a very honest and useful post. I have just extracted myself from the corporate world because of all the misguided hype about strategies for success and respect, so refreshing to come across something of value with a sense of realism.
this video alone makes up for most of the few self-dev books that I've wasted my time reading.. like I could apply your advice on anything and it makes sense.. thank you sir for you have sparked in me the passion to audiobook narration.. and damn it is indeed the way you tell a story that matters and this video is good proof for good charisma in conveying an idea
Just came across this video looking for tips to improve. Have been recording chapters of literature for friends and have a little circle of people that enjoy listening to it. I actually want to start narrating professionally. Mainly struggling to find an in so to speak, but definitely going to apply some of the tips you mentioned in this video. I've already invested in lessons for myself and always ask for feedback/critique. Thank you so much for the awesome video.
Hey Kevin, I know this is an older video, but thanks for the information. I have not narrated anything just yet but I am interested. One thing I am working on now, is just taking my time talking normal in a regular conversation. Slow down and enunciate.
Thanks for the advice Kevin. I ran across this video and realized I remember you from when you did radio at KTUX 99. I grew up listening to you. Small world!
You are very honest and tell it how it is. Great advice otherwise it's no advice at all. Thank you. I've only gone and chosen the worst book to want to cover lol but that's the challenge. Not to make money but to educate and help people but also it will help myself too
Thank you, Kevin, for your sound advice! No pun intended! lol I am a SAG/AFTRA and AEA Actor. I currently split my time between NYC and Boston, with T.V and Cable Shows. But, lately, things have been terribly slow! Like my Agent has not called me in almost three weeks. So I asked one of my oldest acting teachers about Audio Books, and how to get a great recording of myself; just like my professional Acting reel? Because he had great success early in his acting career in the 1980s and then nothing. But he is a great teacher and in the past 4-5 years had really cracked into ADR! Which in NYC is very hard to do! He, just said read and google about it? Nice huh? But you freely share knowledge; I know took time, a lot of hard work and talent. I thank you for that! Also, I was born, and raised in the city of Boston-so I have a Linguistic teacher in NYC because when I first started acting, it was so bad to watch and listen to my "BoStin'" accent!! Terrible! And tips on how I can practice getting that voice... like yours.. you know? a universal English/American? TY EMB
Good thing is that if you're an actor you should be able to use your skills to get that plain ol' Murican accent. If all those Australian & British guys can do it (Hugh Jackman & Tom Holland) I have no doubt you can too! :)
Something you said in your video made me come back and comment, because it was so absolutely awesome. When you said that, only a handful of people may ever hear the story you tell, maybe even only one person. But that person will never hear the story if you don't tell it. That will stay with me for a long time. Thanks for the inspiration =)
I liked that one too!
I was just about to say something similar! That was a very good statement he made. He's totally right too.
I needed to read this. Thank YOU Jason for taking the time to write this :)
Totally agree!
Same hear... I mean, here!
You aren't positive nor negative. You're realistic, but supportive!
Zero jump cuts? No BS marketing? Down-to-earth, practical advice? Thank you, Kevin! Hope you're keeping well!
Jump cuts are extra work. I just like to roll with it, baby! Have a wonderful day! :)
@@kevinclay Hear! Hear!
I have been narrating for ACX for five years. I am working on my 100th book and have sold 3750 books. Most of them on royalty share. I like your candor. Very few people make it as a sole source of income. The way I look at it is a hobby that pays a little.
hey, I have a doubt can I edit my audio before submitting it for audition on acx because I have some noises going on in the background so I edited it using an app. is that ok???
@@joananna9564 I would think that you have to. If there's noises in the background, ACX will ask you to make the changes before they okay it.
Hey, I have just started with ACX. I was wondering if you start narrating a book from the forewood, synopsis or just chapter 1? Thanks for your help
@@littleiglesias It all depends on the author or publisher. Most times, they will explicitly tell you where to start from and what to omit. If in doubt, contact the author/publisher. There are no hard and fast rules about this.
@@littleiglesias Hi! How are things going with ACX?
Thankful for the wisdom, as a married 26 yr old w/ a 1.5 yr old & another coming next week, I wondered if this was even an option for fun in my free time. I have always loved reading out loud and believe I have the right desires for this. I’m leaving this video informed! excited to see where this takes me.
