I wish there was a test like this for every industry, so teens and 20s can test and find out what they really want to do to earn money with there time.
I don't know if you'll see this comment, as this video is seven years old at this point, but recently my sister asked me to record for her an audio version of the story she's writing. Having recorded the first chapter, my sister pointed out that I sounded really good, like a professional. I'm 18, and I've been having a lot of trouble figuring out what career I want to pursue. I can't do your test now, as the last few months of high school are giving me a hard time, but this summer I'm going to try this. Thank you, for such an excellent way to test whether this is actually something I could do, it's incredible.
Hi, I don’t know if you’ll reply to this, but I wanted to ask you anyways. I’m late in my high school career, like you were when you wrote this comment, and I’ve felt a lot of anxiety about what I want to do with my life. Audiobook narration is something that I’ve thought about pursuing for months, and now that I’m looking at colleges, I feel pressure to choose one that has a major that supports my interests in careers. Do you have any advice for me? Thank you so much in advance!
Sean, by accident I fell into reading in a group I'm in. It was a circle of people at church that I've known for sometime and we meet every Monday. We decided to go around the table and each person would read about a page or two of this exciting book we decided to read for ten weeks. The person would read until they were tired of reading. I was the fourth person to read. Well, once I started reading I LOVED it, and so did everyone else. They loved my reading. They all wanted me to keep reading if I was interested in doing so, which I was. I read for two hours straight with a 10-minute break. I could have gone on for hours. Now every week I'm doing the reading the entire time. I'm getting better at it each week, and I started out being good at it. While I'm reading I can scan a few lines down ahead of my voice so that I can see the upcoming punctuation which lets me know where to put emphasis and interest. As a result of this, I'm thinking I might possibly be able to do this as a profession. The people in my group have suggested that as well. I don't know anything about this profession, but I'd certainly love to check into it. I live in the Spokane, Washington area. Any advice you can give me, I would welcome. Thank you.
B - 1) If you pass, then start narrating every DAY. Even if you don't have recording equipment yet! Pick a book you like and just jump in; you're learning how to play piano now and need all the practice you can get. 2) Visit www.acx.com/ this is where new narrators go to find work. 3) Search UA-cam for free videos on narration; there are tons! Also, look for any Facebook groups devoted to narration and join them. 4) Look to see if there are any VO workshops in your area, or via webinar, to attend. A great place for information and technique is voiceoverxtra.com/ 5) Please realize that you're now wanting to get into Show Business; the competition is fierce, success and measured progress is not guaranteed, and you'll be investing time and money for quite a while before you see any real returns. It's very difficult but not impossible! 6) Get an account with www.audible.com and buy a subscription to www.audiofilemagazine.com You need to start listening to audiobooks ALL THE TIME! Good Luck! - Sean
I love listening to audiobooks and it makes me smile whenever I hear a narrator mispronounce a word or, once I heard one swallow between a paragraph, because it reminds me that a real human is reading these and not a text-to-speech program and it kind of makes the whole experience more fun. I find myself as interested in the narrator as in the story itself; a bit like a third part of the book so to speak. Even though I love audiobooks and I have always enjoyed reading out loud to myself I've known for years that that's not something I could ever do professionally. I would totally fail your test on so many levels; I get restless too easily in one position/I tend to pace a lot would would add noise and breathing issues, and the walls of my house are thin so you can easily hear the neighbors, I live in an old house that creaks and cracks and pops all the time out of the blue, if I locked myself in a room my dogs would be scratching and whining at the door in no time, and last, but not least, I have two pet squirrels who are always running around jumping on stuff and making noise; they make a vast variety of sounds from chittering to squeaky whines. But, I really hope that your test helps find other people who do end up perusing the occupation as there should be more audiobook to choose from in my opinion. One last thing; I would think reading from a tablet computer would work a lot better than from a printed book, well, if you didn't have to worry about glitches or power outages or whatever. Lol. Anyway, keep up the good work, Mr. Book Reader!
