Recording & Submitting Samples for ACX

Hey guys! In this video I'll walk you through where to find copy to narrate, and how to select the sample attributes.
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[@jentendo64]

When you were reading Dracula, you instantly sounded like a true professional. The way your voice transitioned was amazing! I'm recording my samples this week, hearing your voice and tone with the narration was a great example. Thank you !

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Awe, thank you so much! Go get em Sister! 💪

[@QueenObio]

Thanks! You are awesome!

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Thank you soo much! I appreciate you! YOU are awesome!

[@nitasgarden1085]

I’m really new to this but I wanted to tell you that I’ve purchased many books on audible to listen to and your voice is my favorite. I love to listen to books that you narrate.

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Thank you so much, that is so sweet!

[@josephhanes1251]

Thank you so much I get anxious about starting new things I should start and this really helped me get in task

[@CheckTheFAQS]

I am thankful and AMAZED at how well presented your videos are. The information is so useful! YOU have a fan here ma'am!!!

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Wow, thank you!

[@ronaldbrown5946]

Ok just watched your vid, Recording and Submitting an audition for ACX question answered, thank you.

[@kylemccoymusic4202]

Really helpful vid! If it's not too much, could you also cover the more technical aspects of ACX auditions? Things like the -3db and adding normalizing audio. While ACX does list everything out pretty well, it's a bit daunting for those with little to no audio-tech knowledge. There are other people who have covered this, but you're channel articulates the VO/Narration nuances so well that I'd love to hear your take on it if you haven't already. And if you have, sorry that I missed that video 😅

[@jaclynrachellec]

I think she goes over it pretty well in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5TNoZ9ue5uZjc0

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Thank you so much for your kind words, and for watching! I have not yet made a video that really dives into the technical side of ACX formatting because what works for me and my recording space, may not work for yours. I could make a video about my settings in the hopes that maybe it will help you find your perfect settings? Thanks for the suggestion! :)

[@kylemccoymusic4202]

@@VoiceOverAngela No problem! And a video on your settings would be great! True that we all have different setups, but as long as you preface that what works for you won't work for everyone, I think it would do more help than harm. And possibly help people get on the right track. Thx again!

[@kylemccoymusic4202]

@@jaclynrachellec Ahhh I missed that one! Thx!

[@VoiceOverAngela]

@@kylemccoymusic4202 you are absolutely right. Thanks again!

[@AdamSupremeWisdom]

I noticed a resemblance to the voice of Alexa whilst you were reading Dracula. You are so talented. God bless you. 🙊

[@Manj369]

Angela, you have a heart of gold, what a true gift you are. Thank you for your service to us all. For now, please accept a tsunami of love coming your way! xxM ♥☮∞

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Thank you so much!

[@Logan24855]

You have a great radio voice :)) This helps me out a lot....just signed up to ACX. Thank you, have a great weekend.

[@paulduke6412]

Thanks Angela! Just starting and this video helped alot!

[@kennymonty8206]

It's funny, I actually chose Dracula as a source for one of my first 3 samples. I'm still thinking about it. I mean, really, it's a brilliant work. I actually just spent the whole night just freaking on this piece of literature. I recorded my bit, but just geeked on and on.

[@KenSaunders]

Thank you for putting this together. I'm just getting started, and this was incredibly helpful.

[@sincerelysandi]

This was excellent! I am very interested In VoiceOver work and this has exceeded my expectations! Thank you new sub.

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Thank you!

[@Cfdezb21]

Thank you!! Project Gutenberg is a treasure!

[@Dixie8642]

Your videos are SO helpful. THANK you. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Elim-meister]

I never realized how many classics were public domain. A literal treasure trove!

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Absolutely!

[@jenerirubio9808]

Hi Angela, I love this video. However, I have commented here last night. It was long and now it doesnt show, do you not get long comments? I have seceral questions there. Would love to have a one on one session with you. What do I need to do?

[@Vickers747]

Thank you for this tutorial, finding a sample to read was on my mind for my next move.

[@austinonaustin6870]

Excellent info and example. As a bonus, your voice is marvelous to listen to. Thank you for posting this!

[@guymukulayenge7890]

excellent narration !!

[@KingOrest]

So you can start any where? Good to know. Thanks.

[@andreachadwick5885]

Angela, thank you for sharing. This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@CandidHope]

Thanks for your insightful presentation, the audiobook biz is new to me. Working on a short story videobook as an intro to a series of novels and realize its sound alone would make a half-hour audiobook freebie. Is dialogue, a score, and foley too unconventional in an audiobook?