Thank you so much for this video! To be honest, I've spent the last ten years thinking, "What do i want to do with my life?" Then I had an epiphany. I love to read, I love to tell stories. I used to spend hours, whole days even, reading aloud to my mother. It hit me like a ton of bricks. This is what I want to do. And for the first time, this was the first career I've considered where my first thought wasn't, "How much money am I going to make?" Twelve dollars or twelve thousand, I don't care. Thank you for the advice, I truly appreciate it.
Hi, I happen to be in a similar state of mind, three years later in 2020. I wonder, how did it turn out for you ? Have you gone for it ? :-)
I was about to comment Then I read this comment Decided I didn't need to Thank you
Update please! How’ve you gone? Did you pursue this line of work?
@@achillejosserand8575 ...did you go for it?
Kevin,
Thank you for your time. I am starting into to VO work and have built a recording studio in the closet under the stairway. Most people my age have come out of the closet by now, and I am going back in.
You have a good heart.
And you have a good sense of humor (humour, if you're British). Best of luck! :)
priceless comment, humor on point hahaha
Ha... Bravo... made me smile already... you're likely a good story teller... and can't wait to hear your work.
Same here...lmaoooo. Well played.
Y best wishes only for British
This title is misleading. Should read: How to Succeed in any Chosen Field. Great life Advice Kevin!!! Thank you for the video
I did not think you were being mean at all :) I'm also not a marshmallow! I'm an ER/ ICU nurse who's fed up with medical and who has been interested in narrating/ voice over work for years. This is my first video and I thought it was clear, concise and honest.
Try listening to an annoying voice for 8+ hours, the voice is very important, but mainly, can you ACT. Acting is important in all forms of voice work. Your goal as an audiobook narrator is to hand hold the listener through the story, not speeding up for example, when things get heated/tense, which will make the listener pay more attention, even physically lean in, because they're like, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT, READ FASTER! I want to KNOW FFS! That is where you should be cautious of employing the same steady pace...There are just so many things that make a narration engaging (I have listened to a lot of audio-books, and will not go passed a minute, if the narrator sounds bad, I have to like their voice is what I'm saying). So if you're blessed with a great voice, then that's one less thing to worry too much about in the session as a VO artist, yes, Artist.
I think it’s awesome that you shared your income the first year. A lot of people try to sell a dream and don’t show income proof.
You helped me realize that I'm thinking of doing it for the right reasons (not money) because I've been wanting to do this without having ANY idea how much money you could make from it, never even crossed my mind.
"Allocate your resources wisely." Truer words have never been spoken, regardless of the subject being discussed. Thank you, Kevin! (Lots of other good stuff in this video as well!)
This is probably the best video I've seen about voice narration.
I love listening to your voice. It just sounds so beautiful.
He's a professional. 🐂💩
Sounds like Brian The dog, & Steve Mcfarlane (Of GamilyGuy) Mike & the News anchor all mixed into ONE VOICE..
Mike Rowe from Firty jobs..
Also Mike tells story's somenare true storys... not sure he wrote them all or not .. #"read letters he's mother wrote him s letter (sweet) and shes really exceptional at writing and story telling :)
I'd buy either of their books!~☆
(CHECK IT OUT)
I've been told my entire life that I have an amazing voice. I honestly don't hear anything special about it, but recently came across narrator audio book careers and I'm very interested.
Ha ha. My unedited audio is hilarious. I edit it myself but the channel I do narration for always wants my uncut file for entertainment. It was never about money for me. I love to speak. I love everything about communication. And I cut my first “spot” sitting in my dads lap in front of a mic of a little mom and pop radio station that he ran. This is my favorite video advice on this subject. Virtual fist bump, Mr Kevin Clay.
I have just had a light bulb moment and thought to myself “I like telling a story, I wonder how I can get into narration?”
So I googled it and found this great video. Thanks!
Me too!
The best part is at 8:33 !! Soooooo true! Criticism is GOOD if you learn from it. He's being what dads used to be.
A lot of great advice in this video.
"Whether you realize it or not somebody is waiting to hear that story"
As someone who is somewhat new to the world of narrating audiobooks, I find what you said here very motivating and clarity inducing.
