sign up for our
NEWSLETTER

Home Shop Subscribe Advertise Articles Directories Classifieds Calendar FAQs Contact Us Login

Audiobooks: Tips For Approaching
Producers (& NYC Workshop May 1)
April 19, 2010
 
Narrating audiobooks takes talent. But so does getting that work in the first place.
 
Multi-award winning narrator Johnny Heller will present a special VoiceOverXtra learning event, The New York Audiobook Narrators Day Workshop - on audiobook narration skills and finding jobs - on Saturday, May 1 at Recorded Books in New York City.  
 
Right now, this in-demand and acclaimed narrator offers these five tips for approaching and working with audiobook producers:
 
1. Be Up Front. Note your audiobook experience (or lack thereof) and your studio facilities - if you have a home studio.
 
2. Be Prompt. Show up before your session starts, ready to work. If you're voicing from a home studio, meet deadlines.
 
3. Be Aggressive - But Not A Nag. Arrange to send a demo, and ask the producer when you may call back for feedback.
 
4. Be Honest. Do let them know about your skills. And be able to do what you say you can do!
 
5. Be Fun. Let your smile out. People like to work with likeable people. So be likeable!
 
HEERE'S JOHNNY ...
 
Described by the Library Journal as having "the voice of a master storyteller," Johnny Heller won coveted Audie Awards in 2009 and 2005 and has received many Audie nominations. (Sponsored by the Audiobook Publishers Association, the Audie Award is the audiobook industry's "Oscar".)
 
AudioFile magazine notes: "Heller makes non-fiction as thrilling as any action adventure," and "He's the best narrator for children's books around."
 
He was named a top voice of 2009 and 2008, and selected as one of the Top Narrators of the 20th Century by AudioFile magazine.
 
He is also a multiple Golden Earphone Award winner, a Best Audio Book of 2009 winner, and winner of a 2009 Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award.
 
 
READ SCRIPTS & LEARN
 
At the May 1 limited-seating workshop in Manhattan's Union Square, attendees should bring two to three pieces of copy from different books to read, under Heller's direction.
 
These can be from any genre, and should not be longer than three to four pages - or more than three to four minutes per piece. Heller offers to help with the selections prior to the workshop.
 
Attendees will also learn:
  • the job of the audiobook narrator,
  • expectations and how to deliver on them,
  • what to bring to the narration job,
  • how to prepare a script,
  • how an audiobook is selected and produced,
  • what to put on your audiobook demo,
  • how to find audiobook producers,
  • the difference between audiobook narration and commercials,
  • home studio considerations, and
  • the business realities of audiobook publishing.
Tuition for this full day of personal, hands-on training is $395.
 
 
GREAT MANHATTAN LOCATION
 
Located in Manhattan's Union Square, this workshop is also the perfect reason to visit the greatest city in the world.
 
The event will be held at Recorded Books, 826 Broadway (at 12th Street), on the 10th floor. It's right next to the famous (and huge) Strand Bookstore, and near great restaurants and shopping.
 
Parking garages are convenient in the area - or take the subway to Union Square.
 
FROM VOICEOVERXTRA
 
This workshop is presented by VoiceOverXtra, the voice-over industry's leading online resource for voice-over success - the trusted source for industry news, education and vital links.
 
To register for The New York Audiobook Narrators Day Workshop, please click here: http://bit.ly/AudioBkRegMay1
 
And for additional details, please contact VoiceOverXtra's John Florian at 203-459-8834; johnflorian@VoiceOverXtra.com
 
 
Your Daily Resource For Voice-Over Success
 
Tell Us What YOU Think!
Please Note: Since we check for spam, there will be a slight delay in the actual posting of your comment.
Your Name:
Your Email Address (will not be published):
Your Comment:
Your Comment:
Security code:     
Comments
No comments have been posted yet. Hurry, and you could be the first!
Back to Articles
For essential voice-over business strategies
Get your bi-weekly dose here ... all things VO!
On Michael Langsner's Voice-Over Roadmap Podcast
Inspiring interviews help your VO career