You heard a narrator mispronounce a word and swallow? Wouldn’t that be the producers fault or sound editor so to speak? That is an unprofessional mistake that should have been corrected before the official release of the said Audiobook?
I'm starting my test tommorrow....in my walk-in closet 2hrs every day for the next 2wks!!!! I know without a shadow of a doubt I was born to a narrator !!! I LOVE IT!!
Ok! I did it! :) I've thought about narrating books for many many years (just being one who's always loved reading aloud and is good at it (fluent/fluid), good at recognizing good writing and sentence structure etc. when she sees it, loves the acting aspect, and has fun with the challenge of finding the correct balance between overdoing and underdoing something, if that makes sense. By "something" I mean all the things that matter e.g. acting; loudness; articulation/enunciation; speed of narration; breathing; texture/scratchy voice, etc. Anyway, I watched this video of yours when I first started to really consider it, and you were so convincing that I'd lose interest that I actually expected to and thought it would be too hard. But I kept being interested so I tried your challenge, and it worked (I stuck with it)! So, now, I have a nonfiction sample up and am just now finishing my first book (nonfiction). The author likes my voice and wants me to do her next book too! My goal is to do fiction next so I need to get a fiction sample or two up! For all the videos I watched, yours stuck with me the most, and your honesty about it really seemed to make a difference for me. I don't know if this will really work out or if it'll become too much, but I do love the process. While I think it will take me a while to learn how to do all the proper editing (for now I'm using someone else to do my editing), I do happen to have all the equipment (from music hobby) and hope to not need my sound technician guy forever. Thanks again!
Thank you! This really made me pause and think. It’s great advice, honest and sincere. I’ve been wanting to narrate audiobooks for a long time and you gave me a “realistic” test to see if I have what it takes to do this. Thank you!!
Sean thanks for posting! I've been seriously considering Audiobook narrating for a while. Of course doing my homework on it first. There's all types of advice out there from getting classes and what you need to buy right off before you do anything. Truthfully your advice is the most practical and useful advice given. Thank you. I've already been trying out reading due to worry over the strain it will have on voice box and throat muscles. But really cracking down and getting on a stricter schedule is something I'm immediately implementing. As well as taking notes and really playing the part. You'll hear from me if I pass my own rigorous testing of my self control. If I still enjoy it, I'll be back for advice with a game plan in the works.
Thank you so much for this, Sean. I work full time in management, but have recently begun narrating, and am now on my second audio-book. I eventually intend on doing this full time. I do love it, and have no problem being alone in a small space reading aloud. I even love the editing part. All I desire is to become so much better at it. I am very grateful to people, such as yourself, who are willing to share.
I've listened to lots and lots of audio books. I'm currently listening to "Fall and Rise". Sean is the best narrator I've ever listened to. I don't know how you do it Sean but you captured every nuance and emotion. The way you delivered that line in the chapter about flight 93, "they were done taking orders from anyone" made it one I'll always remember. I've tried to describe it to others, but I can't come close to your narration. Excellent job!! Thank you!
I've always loved reading out loud, and I've been wanting to narrate audiobooks since the day I discovered them in the library. Will definitely do this test, looking forward to see how it goes!
That's awesome Sean, I without learning this from anyone, went through actually recording and editing different books, reading, timing, figuring out how to make sure the read is as smooth as possible, and still obsessed, so I'm guessing this is 100% a passion. Heck, I used to read out loud whenever I read books (still do, it helps me understand better), so it's a no brainier for me. Love audio-books, and it marries with my technical prowess and I believe great voice. So, literally just finished setting up my voice.com and voice123 accounts. Was reading an article and saw that you've done over 900 AUDIOBOOKS! Like Holy S. Incredible. Reminds my of Alexander Scourby, what a feat!