Remarkably generous and speaking from the heart. No nonsense advice from someone who has put in the work and wants to help others. This is gold, thank you.
Thank you! Perfect balance of realistic, encouraging, and informative. I’m an actress and I really want to start dabbling in this.
Hi my name is Chuck if you need help in recording end of the narration business I can help you with Audacity if that's what you have as a DAW my email is cdproradio@gmail.com
Thanks and hope to hear from you!
Ask ten different beekeepers the same question and you're bound to get ten completely different answers. Sounds like the ACX Forum. You're the first audio book narrator I've run across who was clearly in radio. There are 72,000 voices on ACX when I last checked. That's a lot of competition. It sounds like a tough business to break into, but once you've got your foot in that door, you're in. And, by the way, I am an ex radio guy. Spent a good portion of my life in small box rooms talking into microphones and using things like wax pens, razor blades (which were always dull, hmm...) and specialized tape. If that tells you anything, it's this: I'm damn old. Take care...
I enjoy how you qualified yourself and this video in the first moments of the video, explaining why someone should even pay attention to what you’ve got to say. This is the type of content newcomers NEED to hear.
Thank you Kevin. A very kind and friendly no nonsense video.
Thank you, Kevin!
You share some sound, thoughtful, and realistic information that I feel every aspiring Book Narrator should hear. I know it helped me immensely!
I also deeply appreciate your sharing your Earned Income your first year in Narration. "Nothing good comes easy." And normally, nothing great will come to us quickly. By showing us what you made in your second year of Narration, at least for me, it confirmed that perseverance and dedication can really pay off.
I'm more of a Behind The Scenes kind of a guy, and from the enormous amount of Voice Over/Voice Acting resources (books, videos, websites, podcasts, and more) I've consumed, not a lot is focused on Audio Book Narration. I believe that's because the profession isn't seen as "glamorous" as doing commercials, promos, or animation. Couple that with the amount of time you must put in for a single project and that can dissuade many from promoting it or wanting to try it. It's for some of those very reasons, along with my great passion for reading, that make me feel I should pursue it with everything I've got.
Thanks for the kind words. It's not necessarily easy but can be fun and occasionally profitable. Best of luck! :)
@@kevinclay I sensed that you are having fun doing the Narrating, and that is something else that inspires me, because I am truly enjoying the learning process.
I love how realistic and straight forward you are about everything. As well as how much you still try help.
Love it, Kevin. I have written 9 books over the last 8 months and now want them in audio. You gave me the idea that I could do it myself with the right training and getting the right tools in my toolbox. Okay, here goes.
That would be awesome! Having the actual author reading to the listener/reader couldn't be more perfect since you would know the inflections intended and tones and temperament. I hope you succeed!
I have been struggling as a video editing freelancer for 2 years and stumbled upon ACX per finished hour gigs, and I'm currently working on 4 books. I have already completed 5 books, mostly 3 hour long ones. I'm pretty blown away. I have never made close to this much money doing video editing, and I only recently discovered I could record voice at all. It's not a huge amount in terms of hourly if you count all of the auditioning and editing, but it's significantly above minimum wage and I don't have a boss, which is kind of the whole point. :) Thanks for your perspective, my friend.
Not having a boss is worth a lot! Remember, "boss" is double S O B spelled backwards. :)
how is this going 3 years later??
After two years and over two dozen titles, I'm just now getting to where I feel confident charging a pro-level pfh rate and think about outsourcing the editing. I've made some mistakes and not only had to learn but had to re-approach a disappointed client to try to make it right. I've learned a lot, and I've had the blessing of working with some really creative folks and tell their stories. That's the WHY for what I do in VO.
--David A. Conatser,
Storyline Voice-Over
I think that's a perfectly reasonable approach. I wouldn't have felt right charging what the "experts" said I should be charging when I was starting out. Every field has entry level positions and pay. Audiobooks are no different. Best of luck to you! :)
Thank you so much! This video helped me a lot. I'm young, yet I'm doing a narration for an audio called "Journey to the Spark", and I was having trouble until I found this video!
How is your audio career coming along
I LOVE the advice of listen and learn from the negative feedback. Also, invest in yourself and allocate your resources wisely. BOTH are very solid advice tips and I am going to follow these to the fullest.
