Audiobooks – Narrator’s Audiobook Production Checklist Smooths Process, by Tom Dheere
AUDIOBOOKS
Audiobook Production Checklist
Smooths Process For You And Client
March 13, 2012
By Tom Dheere
Voice Actor
I’m fortunate enough to have already narrated five audiobooks this
year, with at least one more in the pipeline.
Each has been a challenging
and fulfilling experience in their own right. As a result, I have
compiled a checklist to make sure the experience goes smoothly for both
myself and the client.
Perhaps it will help you, too …
AUDIOBOOK PRODUCTION CHECKLIST
1. Establish
a deadline
2. Get
the finalized script at least one week in advance of the first recording
session.
3. Only
accept the manuscript as a PDF file or other Read-Me only file.
4.For non-fiction, read
at least a few chapters ahead before the first recording session.
For fiction, it’s best practice to read the entire book before recording.
5. If
fiction; establish characterizations, genders, and accents.
6. If
non-fiction, determine if the client wants footnotes to be read.
7. Get
a pronunciation guide.
8. Get
the audio settings and file format.
9. Get
the method of delivery information.
10. Get
the Intro and Outro.
11. Make
sure the script has page numbers.
12. Find
out the page range to begin and end narration.
- If
you’re making copies, ask for the following: - Double-sided (to
save trees and cut down on page turning) - Hole-punched
- Enlarge the type to
fill the page, if need be
13. Retakes:
- make sure the
client does Quality Control AFTER the files have been edited AND mastered - Make sure the QC
sheet page and line numbers match your audiobook script - Find out if the
client wants the retakes as separate files - Find out if the
client will edit in the retakes, or if they want you to do it
ABOUT TOM
Tom Dheere is a 15-year
veteran of the voice over industry. He has narrated almost one thousand
projects spanning every area of the industry, including commercials,
audiobooks, and video games. His Good Karma Network (GKN) has an international following and has been the subject of numerous articles and features.
Email: tom@tomdheere.com
Web: www.tomdheere.com
Good Karma Network: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GKN
This is great! Thank you so much! I have a similar list but you have a few extra things on yours that I can add to mine. AWESOME!
Thanks 🙂
Golden stuff, thanks Tom!
Really good tips, Tom. Your list will help a lot.
I’ve added another one to the checklist!
If possible, have the client put the line number directly on the page. It makes the retake process much easier.
Thanks for the kinds words, guys!
It is good to see what we should be thinking. Sometimes the simple things make life easier.”,”2012-03-15″,”11:29:00″,”1″,”2012-03-15 11:29:56″,”2012-03-15 12:48:42″
“K02JYG0V”,”ORSCK3JW”,”Ian Wright”,”Ianshome@iinet.net.au”,”Solid article and advice as usual, Paul. Thanks. Re your long lost UOMEMONEY ‘friend’, perhaps a Private ‘tongue in cheek’ Message is appropriate? Something like “Hi. Are you the same John Doe I lent $ (insert owed amount) to 40 years ago? If so, with interest you now owe me $ (insert accumulated debt). If your calculations agree with mine please confirm and I will PM you my bank details. On settlement I’m more than happy to restore our connection and friendship. If you’re not the John Doe I remember, have we met or do we have mutual Facebook ‘Friends’ ? Regards, Paul”.
Let’s know how you go, Paul 😎 Best wishes, IAN in South Australia”,”2015-06-28″,”04:51:00″,”1″,”2015-06-28 04:51:51″,”2015-06-28 08:19:35″
“IKFY77KE”,”FRFGG2R7″,”Howard Ellison”,”ellisonvoice@gmail.com”,”All so true, Dave. Trying to hit two deadlines at once, I got stressed out to the point where a gentle reminder to water the garden threw me into a huge bottled-up rage.
You mention irascibility: snatching up the heavy hose reel, my back went out for the first time ever. Agony. I should have recorded the screams for portfolio. Only now beginning to move around – that’s two or three weeks lost. Completely self-inflicted.”,”2015-06-30″,”04:55:00″,”1″,”2015-06-30 04:55:00″,”2015-06-30 08:37:07″
“0DIK3QIN”,”FRFGG2R7″,”Johnny Davis”,”jjohnandad@yahoo.com”,” Great advice for any professional artist, not only voice actors. We can all get burned out if
we push ourselves over the brink.