Ingenious and simple! When I was working through graduate school for my historic preservation degree, I don't recall getting a lot of serious heart-to-hearts about what it would actually be like working in the field. Fortunately I'm blessed with a rewarding job that rarely bores me. People have often commented on my voice and ask if I ever wanted to get into radio/narration. Glad I found this video! Lots to ponder before making serious moves.
Sean this is great! I've been a narrator for a couple years now and have been in similar situations being asked how to become one. I absolutely love your "test". Smart man! Hope to see you at future narrator and APAC events.
I've been considering doing this for years (ever since I read Rose Madder). I read avidly, drive back and forth between FL & NJ many times a year and listen to audiobooks 90% of the trip, and am also a writer. I've done a minor variation of your test, reading several pages of my own material for about 20 minutes, and every time I tripped over a word, or lost my place on the screen, or had to sneeze or whatever, I started over. Happy to say I got a little further each time, until I finally finished a chapter. But nowhere near two hours a day for two weeks. Thus I am definitely going to take this challenge and see what comes of it. I've been told I have a good voice (I'm sure they all say that) and I have done 60-second radio spots (three, a few years ago) as local advertising for the company I work for. It only stopped because the company pulled the radio ads out of the advertising budget... So anyway, I'm giving this a shot, Sean, you'll be hearing from me. Thanks!
I'm glad I've taken the step to research on what and how to go by this whole book narration thing. I'm going to take my time to do this test and build myself. Thank you for the lessons.
Sean, thank you so much for posting this priceless video! I’m going to begin my 2 week test now! I will definitely be in touch with you soon! Keep up the excellent work!
A great narrator can make or break an audiobook. I'm a trucker so I've listened to about a thousand of them during my 21 years behind the wheel. There have been some pretty good ones but none that were good enough that I wanted to go find other books that they narrated, until now. I've been listening to a series called Expeditionary Force, narrated by R.C. Bray. Bray is absolutely hitting it out of the park, best narration I have ever heard. I will definitely be looking for other books done by him when I finish this series, which BTW is hilarious. If you love Sci-Fi and you have a good sense of humor, this series is for you.
Currently reading/listening to "The Body Keeps the Score" and you are wonderful! You have a very clear voice and a natural expression that is not too dramatic, but evocative enough to want to keep listening. I have often needed to read books and papers out loud and it would be great if I could just record myself as long as I'm doing it anyway! I know that's not the same thing, though, but I thought I'd check out your advice. Thanks for this video!!
Thank you for the realistic advice, Sean. I'm going to be applying this exercise daily (and take it seriously - in fact I'm adding the element of actually recording) to see if I'm as serious as I think I am.
I'm definitely going to have to try this. I've been playing some games that are similar to audiobooks on my channel, and have been slowly improving quality. I think if I'm actually working for someone I'd focus more on slowing down and editing out messed up takes, but I've been slowly investing in my voice space and my work. Definitely enjoy it.
I just wanted to add that I have been listening to your book and it is excellent. Very good advice. Thank you. And best wishes. I hope lots of groovy (dating myself) books come your way.
I've been doing this test for the past 3 days, but 4 hours instead of 1-2, doing this has actually helped me read with less mistakes and made me realize I really enjoy it
Thank you for the suggestion, I just recorded my first short story. It was less than a page and I really enjoyed it. Going in, I think I'll do very well. I'm anticipating my only problem being to keep properly hydrated.
I drink this tea every day, mixed with peppermint, lemon ginger, or raspberry lemon. www.amazon.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Throat-Seasonal-Organic/dp/B07D7HN9QT/ref=asc_df_B07D7HN9QT/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312094795400&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14111436848196895112&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026286&hvtargid=pla-570097015368&ref=&adgrpid=67655949808&th=1
I’m a new subscriber here in February 2021. I am going to take the test to see if I want to do this as much as I think I do. Thank you for the very informative video.