I love telling stories to others and may never narrate a book but I certainly love to tell stories to others and love listening more than anything to other great story tellers. I want to be able to entertain my friends and families with being a good speaker. Thank you. Practice! Practice! Practice!!!
Still a fantastic video, 7 years later. Thanks Kevin! I've been a ghostwriter/editor for years, just got into narration and don't really have what you'd call a rich voice. I had several clients mention how articulate I am, and how familiar with reading aloud; and they wanted to hire me for a few gigs. It sort of seems to be growing from there, we'll see how far it goes.
I am new but it will be my passion. Books are my passion and love love to read!
Thank you for this video. This is the most practical, down-to-earth, source of information and advice I think I have ever seen. It gives me not only hope that I can do this, but a sense of practicality that I really needed to approach this. Really, really appreciate it.
You aren't being mean, your being real. I started 2 months ago, got 2 jobs all ready. I have my rode nt usb mic in my closet, record and edit using audacity which is free. I have some that sound like poop and some that came out really well. I am going through a divorce and once it's over and I get some money freed up I am going to buy Shure mic with cloud lifter and Focusrite. I will stick with Audacity because I am familiar with it. You can't make money doing something if you can't put time and money into it. If I can get work with no experience and minimum equipment then when I spend a little money to get better...sky is the limit
ADP2 - wishing you much luck and success! Thank you for posting, I think you have a great attitude and you have given me hope (I'm just starting out)
This needs more views! Thank you for the advice! I'm casually starting to do niche stories, I love how you put that, that somebody, being one body. As long as one person listens to my work, I'll be satisfied.
I'm an old Aussie man just beginning and your comment that it's not your voice it's if you can tell a stoory which I know I can, so thankyou as you've given me more confidence.
I'm an author whose going to narrative his own books!
Thank you.
My pleasure. Best of luck to you!
You have to spend it to make it! Just make wise investments. Enjoyed the video, Kevin.
Amazing tips - I’m looking to start a horror story narration channel. Received a few compliments about my ‘sweet’ voice. Thank you for this video!!
I'm glad I stumbled upon this video. The advices you gave applies not only to VO work but to all types of work or passion that people are keeping.
Learning from experience IS good, but learning from others is even greater.
Thanks. Nice to know that that applies in this profession as well
I'm planning on doing this with out of copyright books (ones that I like), just on youtube, and I like how you told us you made $12 in your first year and then progressed to "a little bit more", it makes it sound realistic a opposed to almost-literal ads where they say they made $120 in their first week and then $120000 the rest of the year ^_^
the monster truck rally thing is hilarious. i showed my dad take 1 of a short story where i took time to pronounce (read: stuttered) made up names I hadn't practiced and he said it was good (he has done similar work) but agreed about practicing the names.
I'm thinking of doing the same thing! How's it going so far?
admire the way you did NOT try to aggrandize yourself by quoting your income or pretending a lucky break entitles you to tell others how they should proceed. Thank You
Yup. I really, Really, REALLY love telling a story. That's the key. Always have been, always will be.
Thanks for the advice! I'm starting off pretty cheap because I want to get my foot in the door and I've always loved audiobooks and was fascinated in anime dub ect. I'm determined to get better and do what I need to do to be successful❤
Kevin - you are a star. Sound advice, thank you. Have been toying with this career for a while, but you have helped me make the decision. Thank you!
Best of luck to you! :)
I love the fact that you encourage your listeners ! Thank you !
I know you did this video 7 years ago, but I am seeing it for the first time. I am getting ready to retire from my current job and want to start a new chapter in my life. Music has always been a part of my life, but now I'm looking to get a home recording studio together and also look into voice work. I wanted to thank you for the quote-unquote "reality check" about the business. It is good to not be given a blue ribbon for everything or expect one. I need to know the cold hard truth up front. It does not mean I will not pursue what I think I would like to do. But I will not be delusional thinking I'm going to bring in a ton of money my first week of doing this kind of work. Thanks again and I hope you have been well and have done more after this video. I'll go check out your channel now and see if you have anything more current. Take care.
