Knowing how to hire an audiobook narrator is crucial because the narrator you choose becomes the voice of your story. They can transform written content into a compelling audiobook, and they have the power to either enchant your audience or disengage them. There are many voice actors, but you need a voice that will stay true to the author’s original story and vision.
At Voice123 – where you can find talented audiobook narrators – we’ve put together this guide on how to hire an audiobook narrator to help you choose the perfect voice for your audiobook.
It’s time to take your book to the next level with audiobook narrators!
What is an audiobook narrator?
An audiobook narrator is a voice actor who brings a story’s written text to life through vocal performances that create a dynamic and immersive auditory experience. Audiobooks are popular today because they eliminate the need for specific reading time so people can still enjoy a good book while working out, catching up on chores, or commuting to the office. The best audiobook narrators can adopt different tones, inflections, and sometimes even multiple character voices to draw audiences into the narrative. The Harry Potter series, narrated by Jim Dale, is a renowned audiobook collection that captivates listeners with magical storytelling and Dale’s enthralling character performances.
Here’s how to hire an audiobook narrator for your next project!
How to hire an audiobook narrator
1. Determine the style and tone
Have a clear understanding of your audiobook’s tone and style. While a humorous tone suits comedy perfectly, it won’t always suit drama and vice versa. So, if your audiobook is historical non-fiction, an audiobook narrator with a deep voice and dramatic style will match the tone and atmosphere of your book.
2. Understand your audience
Consider your target audience’s preferences because different age groups and cultural backgrounds might relate better to particular voices or narration styles. For example, a young adult audience may prefer a more youthful and energetic voice, while an older demographic may appreciate a more mature and soothing tone.
3. Choose a voice that suits the characters
If your book features characters with distinct voices or accents, you should hire an audiobook narrator who can adapt their voice to represent each character authentically. Here are a few factors to help you settle on the final range of audiobook voices for your project.
- How old is your character?
- Is the character male or female?
- Which city, town, or area are they from?
- Does the character speak a specific language or dialect?
4. Audiobook voices must have the right pitch and pace
An important tip to remember is that it’s better to maintain a slow pace that allows the listeners to follow the story. So, the audiobook narrator you choose should have a good balance of pitch and pace. Another aspect to consider is if they can speak naturally. Audiobook narrators can also modify their pitch from tones ranging from dramatic to funny without much effort.
5. Use voice actors with genre-specific experience
Look for audiobook narrators with genre-specific experience because the most successful audiobook voice actors typically focus on a specific niche. This could be sci-fi, mystery, or fantasy. Audiobook narrators also have audio samples showcasing their vocal range and ability to engage listeners. Why not listen to the samples from audiobook narrators on Voice123 to find a unique and captivating voice?
Should you hire a male or female audiobook narrator?
Ultimately, deciding whether to hire a male or female audiobook narrator depends on the perspective of your book, its characters, tone, and content.
- Perspective: If your book is written in the first person, it would be best to use an audiobook narrator of the same gender as the main character.
- Characters: If your book contains multiple characters, consider choosing a versatile narrator who can switch between different voices. You can also hire different narrators for each main character.
- Tone: You can hire a male audiobook narrator if the story has a firm, authoritative tone. Or a soothing female voice for a light-hearted narrative.
- Content: Non-fiction books like biographies or self-help books might require a narrator with a compassionate and empathetic tone. In contrast, suspenseful audiobooks need a narrator with an intense voice style.
Final Thoughts
So, now that you know how to hire an audiobook narrator, you’re ready to find the perfect voice for your audiobook project. Remember to determine the style and tone of your audiobook, understand your audience, choose a voice that suits the characters with the right pitch and pace, and use voice actors with genre-specific audiobook experience.
And whether you need a male or female audiobook voice, you can find terrific voice actors on Voice123. You can also hire our Managed Services team to manage your entire project from start to finish.
Get ready to bring your story to life with the power of audiobook narrators!
FAQs
The cost varies based on the narrator’s experience, the book’s length, and complexity. Generally, costs range from $500 to $750 per finished hour of content.
You can find a narrator for an audiobook on voice over casting sites like Voice123. You can post your audiobook project for free or search for audiobook voice actors and listen to samples and custom auditions.
Start by determining the style and tone of your audiobook and understanding your audience. Next, choose a voice that suits the characters with the right pitch and pace, and use voice actors with genre-specific audiobook experience.
