Audio Book Narration Tips for Beginners
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- www.kevinclayna... Kevin Clay discusses some advice specifically for people just starting out in audio book narration and some great resources to help you improve and better your chances of making money.
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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!
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?
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
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!
This title is misleading. Should read: How to Succeed in any Chosen Field. Great life Advice Kevin!!! Thank you for the video
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.
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.
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!
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)
"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!)
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.
This is probably the best video I've seen about voice narration.
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!
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.
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 Kevin. A very kind and friendly no nonsense video.
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.
I love how realistic and straight forward you are about everything. As well as how much you still try help.
Such great tips, Kevin! Thank you:)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! :)
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.
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
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!!
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!
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!!
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.
I love the fact that you encourage your listeners ! Thank you !
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.
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.
Thank you for being transparent. Smile.
Personal, with a story, and packed with valuable advice. Thx Kevin!
I've watched this video a few times over the last couple years. Thank you for the good and honest tips Kevin!
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.
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
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
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! :)
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!!!
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!
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 really hope you nothing but success. "I'm always motivated for other people, more than myself." Very beautiful to hear! Good luck and thankyou
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.
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
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...
Learning from experience IS good, but learning from others is even greater.
Thanks. Nice to know that that applies in this profession as well
From one Kevin to another, thanks for this great advice for a new audiobook producer. Love your attitude and realistic approach to what it takes to get better. Thanks for sharing!
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.
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! :)
This was super helpful! 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.
I'm thinking of doing the same thing! How's it going so far?
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??
Thanks for cranking out a video and I enjoyed what you said about radio!
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.
I am new but it will be my passion. Books are my passion and love love to read!
This was some great advice! You are so engaging as well. Thank you so much!
I find this video super refreshing, your uninhibited honesty is brutal yet brilliant, providing the listener with a thorough and factual nugget of valuable experienced information. Your advice-giving style is fantastic; I love how subtle and yet how direct you are In the video, and props, for emphasizing strongly, certain points of value, while delivering this straightforward, no-bull, no pull, truthful advice to those of us who are curious about the world of audiobook narration!
Thank you!!!! I am so glad that I found this!!!!!
Great advice and thank you again!
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!
You got to have passion !! Personality. Can’t be boring !! Speak that shit from your heart !!
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.
Thanks Kevin, great advice.
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?
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! :)
Great advice, Kevin! I'm a couple years late on seeing this but I really appreciate your words of wisdom. Cheers!
Yup. I really, Really, REALLY love telling a story. That's the key. Always have been, always will be.
Thanks Kevin! Really appreciate the honesty and also encouragement.
I hear wisdom in this video. Thanks, Kevin!! Really helped!
I hope I try to follow your words well.
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.
Thank you Kevin. I am just getting into this, so searching for any good advice on it. I found your video inspiring, and also think your audio is great. I watch so many videos with bad audio, even on an ACX video, which was disappointing! Good luck with your future projects.
You have to spend it to make it! Just make wise investments. Enjoyed the video, Kevin.
Very helpful and thoughtful. Great stuff, Kevin.
Great tips! I like how you talk about the financial side of getting started and what kind of royalties you might make from the recording. I also agree on the prices that it depends on many other factors and it makes a huge difference in how you perform if you actually like doing it. Thanks!
Thanks for telling us about your experiences. Down to earth common-sense has been really uplifting.
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! :)
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! :)
I appreciate the straightforward nature of this.
This is so useful, thank you for this thoughtful advice!
Loved listening to you, Kevin. Thanks, for your good advice.
Freer Audio Productions Totally my pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it!
This is the first video that has really given me inspiration to look into this.
Thanks a lot Kevin!!! great help and you helped much to get motivated.
Thanks Kevin, I love your voice and I appreciate the sage advice. Thinking about getting into audiobook narration so am just doing some research :)
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! :)
Thank you for your tips...Very enlightening!
Thank you Kevin for the advice. great for beginners.
I'm thinking about entering voice acting. I might take some classes to get me up to speed.
Thanks for the wisdom shared in this video.
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 appreciate your advice. Definitely taking it in. Thank you. Love your voice!
Thanks so much!
Great video! Thanks for all the information.
Such a great video. Practical and honest. Thanks!
Thank you, I certainly have a story to tell. I appreciate you. I am going to tell it my way. You have just helped me make up my mind. Thank you for the wisdom.