NARRATORRESOURCES

Narrators

How do I become an audiobook narrator?

The industry is very competitive. There is no shortage of narrators. Getting a job in the industry is just like applying for any other job. Here are a few suggestions:

• Have a professional sample/demo (this would be like your resume) that showcases your ability to do male/female voices, different emotions/settings, and different accents/dialects and languages if applicable.The key is to set yourself apart from the thousands of others trying to get in. You won’t get in just because you have a “nice” voice.
• Send demo to companies you would like to work for – find out who does the hiring of narrators and direct cover letter/correspondence to that person.
• Networking helps – go to industry events (i.e., Audio Publishers Association Conference, American Library Association’s conferences, Publishers Marketing Association’s conference, Book Expo America, Book London Fair) and get to know (not solicit) the professionals involved in the industry.

Have more questions? Contact Kara Nappi at Audiofile Magazine at (207) 774-7563. She can answer your questions on breaking into the industry.

Publishers like to work with people who have experience, usually in acting or voice over work. If you don’t have it, take classes at local colleges or universities or volunteer for community theater groups. In addition to joining APA, you might want to think about joining the Actors' Equity Association, the labor union representing over 45,000 American actors and stage managers working in the professional theatre. To learn more about this organization please visit the Actors' Equity Website.