Audio Book Narration Tips for Beginners

[@jasonfella265]

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 =)

[@Colaborateitpro]

I liked that one too!

[@letscarpethisdiem1988]

I was just about to say something similar! That was a very good statement he made. He's totally right too.

[@mmastoryline623]

I needed to read this. Thank YOU Jason for taking the time to write this :)

[@merlin2k6]

Totally agree!

[@jdsheleg8332]

Same hear... I mean, here!

[@TheBinklemNetwork]

You aren't positive nor negative. You're realistic, but supportive!

[@richardpyburn3849]

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.

[@kevinclay]

And you have a good sense of humor (humour, if you're British). Best of luck! :)

[@helloimbrianne160]

priceless comment, humor on point hahaha

[@singmysong4444]

Ha... Bravo... made me smile already... you're likely a good story teller... and can't wait to hear your work.

[@spencerjonesvo3973]

Same here...lmaoooo. Well played.

[@mamoonaafzal6172]

Y best wishes only for British

[@simmerchester9252]

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.

[@joananna9564]

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???

[@simmerchester9252]

@@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.

[@littleiglesias]

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

[@simmerchester9252]

@@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.

[@EdgarHammer847]

@@littleiglesias Hi! How are things going with ACX?

[@stephaniedavis7640]

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.

[@achillejosserand8575]

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 ? :-)

[@lashonyahutton148]

I was about to comment Then I read this comment Decided I didn't need to Thank you

[@dustenekoes28]

Update please! How’ve you gone? Did you pursue this line of work?

[@sweetbeep]

@@achillejosserand8575 ...did you go for it?

[@cjfolsom]

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.

[@nairbvel]

"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!)

[@RunsOnVoice]

Zero jump cuts? No BS marketing? Down-to-earth, practical advice? Thank you, Kevin! Hope you're keeping well!

[@kevinclay]

Jump cuts are extra work. I just like to roll with it, baby! Have a wonderful day! :)

[@RunsOnVoice]

@@kevinclay Hear! Hear!

[@calciferous]

I love listening to your voice. It just sounds so beautiful.

[@loserforlife4134]

He's a professional. 🐂💩

[@theb3887]

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)

[@TexasForever88]

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.

[@BecauseGaming]

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.

[@DestinyDiamond]

This is probably the best video I've seen about voice narration.

[@jacquelinemelendez5950]

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.

[@micklunney5419]

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.

[@Missy-Leigh]

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.

[@TheElectronicaHD]

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!

[@katiem4935]

Me too!

[@OCUBOX]

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.

[@backwardsbrilliance]

Thank you! Perfect balance of realistic, encouraging, and informative. I’m an actress and I really want to start dabbling in this.

[@1chuckcrenshaw]

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 [e-mail] Thanks and hope to hear from you!

[@michaelhoward4152]

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]

Thanks for the kind words. It's not necessarily easy but can be fun and occasionally profitable. Best of luck! :)

[@michaelhoward4152]

@@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.

[@floyder4198]

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.

[@billh.6135]

Thank you Kevin. A very kind and friendly no nonsense video.

[@jaywilson4520]

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.

[@missyunqgunz92]

I love how realistic and straight forward you are about everything. As well as how much you still try help.

[@elirabian]

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.

[@segagenesis7708]

I'm in the same boat. I'm 37 and I've been getting compliments about my voice since I was 16. Most say I have a voice for radio, but narration has also come up. So now, I'm curious and in the practicing phase.

[@Jensum1]

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!!

[@jacruddy8165]

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!

[@kevinclay]

Best of luck to you! :)

[@ThePowerBunny]

This title is misleading. Should read: How to Succeed in any Chosen Field. Great life Advice Kevin!!! Thank you for the video

[@SandraBettsArt]

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.

[@happieslime4976]

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.

[@thefictionxwelive]

I've watched this video a few times over the last couple years. Thank you for the good and honest tips Kevin!

[@LandTurtleManGuy]

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.

[@dawayen]

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.

[@-haileythemoonwolf-9314]

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!

[@rebuiltgirl3263]

How is your audio career coming along

[@ryang1553]

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.

[@Horrorduchess]

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!!

[@charlesmorris620]

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.

[@AxylusMaximus]

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!

[@giulianael]

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

[@christineayala3343]

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

[@sinclairbowman92]

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.

[@kevinclay]

Glad to help. Best of luck to you! :)

[@neogaines2418]

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.

[@jessicafurman8470]

Thanks Kevin! Really appreciate the honesty and also encouragement.

[@maryerb6062]

Thanks for cranking out a video and I enjoyed what you said about radio!

[@fijiand0ll91]

I love the fact that you encourage your listeners ! Thank you !

[@stevecappella7358]

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.

[@kevinclay]

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! :)

[@sheristewart2333]

Thank you!!!! I am so glad that I found this!!!!! Great advice and thank you again!

[@charleenhuyler5119]

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.