Thanks, Steve! The audiobook business is still doing well for me, although I've found that the experience I've gained from audiobooks has really translated well to other voicework wihich I must say pays much better for the time spent. As you progress don't forget to see what else your newfound talents can be used for. Best of luck! :)
I appreciate the advice. I am going to narrate board game manuals haha
I am a huuuuuge boardgame fan. I'd probably listen! I'll be looking for your take on Twilight Imperium and Mage Knight! ;)
Thank you for being transparent. Smile.
Personal, with a story, and packed with valuable advice. Thx Kevin!
Just by seeing you talking I feel like you're so humble, down to earth man. In the whole video you're like, look I'm not really that great but I care for you. This is the best part in people who without knowing somebody wants to do good for them. And that makes them beautiful inside out. Thanks for the video. Thanks a lot.
I want to become an audiobook narrator because at the very first hand I wanted to learn speaking English and the other and that is important too (but not really much more important than the first reason) is...that I need money.
Thank-You for that I know some friends who are gospel singers and are awesome singers and they have taken lessons, and of course, I thought way and asked them and they told me what you said, but they improved. thanks, I am going for the audio narration and I do expect to spend some money.
Great Video with Solid Real World Advice. There is a lot to learn when just starting out so training is critical to be successful as an Audiobook Narrator. There's really only two options to Success - Pay the Money and Learn Quickly or Learn through Time and Failure.
Thanks again for a great video.
God Bless,
Anthony
2 Tim 1:7
Love it! I’ve played sports my whole life. The ONLY way to get better is to practice and hangout with people who are better at it than you.
Thank you sir .I'm not a native speaker of English but I got a good performance of narrating books
I've been voice acting for several years. I have the equipment. I have the software, and I have the experience.
This is still good advice. It means that I'm on the right track.
*EDIT* The job I applied for severely underpaid. I rejected it in the nick of time.
I just read things out in my room, trying to make myself sound as even and pro as possible. Maybe I could try voice over eventually.
I've watched this video a few times over the last couple years. Thank you for the good and honest tips Kevin!
I really hope you nothing but success. "I'm always motivated for other people, more than myself." Very beautiful to hear! Good luck and thankyou
Just came across this. Love how down to earth you are and how you keep it real for the rest of us! Thanks for the tips
Why am I even watching this, I cant talk for 30m without my voice going horse. TH-cam takes me to some odd places.
I'm thinking about entering voice acting. I might take some classes to get me up to speed.
So many to choose from on Google...I clicked and hit magic with Kevin!! Your realism, sense of humor and candor has me a subscriber now!! So excited to get started...will you come build my soundproof room, lol?? Thank you!!
Thank you, Mr. Clay. I am very seriously looking into audio book narration and this video was a great primer for where I need to start.
Glad to help. Best of luck to you! :)
Practice doesn't make perfect .PERFECT practice makes perfect!
You got to have passion !! Personality. Can’t be boring !! Speak that shit from your heart !!
I have to say .. You have a nice voice indeed . Thanks for advices
Thank you Kevin. You really inspired me in this video. Your energy, your voice, you are speaking from the heart. I'm starting my journey now.
I just have a story & want to put it out for free everywhere I can. I'm good at writing, speaking & creative
Funny...Monster Trucks... I actually went to those events as a child. I'm going to read my own book. Thank you for your advice.
This is the first video that has really given me inspiration to look into this.
Thank you for this great, REAL, advice. One other TH-camr suggested his 'test' of reading aloud in a confined space for one to two hours over the span of two weeks. This will give a more accurate representation of the work it takes to be an audiobook narrator, and if you cannot do THAT, then all the additional hours it takes to actually do this line of work may not be for you. I am going to do this as well as follow your advice to see where I stand. Thanks for this video.
You haven't posted in awhile, so you may never see this. But, I wanted to say, that you helped me make a huge decision in my career. You have also given me great tips. I hope youre doing well friend
I'm on TH-cam pretty regularly but don't post anything unless I've got something profound to say... which isn't often! Glad the video was helpful. Best of luck to you!
thank you very much for the very level headed approach I can understand the fact that we spend $100,000 for a degree on teachers who have never done the real world experience and now it makes so much sense to get the good advice and apply it. Thank you very much!!!
I appreciate the straightforward nature of this.
