Audiobook Production Guide

Getting Started: 

Before we begin production, we will sign an agreement/contract and discuss the project deadline and payment method. If we are working through ACX, we will use the provided contract. Otherwise, I will provide my own.

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Notice about AI: Unfortunately, with the progression of artificial intelligence, many voice actors are experiencing theft within the industry. Many are using human voices without consent for the use of creating AI narrated audiobooks. Please note that I do not consent to my voice (or voice likeness) to be used in any way for the use of artificial intelligence training or AI narrated audiobooks. If this is our first time working together, you may be asked to sign an Artificial Intelligence Rider, provided by the National Association of Voice Actors, designed to help protect voice actors against AI theft. 

 

I appreciate your understanding and thank you for supporting human voices!!

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Payment Information: 

Before signing any agreements, we will have agreed upon pricing and payment options. 

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For per-finished-hour payments: If we are working outside of a platform such as ACX, a deposit is required to secure production time. This is based on the estimated final runtime and is applied toward the total project cost. The remaining balance will be due at the submission of the final completed audiobook.

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The Manuscript: 

If you haven’t already, I will need you to send me the complete manuscript either in PDF format or a Word document. It’s important that the manuscript is in proper formatting and is as free of grammatical errors and typos as possible. Sometimes mistakes happen, and if I come across any errors, I will do my best to narrate the passage as intended. As the narrator, I am not responsible for proofreading or making grammatical edits to the manuscript.

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Script Preparation: 

The first step in production is the initial script read and preparation. I will read the book in its entirety, allowing myself to fully immerse into the story and characters. During this time, I take notes on characters and plot development. My notes include key information about character personalities and relationships, accents, pronunciation, and anything else I feel is important to hold the integrity of the story. 

 

If you have created character sheets, profiles, notes, etc, please send these to me as soon as possible. Pronunciation guides are especially important and necessary in works of fantasy that may have uniquely spelled names, fictional languages, or words in which pronunciation is not easily found through research. Any information you feel is important or beneficial to provide is very much appreciated and can be sent via email.

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The First Checkpoint:

Also known as the 15-minute checkpoint, this serves as the best time to provide feedback on things such as character voices, pacing, tone, or any other input on performance. Approval of this first checkpoint serves as the approval of narration style. Once approved, corrections are limited to errors, such as misreads or technical issues, rather than narration style. 

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It’s important to note that audiobook narration is a performance art, and you are trusting me with artistic and creative direction as I record the book. 

 

With that being said, if you would like to request any revisions due to artistic approach or have re-written a passage, you can request a re-record at my per-finished-hour rate + 50%. 

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Recording the Audiobook:

After approval of the first checkpoint, I will proceed with performing and recording the rest of the audiobook. The book will be narrated as written, making organic performance choices as I record. 

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Post-Production:

I either complete my own editing and mastering or outsource to a trusted editor, depending on my schedule. After the audio has gone through the editing and mastering process to meet standard audiobook specifications, it is sent to my proofer for a final listen and to catch any potential mistakes, which are then sent back to me and corrected. 

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The Final Production:

Once the audiobook is recorded, edited, and proofed, it will be sent to you for final approval. If we are working through ACX, I will upload the final audio files through their platform. Otherwise, I will send the files to you directly. Please note that if we are working directly outside of a distribution platform, the end credits and retail sample will be sent to you after the final invoice is paid.

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Social Media Promotion:

I love sharing my work on social media, often through short (spoiler-free) audio clips and teasers. If you are not comfortable with this or have any requests for something not to be shared, please let me know. If you would like to collaborate on social media promotion, please get in touch with me early on in the process so we can coordinate. Don't forget to send me a copy of the audiobook cover art for promotion as well!

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Now that all that's out of the way..

Sit back, enjoy the journey, and I’ll handle your story with care — I’m excited to begin!

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