ACX voice over actor alternative

The Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX), a marketplace owned by Amazon, has revolutionized the audiobook industry by providing a platform for authors, narrators, and producers to collaborate on audiobook projects. Voice over actors have found ACX a boon for landing voice acting gigs and building a reputation as a professional audiobook narrator. However, while ACX has its merits, other platforms have emerged as promising alternatives for aspiring and experienced voice actors. Let’s explore ACX and its alternatives.

What is ACX?

ACX is an open marketplace where rights holders, audiobook narrators, and audiobook producers meet to create professional audiobooks for distribution on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. A rights holder, usually the author or publisher, posts their book on ACX and auditions voice actors to produce the audiobook. After an ACX narrator is selected, the audiobook production process begins.

How ACX works

ACX works on a PFH (Per Finished Hour) or royalty share basis. In a PFH deal, the narrator gets paid an upfront amount for every finished hour of the audiobook. In a royalty share deal, the narrator forgoes the upfront payment for a share in the sales of the audiobook, which can potentially lead to passive income over time.

The process of creating a voice over on ACX

If you’ve ever dreamt of narrating an audiobook, wondered about production, or simply wished to amplify your writing with the magic of voice, here is everything you need to know about the voice over creation process:

Preparation

Creating a high-quality voice over begins with preparation. A voice actor must set up a home studio meeting ACX standards for audio production, ensuring there is minimal background noise and the audio files meet the ACX Audiobook Production Standard terms.

Have a script ready

Next, have a script ready for the audition. English or non-fiction, it’s crucial to understand the tone, pace, and emotion the script requires. Break it down and understand the overarching theme and the underlying subtexts. Identify the key messages, the nuances, and the subtleties. Every word, pause, or punctuation can carry significant weight in delivering a compelling performance.

Do a test recording

Do a test recording to get a feel for the script and listen back to spot any areas for improvement. If needed you can make necessary adjustments to the script. This may involve rewriting awkward phrases, adjusting the flow or pace, or adding pauses for emphasis. Remember, the aim is to make the script sound natural and engaging when spoken.

Record

Recording the voice over is where your voice acting skills come to the forefront. Ensure you capture the right emotion and pace for each part of the text and deliver the voice over with confidence. Once the recording is done, it’s time to move onto post-production.

Edit your voice over

Editing your voice over is an essential step in audiobook production. You’ll want to remove any mistakes, breath sounds, or unwanted noise. Use audio editing software to polish your audio files to a high-quality finish.

More voice over marketplace alternatives

In the digital age, various platforms have emerged to bridge the gap between voice talent and those in need of it. If ACX doesn’t fit your needs, here is a list of alternatives worth considering to match with voice over artists:

• Voice123 — An online voice over marketplace that connects voice actors with businesses and clients who need voice over work.
• Voices.com — A comprehensive platform that serves as a hub for voice over jobs in various fields, from commercials and animation to audiobooks and video games.
• VoiceBunny — A professional voice over service platform offering a wide range of languages, accents, and styles from voice actors around the world.
• Fiverr — An online marketplace where voice over artists can offer their services for a variety of projects, from audiobooks and commercials to video game characters.
• Bodalgo — A platform offering a vast array of voice over artists from all around the world, suitable for everything from commercials to multimedia presentations.
• Casting Call Club — A platform designed for voice actors, animators, and audio engineers to connect and collaborate on various creative projects.
• Mandy Voices — A voice over job site specifically for film, TV, theatre, commercial and more, offering paid roles for both beginners and professionals.
• Voice Crafters — A multilingual voice over agency offering professional voice over artists for a wide range of projects, including commercials, explainer videos, e-learning, and IVR.
• Backstage — An acting platform that, while not exclusively for voice actors, provides numerous voice over job opportunities.
• The Voice Realm — An automated casting website where clients can search for, audition, hire and pay voice actors.
• Upwork — general freelance marketplace where voice over artists can find gigs across various fields.
• Voiceovers.com — A platform that connects professional voice actors with clients, specializing in different voice over needs including commercials, corporate narration, explainer videos, and more.
• Edge Studio — Provides a directory of voice over job opportunities and also offers training and education for voice actors.

Remember that while these platforms can provide job opportunities, it’s also important to build a network and pursue opportunities independently.

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FAQ

Should voice actors join SAG-AFTRA?

Voice actors should explore joining the SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) union, which can provide better pay and working conditions for voice acting jobs.

How do I make money from voice over jobs?

Venturing into voice over work can be a lucrative side hustle. Whether you’re doing voice overs for podcasts, social media projects, professional audiobooks, voice over acting offers many avenues to generate income and satisfy your creative urges. Join a freelance platform for voice actors today to get started and see if it’s for you.

Does ACX really pay?

Yes, ACX really pays. Many professional audiobook narrators have started their careers on this platform and earned thousands of dollars.

How much does an ACX narrator get paid?

There’s no fixed amount on how much an ACX narrator gets paid. The individuals offering the jobs determine the prices.

Who is the best narrator of audiobooks?

Some of the best audiobook narrators are Stephen Fry, Jim Dale, Alan Cumming, and Cassandra Campbell.

Does ACX accept new authors?

Yes, ACX accepts new authors.

What is the best way to get an audition?

First and foremost, ensure you have a resume that showcases your experience and skills. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a lot of experience. Instead, be confident, record demos, take voice acting classes, and use social media to connect with other voice over actors who could help you improve.