Wow. I've been wanting to be a narrator ever since I heard my first audiobook, Roger Zelazny's The Chronicles of Amber. For weeks I would listen to it driving to and from work. It got me crazy about audiobooks. Instead of listening to the radio now I'm always plugged into my Kindle Fire. I'm going to try this and see what happens. Great advice. Thanks for sharing.
I'm author with 18 titles to my name. I recently started to hire narrators for my books. This got me thinking that perhaps I should learned to narrate my own books, as a start, and maybe I can get good enough to produce them on my own and then start taking on other people's books. I think I can create a fairly wide range of voices. Like you suggested, I started reading out loud at night and discovered that reading out loud is exhausting! Physically tiring. I stopped doing it, but I'll start again. It's good practice. I have some hardware coming today in hopes of doing some recordings to get an accurate gauge as to the quality of my voice and if I'm pleasant enough to listen to.
Thank you for this insight, I will have to try this out! I have been told my voice is "easy" to listen to so I have been contemplating narrating for books. I have bought several audiobooks just because of your voice being so soothing. ;-)
Hello Sean, Thank you for putting this video out to those that are curious and wanting to know more about this industry. For the last thirty years on average, I would get a minimum of two customers daily telling me that I have a great voice why not get into radio broadcast. Well at the time I loved my job and did not consider doing something on the side even to test this theory or idea of using my voice for income. I do love reading also so this might be something I would love to do especially now since I am not currently working. I will certainly touch base with you later as I go through the two weeks period you have suggested in reading books out loud.
Thank you Sean for all the great tips. I found your video to be very helpful and professional. I'm trying my voice to break into this industry, just purchased all the equipment. Thank you, maybe you'll be hearing my narration soon.
Great video. I was considering a career change, and as an avid reader and lover of audiobooks, had convinced myself audio narration might be right for me... turns out it's not! Tried your test for 3 days and started to lose my mind a little! Not only did I find it terribly lonely, I couldn't even enjoy the book as the act of reading aloud meant I wasn't actually able to process much of what I was reading.
It was the same for me at the networking events. People were asking me so many questions, trying to get themselves ahead - but it got to the point where I wasn't using the opportunities that were available for me.
Dear Sean. if it wasn't for your fantastic reading, i would never have fallen in love with Infinite Jest. i am INFINITELY grateful for your insightful interpretation, making this masterpiece coming to LIFE! all my heartfelt gratitude. Robert
Hi! I am just realizing how much I would like to become a narrator. First of all, thank you for this video it is just what I’ve been looking for. I absolutely love to read and escape into the wonderful world of audiobooks, something I haven’t really done very much of. I’ve always just read books myself. Funny what happened recently, I was reading so many books since the pandemic that I wanted to change it up a bit. So I started reading to myself....and I actually had fun. I was a preschool teacher a few years ago and I have always read aloud, including changing my voice for each character, love to sing, not just in the shower! I love to imitate other people’s voices and I guess you could say I’m a very animated person. I am also retired and have plenty of time to myself and would love to try. This brings me to why I would love to become a narrator!!! I am going to attempt the test....read books 1-2 hours a day in a small room with great acoustics....here I go, wish me luck!!
This is cool i will give it a shot. I wouldn't know the first thing about where to go from there though. Honestly never thought about doing this until listening to plenty of R.C Bray's narration plus stumbling across your video on UA-cam. We shall see where this journey may lead.
I recognize the voice from the Tim Keller books - nice work! Good advice - I've been doing this for two weeks now and was surprised the level of effort, but still interested. Thanks for the tips here - I've been reading with the book flat on the table, will try up on a stand. Thanks!
I found the info in this video to be very very valuable!!.....as it relates to me aspiring to read audiobooks in the future!......I MUST TEST MYSELF!! I Thank you for sharing Sir!
