The best way to find an audiobook narrator

Learn the best way to find an audiobook narrator for your project and bring your story to life.

Are you looking to produce an audiobook? If so, you'll want to find the perfect audiobook narrator to bring your story to life. Audiobook narrators are essential to the success of an audiobook, as they play a critical role in engaging the listener's imagination. That's why finding the right voice actor is crucial for producing a high-quality audiobook.

In this article, you’ll find the best way to find an audiobook narrator for your project, whether you're using a voice-over service or hiring professional voice actors directly.

How to choose the right audiobook narrator

Choosing the right audiobook narrator can make or break the success of your audiobook. Here are some things to consider when selecting the perfect audiobook narrator:

Experience

Experienced narrators can provide high-quality reading without background noise, interruptions, or errors. They also understand the audiobook industry well and know how to deliver a great product.

Check the narrator's social media presence and online portfolio to see if they are active in the industry and have experience in voice-over jobs.

Voice

The narrator's voice is critical. It would be best if you made sure that the voice suits the tone and style of the book. The voice actor must be able to create different characters and convey emotions and moods.

Consider the age, gender, and accent of the narrator, as well as the type of audiobook narration you need (e.g., non-fiction, children’s books, sci-fi, etc.).

Voice-over artist sample recording

Always listen to sample recordings of the potential narrator before hiring them. This will give you an idea of their tone, style, and professionalism.

Audiobook narrator home studio

Many professional audiobook narrators have a home studio, which means they can record the audiobook anytime without the need to rent a studio.

Price per finished hour (PFH) or royalty share

Decide whether to pay a finished-hour rate upfront or share the royalties with the narrator after publishing the audiobook. Paying per finished hour is a common practice in the industry and may attract more experienced narrators.

Recording software used

Make sure the narrator has the appropriate recording software to ensure high-quality recordings.

Where to find good audiobook narrators

Here are some platforms where you can find experienced narrators, beginners, and professional voice actors:

ACX

ACX is an Amazon-owned platform that offers audiobook production and distribution services. You can search for narrators, producers, and studios based on your project requirements, such as genre, language, and voice type. ACX offers both per-finished hour (PFH) and royalty share payment options.

Voices.com

Voices.com is a leading online marketplace for voice-over work, including audiobook narration. You can browse through thousands of professional audiobook narrators and filter by criteria such as age, accent, language, and experience. Voices.com offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee to ensure you find the right narrator for your project.

Fiverr

Fiverr is a popular freelance marketplace where you can find affordable voice talent for audiobook narration. You can search for narrators based on budget, deadline, and style. Fiverr offers a wide range of voice actors, including first-time narrators, full-time voice actors, and award-winning professionals.

Findaway Voices

Findaway Voices is an audiobook production and distribution platform that offers a curated network of professional narrators. You can choose from various genres, including children's books, sci-fi, and non-fiction. Findaway Voices offers both PFH and royalty share payment options.

AudioFile

AudioFile Magazine is a leading source of audiobook reviews and recommendations. They offer a database of audiobook narrators, producers, and publishers. You can search for narrators by name, genre, and award. AudioFile Magazine also offers a daily audiobook recommendation newsletter.

Do your voice-over with Speechify

Have you ever thought about turning your written content into an audiobook but worried about the cost of hiring a professional voice actor? Look no further than Speechify, a leading AI voice-over generator that allows you to transform your books, non-fiction books, or other content into high-quality audiobooks.

Speechify uses advanced artificial intelligence to generate natural-sounding voice-overs in multiple languages and accents. You can customize the voice, pacing, and other settings to match your content and audience. The platform also offers various text to speech voices that mimic natural human voices, making it perfect for creating podcasts or audiobooks.

Some of the key features of Speechify include the following:

• Quick and easy conversion of text into speech, allowing you to create audiobooks or podcasts right now
• High-quality voice-over generator that sounds natural and engaging
• Customizable voice settings, including voice, speed, and pronunciation
• Multi-language and multi-accent support, allowing you to reach a global audience

If you're looking to create an audiobook or podcast and don't have the budget to hire a professional voice actor, Speechify is an excellent option. 

Try it out right now and turn your content into high-quality audio that your audience will love.

FAQ

Should authors narrate their audiobooks?

It can be good for authors to read their audiobooks, but if they don't speak well or project their voice enough, it might be hard for listeners to understand them.

Should an audiobook narrator sound like the original author?

“Most authors should stick to writing and leave the audiobook narration to others,” says Basil Sands, a self-published writer and actor.

How do I ensure my manuscript stays private when I share it with a voice actor?

It's not a big issue, but as a precaution, you can ask the voice actor to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to prevent them from discussing or sharing it with others.

Do I need one narrator or multiple narrators?

Using multiple narrators can be a good choice when different characters' stories are important to the main plot and the main character can't gather all the necessary information to understand the story alone.

Should I release the print copy or the audiobook first?

Print books are usually released first in the traditional publishing industry, as it is more profitable for publishers.

How long does it take to record an audiobook?

On average, a voice actor takes around 20 hours to record a 10-hour audiobook in the studio.

How much does it cost to hire an audiobook narrator?

The price starts from $30 and can increase to a couple thousand dollars.

Who is the most popular Audible narrator?

One of the most popular narrators in the Audible Library is Stephen Fry.

How do I find an audiobook narrator?

You can find them on Upwork, ACX.com, Fiverr, and other online services.