How to choose the perfect narrator for your book
If you’re at the point in your writing career where you’re turning a book into an audiobook, then firstly, congrats! And secondly, buckle up, because there are a few things you need to know about how to choose your narrator. For a project that I can only assume comes a close second to actually giving birth, this is a critically important choice to make. How will your novel be presented to the public, whose voice are you going to rely on to represent every one of your characters that you’ve created? It’s a huge choice, and here are a few tips to help you decide.
First things first, what does your books voice actually sound like? And it’s very different to your own personal voice, trust me. What is the tone, vibe or style of your book? If you’ve written a swoon-worthy romance then you need someone who can bring heat, passion and a voice that drips with longing. Think… Jane Austen or some sort of steamy Duke. If you’re more of a light hearted comedy writer then you’ll need a narrator that can nail the comedic timing, with a voice that makes your witty words land. Or if it’s a gritty thriller, then you’ll need a narrator who can lead into the suspense and perhaps make you second guess your choice to listen to it at night. A great narrator can adapt their tone to suit your genre, but knowing what you’re looking for will help you narrow done the search.
Conside the audience experience factor. Think about who will be listening to your book, hint: it’s probably not your Mum although she may lie and say she loved every second. Your ideal narrator should resonate with your target audience. For kid’s books, opt for a playful, animated narrator who can keep a 6-year old glued to their seat during snack time. For young adult novels you’ll need a voice that hits the sweet spot between “cool older sibling” and “earnest best friend” and for non-fiction you’re looking for a clear, authoritative yet engaging voice. Your listeners want to learn, not zone out mid-chapter. Think of it this way, your narrator is your book’s front-line ambassador. Make sure their voice is one your listeners would want to spend 10+ hours with.
The Accent; global or local? A British accent can lend an air of sophistication—or cheeky charm—to your audiobook. On the other hand, a warm American drawl might feel comforting and down-to-earth. You have options, so pick what fits best. Pro Tip: If you’ve set your story in a specific location (say, 19th-century Yorkshire), your narrator should probably know how to pronounce “scone” the way the locals do, or listeners will let you know about it in the reviews.
Professionalism. A narrator isn’t just a voice. Behind every smooth-sounding chatper is a lot of work: editing, audio mastering and meeting deadlines. So pick a narrator with a professional setup (eg, no traffic noise in the background) and a track record for delivering clean, polished audio on time. A good narrator will guide you through the process and even provide feedback if something in your manuscript might trip up a listener. It’s a collaborative process!
Know your budget- Audiobook narration is a craft. Yes there are budget narrators out there, but you get what you pay for. If you want your audiobook to stand out, then the amount you spend on a narrator, generally speaking, reflects the quality of your finished product. However, many narrators do offer flexibility in their pricing - especially experienced ones - through profit sharing options via platforms like ACX. Communicate your needs upfront, and you’ll probably find a solution that works for both parties.
Listen to reviews! A narrator’s portfolio and client reviews will tell you everything you need to know. Look for audiobooks that they’ve previously narrated and check listener feedback. Were their performances engaging? Were the accents believable? Were there any technical issues? You can learn a lot by playing detective in the review section.
Ultimately, trust your gut, or rather your ears. When you find a narrator that you instantly can tell will be able to perform their magic on your words, jump at the opportunity to work with them. If you follow these helpful tips, then who knows, maybe you’ll find your perfect match for your future audiobook. I certainly hope so!