How I Got Into Narration
Audiobook narration became a significant part of my career journey when I combined my passion for storytelling with my background in performance as a singer-songwriter. Initially, I was using freelance websites and social media platforms to meet clients who needed vocals and writers for their music, but soon I saw the potential for other kinds of audio that I could also offer.
I started working on really small projects, people’s answering machine messages and short commercial explainer videos, where I honed my vocal skills and learned the intricacies of recording spoken audio, and how to edit that kind of thing rather than instruments and singing!
This initial experience sparked my interest in the audiobook industry, where the art of conveying a narrative through voice is vital. I loved the idea of working on longer form projects, where I could really get stuck into the story and the characters.
To develop my narration skills, I immersed myself in the intricacies of audio production - listening to YouTube videos and enrolling in online courses - that helped explain how to go about producing this kind of audio! I also started to properly listen to audiobooks like never before, to try and understand the unique demands of different genres. I studied pacing, character differentiation, and emotional delivery, which I believe are essential to creating an immersive listening experience. I still think there’s so much more to learn though, so I’m constantly adapting and evolving as I go, always open to advice and lessons along the way!
My Mother is a teacher, and currently in her retirement she volunteers by teaching adults to read, and so the importance of accessibility in literature has been passed down to me. I see audiobook narration as a way to expand a book's reach and give a voice to authors' words. I am dedicated to bringing every story to life, ensuring that each narration is thoughtful and reflects the essence of the material.
Over time, by delivering high-quality audiobooks and a service that I’m incredibly proud of, I’ve developed a roster of authors and publishers that I’m incredibly grateful and lucky to work with on a routine basis. That’s the key thing that I’ve learned, whilst many voices are needing in the narration community, leaving a positive impression is the greatest way to ensure that your voice is repeatedly heard in this growing audiobook community.