[@thesunisout2858]

Hi Charleen, did you look into audio narration?

[@1dcondave]

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

[@kevinclay]

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! :)

[@holly9150]

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

[@sheilaruiz8451]

Thank you so much for this fantastic information! I found your video when researching how I would start an audio book for the book I just published.

[@kevinclay]

Getting an audiobook made these days is pretty simple thanks to www.acx.com and similar sites . There are a lot of good narrators floating around. Good luck!

[@phillipbenger9305]

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.

[@kevinclay]

My pleasure. Best of luck to you!

[@JesseTate]

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.

[@kevinwilkinson8753]

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!

[@sadiyahansari8612]

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.

[@QueenObio]

This was some great advice! You are so engaging as well. Thank you so much!

[@jasondoan241]

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!

[@kevinclay]

Now, there's something from a looooong time ago! That was a fun station. I appreciate you getting in touch! :)

[@tomellenwarders2178]

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!

[@kentlofgren-svenska]

Personal, with a story, and packed with valuable advice. Thx Kevin!

[@melissast.pierre7448]

Thanks Kevin, I love your voice and I appreciate the sage advice. Thinking about getting into audiobook narration so am just doing some research :)

[@cybertaiga9534]

Thoughtful and good advice here. Thank you for sharing!

[@clau7540]

I appreciate your advice. Definitely taking it in. Thank you. Love your voice!

[@kevinclay]

Thanks so much!

[@aakischitralekha369]

I hope I try to follow your words well. Thank you...

[@21bywater]

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.

[@kevinclay]

Not having a boss is worth a lot! Remember, "boss" is double S O B spelled backwards. :)

[@avamaria8447]

how is this going 3 years later??

[@robertjank]

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.

[@BabiesandKidsChannel]

Such great tips, Kevin! Thank you:)

[@victoriawallacehunter3448]

Thank you for your honesty and sense of humor. Your video was very helpful. I am doing my research.....

[@jononopa4134]

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!

[@AntonioJavar]

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.

[@markus1963nl]

Check out the cassette recorder! Love the old school analog kit. Great points and very motivating.

[@kevinclay]

Every now and then that thing comes in handy! :)

[@adamalderman2264]

Great content, insight, and advice! Thank you so much!

[@MickTurnerMusic]

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.

[@charlesselindaiorg1979]

Thank you, Kevin! This was absolutely helpful.

[@morgangoodell2840]

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❤

[@AnthonyFleischmann]

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

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

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!!!

[@bluemushroomz]

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

[@kevinclay]

Thanks for the kind words. Best of luck to you! :)

[@msobhi826]

I have to say .. You have a nice voice indeed . Thanks for advices

[@crystalwhite4799]

Thank you for being transparent. Smile.

[@TheSeventhSphinx]

This is so useful, thank you for this thoughtful advice!

[@shawnpruett7831]

Great advice, Kevin! I'm a couple years late on seeing this but I really appreciate your words of wisdom. Cheers!

[@mikesinclair66]

Very clear reality check… thanks for the great advice!

[@laurenaskins6126]

This was super helpful! Thank you!!

[@dotexe6415]

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.

[@bethrivera867]

I'm thinking of doing the same thing! How's it going so far?

[@jacobdarling1524]

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 KZbin.

[@timothymaddux9018]

Learning from experience IS good, but learning from others is even greater. Thanks. Nice to know that that applies in this profession as well

[@cyberdragon7016]

I'm thinking about entering voice acting. I might take some classes to get me up to speed.

[@rhymhizsong4214]

radio hx or not, those are some great pipes! Thx 4 the list of resources and a black & white reality check of motive=income.

[@morganbryan8045]

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.

[@kevinclay]

Thank you! :)

[@freeraudioproductions3641]

Loved listening to you, Kevin. Thanks, for your good advice.

[@kevinclay]

Freer Audio Productions Totally my pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Johonavich49]

Thanks a lot Kevin. Very helpful, I really appreciate this video! I’m going to look up these helpful free videos.

[@MicaelaKaibniRaen]

Great video! Thanks for all the information.

[@jennifermckenzie4434]

This is the first video that has really given me inspiration to look into this.

[@MikeLeahy]

Thanks for telling us about your experiences. Down to earth common-sense has been really uplifting.

[@thedollgalleryandstudio3176]

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.

[@suzanneboily5224]

I am new but it will be my passion. Books are my passion and love love to read!

[@usmanahmed7063]

Thanks a lot Kevin!!! great help and you helped much to get motivated.

[@billbixby557]

Thanks for the video, you covered a lot of area and answered a lot of questions.

[@JoshuaCJones]

Thank you for this. Appreciate the transparency and genuine energy here.

[@ninadbhatkar2127]

Your voice is so refreshingly different. Thanks for your guidance, Kevin sir. - from Mumbai India.

[@SARLIN8]

This was a great presentation, very informative and motivating, thank you. And, by the way you have a most pleasant voice.

[@modernmusicstudio303]

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!