Thanks a bunch, Dave.”,”2015-06-30″,”09:10:00″,”1″,”2015-06-30 09:10:17″,”2015-06-30 09:45:13″
“U1AUWGG0″,”FRFGG2R7″,”Jason Watt”,”work@jasonwatt.com”,”Fantastic advice, Dave! So many people in their pursuit of a career or success get overwhelmed and fatigued, which will affect their skills and talent – so important to get out of the booth or home studio and enjoy the life around you. There is a balance between living to work or working to live, and when you find it success will follow – and not to mention, you’ll live longer and enjoy it!”,”2015-06-30″,”10:52:00″,”1″,”2015-06-30 10:52:21″,”2015-06-30 11:05:44″
“XAMYT99O”,”FRFGG2R7″,”Elizabeth Holmes”,”Elizabeth@HolmesVoice.com”,”Thank you for these helpful (and practical) tips, Dave! “Planning Your Comeback” (#9) is a little-known, and highly useful strategy. I’ve been self-employed for over 31 years. There’s nothing like knowing about –and planning for– an adjustment like this.
It sounds counter-intuitive, but working hard and pushing through obstacles doesn’t always yield the best results. Sometimes you need another perspective, and you’ll trust your *own* perspective if you take the time to write down your best ideas at a time when you’re NOT burnt out (and cranky).”,”2015-06-30″,”11:04:00″,”1″,”2015-06-30 11:04:33″,”2015-06-30 11:06:43″
“UXUY82WI”,”FRFGG2R7″,”Debbie Grattan”,”debbie@debbiegrattan.com”,”Yes, I can relate. And when it’s your family business, it’s even harder to take a break! A walk in the fresh air is a great daily break, an open door for new ideas to flow for me. Also, I think conversing with other entrepreneurs (not in the VO biz) can help to unlock some fresh ideas and provide a different perspective on things. And, a true vacation can reset that work clock, too. I didn’t see that on the list, but I do think unplugging from everything for a week, once or twice a year, can be a great refresher. I’m not a VO actor that takes gear with me. For me, vacation is about resting, not working. It’s too much stress to deal with trying to please clients, from a different time zone, while planning a jet ski time, massage, or yoga class at the beach!”,”2015-06-30″,”11:48:00″,”1″,”2015-06-30 11:48:19″,”2015-06-30 11:50:32″
“INACUZTK”,”FRFGG2R7″,”Yvonne Schwemmer”,”yvonne.schwemmer@gmail.com”,”For the items that involve stepping away whether for a few minutes or a week or two, I have had to learn to do so without guilt. I’m only two years from having left my corporate career and I still have to remind myself that I’m my own boss – and a good one at that (okay, I’m a work in progress). Thanks for these very useful tips, Dave!”,”2015-06-30″,”12:52:00″,”1″,”2015-06-30 12:52:48″,”2015-06-30 13:13:12″
“BDJM6O2J”,”6Y3AJQTY”,”Elizabeth Holmes”,”Elizabeth@HolmesVoice.com”,”Thank you for this fun, entertaining article Barry! It’s a unique, helpful perspective on voice acting.
Good advice, Tom. I have a couple of suggestions to add: first, regarding character voices: the author may have good suggestions on how they hear the voices. Second, regarding printing out pages, I always download the Kindle version of the text so I can read it right off the screen… no trees are harmed!”,”2012-03-14″,”12:05:00″,”1″,”2012-03-14 12:05:32″,”2012-03-14 12:17:12″
“FH565J94″,”EUX0R7ZL”,”Mark Eaves”,”mfeaves@yahoo.com”,”Thanks Dan for your insight. I once worked on the staff of a church in Dallas with a well known pastor. He was very flamboyant in the pulpit. He was powerful and effective while he was preaching, but my favorite way of listening to him was not on Sunday mornings. On Wednesday nights he often lead an intimate Bible study. His speaking style was not as loud, not as hurried, and it communicated the depth of his love for God’s Word. As a listener, I was drawn into his message and had my attention captured.
I agree the same can be true for voice over.”,”2015-09-05″,”15:17:00″,”1″,”2015-09-05 15:17:20″,”2015-09-05 18:56:42″
“5RXN487D”,”0pbdajef”,”Brian Woods”,”bwoods@vocalboothtogo.com”,”Be on time, be yourself, and don’t second guess yourself. Sounds simple, but we all get hang ups about ourselves and struggle to just be ourselves in many areas of our lives. Must of been tough to say they “hate us” and have them hire you. I’m not a voice over actor but I have had a similar experience before. A lesson learned for me.I will share this article for our VO clients.