[@christineayala3343]

Thanks Angela. I am working on my samples today! I wondered if you can tell me if you have a video on getting started with Fiverr? Like from start to uploading, etc. Thanks! Christine

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Great idea! Thank you!

[@sincerelysandi]

@Christine Ayala I'm new to this and would love to start VoiceOver. How's it going for you so far?

[@rajkumarireddy9291]

Thank you mam 💞

[@blessedacre2933]

Thank you. God bless you.

[@Fluffy-pj3hz]

Hi, thank you so much I'm going to do my first sample hope it goes well:)

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Go for it! Stay positive and have fun with it!

[@msrobin6222]

So helpful! Thank you so much!

[@spookynightthelegendofclar4049]

Your voice sounds crisp and clear. Is it the room you're in?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

My room is treated with moving blankets and acoustic foam. My mic helps too I think. ;) Thank you for watching!

[@masterly-copy]

Enjoyed your reading of Dracula. Can i narrate with a USB mic for ACX. thanks

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Thank you! Yes you can! :)

[@michaelcousins172]

This was super helpful. Thank you!

[@ECCLESIAOFBURNINGONESS]

Wow! Thank you! What mic do you use?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

I use a Sennheiser MKH 416.

[@robert5661]

This is great stuff!! I fear it won't help me fight the covenant though.

[@FittedMisfits1]

where and how do you look into see if the books we use don’t have any copyrights?

[@BrendanWhelan]

Thanks! I want to get into this but seems like it would take a long time to record a full book, if you even get the gig... no? I would image I would have to keep doing lines here and there to get it correct...

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Yes, it did take time. It's a commitment for sure. That's where the passion for this keeps you moving forward. And mistakes and retakes are completely normal. :)

[@BrendanWhelan]

@@VoiceOverAngela thanks! Also I would imagine the pay rate would be decent for a full book. Do you have a video discussing the pay rates if you book a gig? Thanks 🙏🏼

[@vegansinthewildover5023]

Cool! I just added Louisa May Alcott's An Old-Fashioned Girl sample. I had the cat trying to climb on my lap, the dog threatening to shake his jangling collar, and the wind coming up, but I did it! (After reading the sample text once without realizing my mic wasn't on...why am I nervous when I'm the only one here?)

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Nice! It's hard to get out of your own head... but funny when you realize you spend all this time talking to yourself! Haha. Great job!!

[@amyhammond8602]

Thank you for all of you videos! Why does the browse button not work to get files from my computer? USA there a setting that needs turned on?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

You're welcome! If the browse function isn't working, try reloading the page. ACX gets a bit glitchy sometimes. :)

[@Bee_Hive_10134]

Can you narrate these public domain books and upload them on a KZbin channel?

[@SusyRohrscheib]

So I thought you can just use any book to add as your sample in ACX since you are not selling it. Is that not the case? Thanks for sharing

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Technically you can, but me being me, I always err on the side of caution. :)

[@ramon78433]

Any sites you suggest we use to research its copyright claims?

[@1C3TV]

Have you done a video on Effects Racks? I am just learning how to use Adobe Audition and I'm interested to know how you setup that rack.

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Hi! Thank you for watching! Yes, I have this video on Rack Presets, check it out : kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6C4g4KqlrVmeK8

[@Logan24855]

Can you use the voice over work/experience for an acting resume? I'm new to being a Narrator/Voice Actor but what is the potential income a individual could make per year?

[@yoelbenyisrael9866]

Shalom VoiceOverAngela! My inquiry is as follows: Is the Adobe Audition software that you use free? If not, what free audio editing software may I use, as I begin my ACX narration journey?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Adobe Audition is a subscription based software. Audacity is free to download and use.

[@yoelbenyisrael9866]

@@VoiceOverAngela Wow, you respond quickly! Lol! Todah rabah (Thank you greatly)!

[@readsandsips5982]

Hi what do you mean by audiobook rack I cant see where you're clicking and how do you make sure its mp3?

[@gailerisrael]

Hello. 😊 I'm wondering if you know if this works in the Philippines?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Hello! Thanks for watching! ACX may not be available for you but I have provided some great alternatives in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4iblYOaeqidp8k Thank you!

[@NikgoUT]

First time exploring narration and you're my first video. Thanks! Very helpful. I subscribed and will be listening to more. Wondering what you're using for your recording and editing software?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Thanks for watching, and welcome to the family! I use Adobe Audition to record and edit.