I got through 100 pages of a young adult novel, and about 300 pages of a 639 page book called Contextualized Language Intervention. I did it as a favor to some students and colleagues and also to help me study the latter material myself. This is a good challenge and an eye opener! I enjoyed it, but I'll stick with my current profession. A huge thank you to all audiobook narrators, but especially those who record books kids with reading difficulties need for school, both literature and textbooks.
Came across this video in a forum. I'm actually interested in e-learning, commercials, and possibly cartoons when I gain more skill and experience. I don't read books for 2 hours a night, but do still read my son a bedtime story every night lol. Anyway, I don't suppose any of this is very important. I've wanted to do voice over since I was a kid, so I'm definitely willing to put in the work to make it happen. I record samples for hours every night after he goes to sleep and spend hours during the day editing. I don't love it, but I do love that I'm finally following another one of my dreams. Not everyone gets to have this experience in life. Just wish I'd had the knowledge and opportunity to start sooner!
Thanks Sean. I've just ordered a digital voice recorder to see if I like my own performance. If I find myself convincing, I"m going for it part time to see where it goes.
This is exactly the test I was looking for! I'm going to record (since I already have the equipment available) and post my 2 week segment on librivox for listener feedback. I was planning on using a nook, which I hope does not make sound, but you setup looks like a good plan B. thanks!
I'm 25 and working on a collection of poems and excerpts that I'm writing. I'm really interested in audio storytelling and will most certainly give your test a shot. Thanks for the information ❤️
Just realised how brilliant audio books are as I'm in a reading slump, but don't want to totally stop reading. I found an audio book online and can honestly say it's helped a lot. So if you're struggling to read, then read along with an audio book, it works wonders.
@@Makreads Same. I got to a point in my life that I don't have time to sit down and read, so I listen to audiobooks while I am busy with boring adult duties like folding laundry, making meals and driving my car, where ever. Without audiobooks I would go stir crazy.
Sean, I appreciate your insights and experience. I'm currently producing my 11th audiobook and thinking about a microphone upgrade. Would you mind sharing a little information about your setup, specifically the type of mic that you use and why? Thank you very much ~ Chris
before audiobooks became popular this is what I used to do whenever I read! I would read the book out loud with the intended emotion. My friends have told me I'm really good narrator and nice to listen too!
Very sound wisdom. I'm sitting here looking at all these books to figure out what book should I test with first. However I think I will begin practicing on Short Stories just to see what it is like. Something simple and not complicated.
My first audiobook was a land of stories series by Chris Colfer. I used to think it was a copout when one tries to 'read' a book by listening to it. I also want to say that Chris Colfer acted the many characters in the books. It was interesting. I was so wrong because I learned to hone my listening skills and focus on the spoken word, NOT the written word. Spending an hour and a half achieving my 10000 steps (gyms are closed due to COVID-19) gets boring so I found a way to past the time and enjoy audiobooks. Now, I am 'reading' Lev Grossman's The Magician and Neil Gaiman's short stories. I am glad I gave audiobooks a try.
Thank You Sean for your helpful and interesting video! I have been toying with the idea of doing this for some years, and as I grow older, I am looking for a second career (where ageism isn't a problem!) and I can continue to work remotely from home. Anyway, I am working through recording a book for a blind acquaintance as a way to get my feet wet. It IS hard work, and I am trying to learn HOW it is best done so I don't create bad habits I have to break. As it is now, I make a number of mistakes and don't have the best place and equipment for this, BUT I am compensating with tricks I am learning in sound production and post-processing.
Great advice. Everyone in my life always tells me I'm a great reader and should read audiobooks. I am starting to take them seriously, as I do love reading aloud and giving characters voices and accents and such.
Thank you so much! What you're saying sounds obvious but it's funny that it wasn't one of the first things I should have done to determine if narrating books is a good fit for me. It does sound like it suits personalities which are naturally solitary.
Thank you for this. I am aspiring to do this as part-time you know to earn money for myself and also to help my siblings and family. I know there is still a lot of things to learn.
