One hard lesson I have learned about reading a document from an independent client is tor read the book through, and make sure it is well written! I am putting a project on hold because the document needs proofreading, specifically copy editing.
Your tips are so valid I just completed my first audio book reading and the learning curve was high from breath control and audio book editing it was not easy but once book was done I learned to do the technical side along with breath control and emoting properly. What I found hard was switching between characters and remember the voice I used lol
.....so grateful to have found you.....been on the road as a musician 50 years, 200 nights a year... in the 70's/80's I landed a bunch of voice-over national ads on the side - yeah, one of those guys who walked in, said "HOT WHEELS!", walked out LOL... music biz changed, home studios, software.... been really wanting to explore voice-over again, understand marketing, my "money voice", recording, but at the same time respect, and love that is a new biz to learn.... and since I found your channel, I'm binge-watching.... so informative, easy to follow, such a great vibe.... thank you for this, my friend....
and, I wouldn't have known about other work on Fivver, etc without you. I've been re-writing people's songs, arranging demos for non-pro folks for years on the side, was a salaried songwriter for WB.... you got some words, a little melody in your head? Don't really know how to turn that into a song? Send it to me.... now I see there's a place to market that - all because of you.... thank you
Angela, thanks so much for this great info for beginners. I’m just starting the audiobook narration journey, so your advice is spot on. I’m 71 years old, retired and have been told countless times over the years that I have a radio voice (and a face for it too), but I’ve never really explored it until now. I have nothing to lose, but a lot to gain. I’ve done some pro bono v/o radio ads for friends’ businesses or business videos, etc. It was great fun and they were pleased with the result, but a full-time I/T career paid the bills, so that’s where I focused. I have the time now to dedicate to audiobooks so that’s where I’ll start. I’m also very interested in narrating books for visually impaired kids or adults who need help with the written word. That world seems to be already saturated with available material, but I still want to explore that to serve those who need it, without charge of course. Money is not my prime motivator on any of this, but certainly would be nice. If you know of nonprofits or other charitable organizations to contact, I’d love your advice on that. Thanks again for your generous advice on this craft. I’ll be devouring your content right away and will probably have many questions if you don’t mind. Take care!
Hello Angela! I just completed my first audiobook for ACX. I was amazed how fast I was able to get my first audition noticed and secured a deal. I have since auditioned for several books without success, or even a maybe. I could use some guidance for sure. I thought with my first success that I was a shoe-in for offers??? Reality check. HELP!.
What is the difference between audiobook narration and “voice over”? What kinds of things fall into the latter category? And how does all this map onto the distinction between “entertainment” and “narrative”?
I’m just getting started. Yet you are awesome. I’m a union Ironworker and vanlifer looking to get off the road. I also got licensed for life insurance and between that and voice work I hope to be home with my kids and save my body. Thank you for helping me find my way.
Thanks for the video. I’m just getting set up. Gear purchased. Sound booth is on its way. Practicing with my DAW. Using Davinci resolve right now but am going to look at the Adobe product you mentioned.
Angela - THANK YOU for sharing and encouraging those of us who are just starting out. Your channel is incredibly helpful and has been such an awesome space for me to learn. I was so excited to learn about how to start in audiobook recording and I am so grateful!
I'm so glad I found your channel. I have been trying to figure how to get into audio book narration and have not had much luck figuring out the first step.
Thanks! Was SO looking for a way to get started when I have no experience. I’ve been practicing, signed up with a video based vo class for a month now. Would really like to get started even if it’s volunteering. So I can get the feel of ‘the process’! Thank again. By the way you fine as hell Angela😏
Do shorts clips later on or now. Build that passive income! I love the royalty option for ACX. Any idea what is the highest potential income a person can make from Narration per year?
There are some very well-established narrators that make six figures a year, and there are some who only do this to supplement their day job income. It is what you make it, and how you build it. :)
Hi Angela - I am just getting started and there are a lot of questions and a lot of trepidations as well! Thank you for all of the information that you share - you are a great teacher! One question I have is about the Adobe Audition. I seem to find the pricing of the software has a wide range. I see some for $39 and some up to $239. It also seems to be a subscription based service - is that what you have? I just want to make certain that I get the correct stuff from a reputable place. I hope to purchase what you have so when you are teaching us I have the same thing. Hope that makes sense and thank you again from all of us!