[@NikgoUT]

@@VoiceOverAngela Thanks very much! 💗

[@thebitlot]

Hi, I'm new to the Voiceover Realm and I'm am absolutely fully imbibing the information as fast and thorough as I can. Is it ok to have breathing sounds in your ACX submissions? I'm thinking the answer is no unless requested.

[@VoiceOverAngela]

I think a low natural breath is okay, I would definitely remove the big breaths after a long or difficult sentence. :)

[@WallyJ2K]

What clicker do you use for marking edits? Thanks!

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Hi! Thanks for watching! I use a dog training clicker.

[@kevinlawrence8580]

Do the samples have to be perfect?

[@DanielleBaylor]

I just turned in my 15 min check but it's saying it's not meeting the requirements. Not sure why. Can't see what's wrong on my daw 🤦🏿‍♀️. So frustrating

[@ronaldbrown5946]

Greetings Angela, I have a question regarding submitting auditions on ACX I see some scripts that are perhaps a few paragraphs up to 3 pages long. How much of what they offer does one read, all of it or just a few paragraphs? Thanks

[@VoiceOverAngela]

I typically submit about 3 minutes, so a few paragraphs maybe? Definitely not an entire page. :)

[@jennifergross3506]

All of my samples are commercials and I am looking for something to Narrate. Thanks!

[@TamasinShaw]

Your videos have been so incredibly helpful. Thank you! Do you have any tips for finding more "modern" free-use pieces? I'm thinking specifically more for a comedic sample - though I suppose it's all in how you read it :) Thanks again!

[@VoiceOverAngela]

The examples I give in this video are books in the public domain, meaning the copyright has expired. Typically this is when 70 years passes after the authors death, so unfortunately, most of these will be on the older side. You can write your own, ask an author for permission to use one of your own samples of work. Most authors will allow you to use an audition sample as well. Most probably wont mind, but as I have said before, I always err on the side of caution when it comes to someone else's work. :)

[@TamasinShaw]

@@VoiceOverAngela I hadn’t thought of writing my own! Thank you for the response :)

[@VoiceOverAngela]

@@TamasinShaw You are so very welcome! Have fun with it!

[@Jules-gm7vk]

Do you have any tips for narrating a book that's been fed through google translate and then published without proof reading? It was originally written in Spanish and translated to English.

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Hi Jules, I would ask the RH if they would like it to be edited to be appropriate for a different language. If you don't offer that service, suggest that it may be something they consider doing before you narrate it.

[@Jules-gm7vk]

@@VoiceOverAngela I can ask that even after the book has been published? And I've agreed to the contract? I'm managing to make it sound conversational, but if you actually listen to the words most of it doesn't make sense.

[@VoiceOverAngela]

@@Jules-gm7vk yes, I'm sure they would want their book to the best it could be for listeners or readers. It is possible to update the digital copy for ebooks or print on demand.

[@Jules-gm7vk]

@@VoiceOverAngela thank you. I've been on the fence about communicating this to her but I will. I love your channel thank you for all your hard work! I certainly appreciate it!

[@Nothingisprofessional]

What is that you are using to fix the mistakes? What are you recording yourself with?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

I use a dog clicker to mark my mistakes. I use a Sennheiser 416 microphone, Adobe Audition as my DAW, and a focusrite Clarett as my interface.

[@jaclynrachellec]

This was really helpful, thank you. I didn't realize that samples had to be free use.

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Technically, they don't need to be copyright free, I always err on the side of caution. Again, this is for a new narrator with no completed audiobooks under their belt. If you do have completed audiobooks, I'm sure the author wouldn't mind you advertising their book through a sample but it's good to ask permission for using it this way. :)

[@robertcurran170]

@@VoiceOverAngela As someone just starting out, am I OK using something that is out there as long as I put credit to the title and author?

[@emiliem.8925]

Hi Angela, thank you for this, it was very helpful! One question: do the extracts that we use as samples have to be from books that are in the public domain or can we use anything?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Hi! Thanks for watching! Technically, they don't have to be in the public domain. I was just demonstrating where to find these. :)

[@emiliem.8925]

Brilliant! Thank you.

[@jenn23love]

Where can I find my profile to submit my samples? When I go to my profile, its trying to make me search my name to find my book.. which I don't have a book, I just want to narrate. Please help :(

[@esperanzabevill9855]

I'm starting out on ACX and I still haven't figured out how to get my samples from my MP3 on to the site. Do you have a video for that? '

[@VoiceOverAngela]

On your narrator/ producer dashboard, you should see share your sample, that is where you upload them. If you don't see that, you may have signed up as an author instead of a narrator.