Hello, thanks for this test, this helped me a lot, I've started recording myself reading bc I plan on making an audio book, I read with my head looking down, which made reading for a long time really difficult, but now I know how to fix that, thanks a lot
I love to read. I enjoy listening to Audibles very much. Ive often read out loud because I found it enjoyable. I have a chance to audition for one of my favorite authors, and this idea has never entered my mind. I will definitely do this and see if it is just going to be a hobby, or if I can make some sort of ancillary career. Thank you for this easy self-test to find out what it is really like to do this as a career.
I've been interested in this for the longest time. I just need coaching. I'm not really sure where to start but for now maybe I'll post a few readings on youtube. This is a helpful video, thank you.
@@SeanAllenPratt Thank you! I have decided on a book called The Human Zoo by Desmond Morris. I plan nothing fancy, but maybe I shall upload it to youtube, because that book is really good and also out of print.
Really awesome suggestion and tool/exercise to sort this idea out for one's self. I love reading to people out loud, to any captive audience, so that's why I had this idea and found your vid. Toni Morrison is who I have ALWAYS wanted to do all her works on audio - what fun and provocitave reading she is for me. Thanks so much for the great idea and the suggestions on posture and impecability while reading and the head's up on the 6hr life in a box someone who does this for a living must enjoy. Lol! Believe it or not it still seems up my alley, so I am looking forward to my next 2 week trial. I'll think of it as a meditation. :) Great little vid. Thanks for posting it. Sweet gift, and I saw no others like it and am glad I scrolled way down to see it in my search. Cheers Sean!
I wish there was a test like this for every industry, so teens and 20s can test and find out what they really want to do to earn money with there time.
That’s actually a really good idea!
Agreed you'd think that school would do this.
Many companies will allow people to shadow a worker for a number of hours to get a feel of what the job is like.
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I know this is 7 years old but I see something in your eyes I wanted to point out- kindness. It radiates. The video content was great too. ❤
I don't know if you'll see this comment, as this video is seven years old at this point, but recently my sister asked me to record for her an audio version of the story she's writing. Having recorded the first chapter, my sister pointed out that I sounded really good, like a professional. I'm 18, and I've been having a lot of trouble figuring out what career I want to pursue. I can't do your test now, as the last few months of high school are giving me a hard time, but this summer I'm going to try this. Thank you, for such an excellent way to test whether this is actually something I could do, it's incredible.
Yo how did the test go???
@@jpgreece9985 I'm here 5 months later, wondering the same thing. I really hope @mothstaples6706 pursued the dream and kept going.
Hi, I don’t know if you’ll reply to this, but I wanted to ask you anyways. I’m late in my high school career, like you were when you wrote this comment, and I’ve felt a lot of anxiety about what I want to do with my life. Audiobook narration is something that I’ve thought about pursuing for months, and now that I’m looking at colleges, I feel pressure to choose one that has a major that supports my interests in careers. Do you have any advice for me? Thank you so much in advance!
30 seconds in and I like you already
Such great advice. With anything really. Great parenting advice as well for kids who want to try everything. Spot on!
Sean, by accident I fell into reading in a group I'm in. It was a circle of people at church that I've known for sometime and we meet every Monday. We decided to go around the table and each person would read about a page or two of this exciting book we decided to read for ten weeks. The person would read until they were tired of reading.
I was the fourth person to read. Well, once I started reading I LOVED it, and so did everyone else. They loved my reading. They all wanted me to keep reading if I was interested in doing so, which I was. I read for two hours straight with a 10-minute break. I could have gone on for hours. Now every week I'm doing the reading the entire time. I'm getting better at it each week, and I started out being good at it.
While I'm reading I can scan a few lines down ahead of my voice so that I can see the upcoming punctuation which lets me know where to put emphasis and interest.
As a result of this, I'm thinking I might possibly be able to do this as a profession. The people in my group have suggested that as well.