I hope I try to follow your words well.
Thank you...
Recommendations
7:44 Pat Frayley
8:18 Shawn Allen Pratt
8:22 Scott Brick
8:23 Paul Allen Rubin
8:25 Barbara Black
8:35 "Why should I pay...?"
Thanks for cranking out a video and I enjoyed what you said about radio!
Hi Kevin, I am starting out and brand new at this and your video really resonated with me. You were discussing just what I needed. Thanks
Thank you Kevin for sharing this information I am interested in audio book narration and didn't know where to start.You gave frank and enlightening advice for the beginner.
Hi Charleen, did you look into audio narration?
Thank you for a very honest and useful post. I have just extracted myself from the corporate world because of all the misguided hype about strategies for success and respect, so refreshing to come across something of value with a sense of realism.
Thank you! :)
this video alone makes up for most of the few self-dev books that I've wasted my time reading.. like I could apply your advice on anything and it makes sense.. thank you sir for you have sparked in me the passion to audiobook narration.. and damn it is indeed the way you tell a story that matters and this video is good proof for good charisma in conveying an idea
Thanks for the kind words. Best of luck to you! :)
I thank you for your, "tough love" approach. Sometimes you need a good kick in the butt to get that inspiration going. Thank you for the advice!
Your voice is so refreshingly different. Thanks for your guidance, Kevin sir. - from Mumbai India.
Just came across this video looking for tips to improve. Have been recording chapters of literature for friends and have a little circle of people that enjoy listening to it. I actually want to start narrating professionally. Mainly struggling to find an in so to speak, but definitely going to apply some of the tips you mentioned in this video. I've already invested in lessons for myself and always ask for feedback/critique.
Thank you so much for the awesome video.
Thank you! Monster Truck pull....sooo funny. You are a gift.
Sir you have such a soothing voice
Thank you! :)
Such great tips, Kevin! Thank you:)
Hey Kevin, I know this is an older video, but thanks for the information. I have not narrated anything just yet but I am interested. One thing I am working on now, is just taking my time talking normal in a regular conversation. Slow down and enunciate.
Thanks for the advice Kevin. I ran across this video and realized I remember you from when you did radio at KTUX 99. I grew up listening to you. Small world!
Now, there's something from a looooong time ago! That was a fun station. I appreciate you getting in touch! :)
I’m publishing a book this year and hoping to learn more voiceover skills to make an audio book for it. As well as short audio dramas on TH-cam.
What’s so funny is I looked up audio book narration tips and found this video. Wish me luck!!!
thank you for the reality check.
You are very honest and tell it how it is. Great advice otherwise it's no advice at all. Thank you. I've only gone and chosen the worst book to want to cover lol but that's the challenge. Not to make money but to educate and help people but also it will help myself too
You can still learn a lot by doing bad books. I've certainly done a good bit of those! Good luck! :)
Thanks for telling us about your experiences. Down to earth common-sense has been really uplifting.
I don't have a studio yet. I just read in an open room at the moment. I want to go to the next level but need to get my studio right first.
Fantastic advice! I do not disagree with a word you said.
Thank you, Kevin, for your sound advice! No pun intended! lol I am a SAG/AFTRA and AEA Actor. I currently split my time between NYC and Boston, with T.V and Cable Shows. But, lately, things have been terribly slow! Like my Agent has not called me in almost three weeks. So I asked one of my oldest acting teachers about Audio Books, and how to get a great recording of myself; just like my professional Acting reel? Because he had great success early in his acting career in the 1980s and then nothing. But he is a great teacher and in the past 4-5 years had really cracked into ADR! Which in NYC is very hard to do! He, just said read and google about it? Nice huh? But you freely share knowledge; I know took time, a lot of hard work and talent. I thank you for that! Also, I was born, and raised in the city of Boston-so I have a Linguistic teacher in NYC because when I first started acting, it was so bad to watch and listen to my "BoStin'" accent!! Terrible! And tips on how I can practice getting that voice... like yours.. you know? a universal English/American? TY EMB
Good thing is that if you're an actor you should be able to use your skills to get that plain ol' Murican accent. If all those Australian & British guys can do it (Hugh Jackman & Tom Holland) I have no doubt you can too! :)