[@esperanzabevill9855]

Ok here’s the problem with my MP3. I’ve recorded two samples on it but for strange reason I can’t record on it any more, so I’m using my IPhone voice recorder. Now I’m trying to convert it to a MP3 file. Is that possible and how? Thank you Hope B.

[@captainchaos0666]

Top notch job. Once my debut book is available for auditions on ACX, it would be an honor if you were to you narrate my work. Of course that's if you are into romantic suspense/thrillers.

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Thank you so much! I would be honored to be your voice! Yes, I love romantic thrillers! When you are ready, I'd be happy to provide you with a custom sample. :)

[@daviking-88]

What program do you use for vocal recording? I couldn't make it out on my lowly phone lol

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Hi! I use Adobe Audition for my DAW. Thanks for watching!

[@nrhodes2026]

=] You're the best. Love your videos!

[@aminemeziane5224]

Hey Angela please kindly give me a microphone serie/brand that I can use it for auditions? thank you in advance.

[@VoiceOverAngela]

To start, a USB mic will work just fine. I started with a Blue Yeti. :)

[@temptingXoverdose]

I have been deeply searching and can't seem to find an answer anywhere. Are we supposed to be able to hear our samples once they are uploaded? I click the play button and hear nothing. Am I doing something wrong?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Yes, you should be able to hear your samples when you play them back. Be sure your browser tab isn't muted. Also, ACX has been a little glitchy lately, so try it again later or try refreshing your page.

[@happygummyproductions]

What program is it that you utilize for recording/editing samples?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

I use Adobe Audition for my DAW. Thanks for watching!

[@EmilyPlein]

You sound lovely, even for Dracula. 🤓

[@VoiceOverAngela]

🤣 Thank you!

[@royernyc4995]

is there another app i can use , other than adobe audition?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Oh yes, there are several choices for a DAW. I have a video here in my channel explaining some of the most popular. Audacity is free to use and download. :)

[@kevinlawrence8580]

Now that I have the samples in ACX. Then what should I do?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

You can also audition for books :)

[@pernillaa3649]

hi, is my phone and headphones enough equipment for this side hustle?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

HI! I would not use your phone, there is specific formatting that needs to be done to comply with audible's standards. This would be difficult to achieve with your phone, I would definitely invest in a USB mic to start. :)

[@thenewreal]

I have to wonder if anyone is hired on ACX from samples. I've been on ACX for almost 6 years and I have a strong profile and sample library but I have no indication that either has ever been viewed/listened to in that entire time. What does your experience tell you?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Yes, they are. I have, a few others I know have. It helps to refresh them or add new ones. They are posted in order, when you upload one, it's at the top of the search. The idea is to be at the top, often, with new or reposted samples.

[@gracielathomen2655]

How do I contact you for voice over?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Hi Graciela, you can reach me through my website www.voiceoverangela.com for either voice over work you need done or for help wth your voice over business. :) Thanks for watching!

[@BodegaMouse]

So no mixing or EQ necessary?

[@VoiceOverAngela]

Apply the effects that your voice and recording space require, and format them to ACX standards so the RH can hear what the final result will sound like. :)

[@jacquecherokee4553]

@@VoiceOverAngela Do you have any recommended effects if you're using Audacity?

[@nicolamckenna1215]

Love your channel Angela, and today's video was so helpful and inspiring! Thank you so much for your encouraging, supportive words, a pro always helps those following her! May you and your business continue to flourish - all the best, Nicola McKenna w/a Nikki Weston in Dublin, Ireland.

[@kennymonty8206]

Now, I've run out of books that I'm qualified to narrate, so I'm opening a Fiverr account. Now, I'm wondering what to post as a sample for things I've never done. Figuring it out.

[@lytnin88]

I thought ACX didn't care if the material you use for sample is copywrited,

[@VoiceOverAngela]

It's not a requirement, I always err on the side of caution .

[@lytnin88]

@@VoiceOverAngela Are you on the west coast? I'm in CA.

[@shazugraphy3980]

Wait she sounds exactly like siri 🥺🥺😂😂🥺

[@VoiceOverAngela]

I hear that alot, it's not me though! 🤣

[@sabirapf838]

Your vedios are too long ones Please try to make vedios that are not too long