Hi! Yes, this makes complete sense :) I have Adobe Creative cloud, the whole suite of apps, which is a subscription. This way, the apps are updated and revised and I always have the newest features and effects. You can purchase a subscription for just Adobe Audition if you like, there are introductory offers at times so the price may differ but it's typically around $25 -$35USD a month? They do have a 14 day free trial, check it out and see if you like it :)
Hi Angela, do you have any videos on how a person can figure out if they have a good voice to do voiceover? I have no clue if I can even tell if my voice sounds good. Any tips?
Hey Tiffypop, the best advice I ever heard for the same question I asked someone was to take a look at Gilbert Godfrey. If that man can make a career out of his voice then anyone can. There's always a market for your voice. I started out with my first audiobook in June of 2021 and I'm now working on my 10th. You'll get there too!
Hi Angela! Love your videos. Just started watching your vids sin I would like to be a voice actor. But my question is, are u competing w an AI voice options? I’m trying to determine if all the money and time I will spend to get my portfolio up and running will be worth it. Thank you!
Technology is going to advance, there's no stopping it. But, I think there is no replacement for a human and its complexities. It's a interesting time we live in, but time will tell how this shakes out. I'd say if it's your passion, yes, do it, regardless.
Hi Angela, I’m considering doing audiobooks what equipment will i need to get started such as mics computer programs etc.? Sorry if you already covered this in a video i looked but didn’t see anything, thank you 😊
I'm really curious if I want to attempt this. No real acting experience beyond school. I've been a vocalist for a long time. Really good at projecting my voice. Everyone tells me my voice is perfect for it. I have special plugins for making music and know how to mix vocals. I even have a DIY vocal booth. But I still don't know if it is doable. The whole hustle to get jobs.
You sound like you already have a great head start. Every new business requires Hustle for new jobs, but if you put in the time and work, it will come.
Hi Angela! This is a preference question I’d value your opinion on if you wouldn’t mind…I am trying to set up my audio chain and so new I would like to hear a pro’s opinion on audio chain/ work flow. Would you go with recording your mic into a zoom H6 to SD card or would you choose to go microphone to focusrite to daw. I know that is a stupid question but I’m so OCD I feel like if I don’t permanently mount a zoom in my blanket covered coat closet and set the gain once and be done with it I won’t get any actual recording work done the other way because I’ll be fooling around with my interface and volume controls on my pc and the daw because I always think it’s not set right. It feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube sometimes. Is that stupid? I feel like recording raw into a SD card would allow me to leave the OCD for the post production. Lol. Have you heard of VO pros doing it with an h6? Love your voice and work!
Hi David! As someone living with someone with OCD, I completely understand. My honest opinion is to take the time to dial in a dedicated recording space. It takes time and trial and error, but once you're set, you won't need to do anything. It's less steps to take for each project and will sound more consistent time after time.
@@VoiceOverAngela I just got this and all the tutorials I see say to plug it in to an audio interface. I should have asked you about that. I don't have one - can I just connect this straight to the jack connection on my Mac? is it really necessary to have the audio interface as well? Thanks.
Angela, are pseudonyms an accepted practice in the voiceover industry? I'm one of those weird people that has a "fear" of using my real name due to issues earlier in life. Any insight?
Thank you for the great videos! I just did my first book narration thru ACX. I was a little shocked at the time it took me to do the whole book. It was 2.5 hour finished product and it took me nearly 10 hours to complete. Granted, I’m new and slow and by the end of it my workflow had increased significantly. Do you have any videos on workflow with audition? I’m interested in doing voice overs but I’m certainly not a voice actor and can’t do different accents. Is there a place in voice over for this limited voice option? Thank you!!
I have a few ways in which I can help, my website www.voiceoverangela.com offers one on one sessions, a couple different mentorship programs and courses. Or, if you would like to learn from multiple coaches, each in different aspects of voice over, including myself for audiobooks, heres the academy link www.avosjourney.com/a/43735/v3EFYYaa