I don't know anything about this profession, but I'd certainly love to check into it. I live in the Spokane, Washington area. Any advice you can give me, I would welcome. Thank you.
B -
1) If you pass, then start narrating every DAY. Even if you don't have recording equipment yet! Pick a book you like and just jump in; you're learning how to play piano now and need all the practice you can get.
2) Visit www.acx.com/ this is where new narrators go to find work.
3) Search UA-cam for free videos on narration; there are tons! Also, look for any Facebook groups devoted to narration and join them.
4) Look to see if there are any VO workshops in your area, or via webinar, to attend. A great place for information and technique is voiceoverxtra.com/
5) Please realize that you're now wanting to get into Show Business; the competition is fierce, success and measured progress is not guaranteed, and you'll be investing time and money for quite a while before you see any real returns. It's very difficult but not impossible!
6) Get an account with www.audible.com and buy a subscription to www.audiofilemagazine.com You need to start listening to audiobooks ALL THE TIME!
Good Luck! - Sean
Best advice I've ever read on VO. Thanks!
I love listening to audiobooks and it makes me smile whenever I hear a narrator mispronounce a word or, once I heard one swallow between a paragraph, because it reminds me that a real human is reading these and not a text-to-speech program and it kind of makes the whole experience more fun. I find myself as interested in the narrator as in the story itself; a bit like a third part of the book so to speak. Even though I love audiobooks and I have always enjoyed reading out loud to myself I've known for years that that's not something I could ever do professionally. I would totally fail your test on so many levels; I get restless too easily in one position/I tend to pace a lot would would add noise and breathing issues, and the walls of my house are thin so you can easily hear the neighbors, I live in an old house that creaks and cracks and pops all the time out of the blue, if I locked myself in a room my dogs would be scratching and whining at the door in no time, and last, but not least, I have two pet squirrels who are always running around jumping on stuff and making noise; they make a vast variety of sounds from chittering to squeaky whines. But, I really hope that your test helps find other people who do end up perusing the occupation as there should be more audiobook to choose from in my opinion. One last thing; I would think reading from a tablet computer would work a lot better than from a printed book, well, if you didn't have to worry about glitches or power outages or whatever. Lol. Anyway, keep up the good work, Mr. Book Reader!
Thank you for leaving a comment! Yes, I narrated from an iPad for that very reason.
Geez, paragraphs, please!
You heard a narrator mispronounce a word and swallow? Wouldn’t that be the producers fault or sound editor so to speak? That is an unprofessional mistake that should have been corrected before the official release of the said Audiobook?
I'm starting my test tommorrow....in my walk-in closet 2hrs every day for the next 2wks!!!! I know without a shadow of a doubt I was born to a narrator !!! I LOVE IT!!
how did it go Ericka? :)
Ok! I did it! :) I've thought about narrating books for many many years (just being one who's always loved reading aloud and is good at it (fluent/fluid), good at recognizing good writing and sentence structure etc. when she sees it, loves the acting aspect, and has fun with the challenge of finding the correct balance between overdoing and underdoing something, if that makes sense. By "something" I mean all the things that matter e.g. acting; loudness; articulation/enunciation; speed of narration; breathing; texture/scratchy voice, etc.
Anyway, I watched this video of yours when I first started to really consider it, and you were so convincing that I'd lose interest that I actually expected to and thought it would be too hard. But I kept being interested so I tried your challenge, and it worked (I stuck with it)!
So, now, I have a nonfiction sample up and am just now finishing my first book (nonfiction). The author likes my voice and wants me to do her next book too! My goal is to do fiction next so I need to get a fiction sample or two up!
For all the videos I watched, yours stuck with me the most, and your honesty about it really seemed to make a difference for me. I don't know if this will really work out or if it'll become too much, but I do love the process. While I think it will take me a while to learn how to do all the proper editing (for now I'm using someone else to do my editing), I do happen to have all the equipment (from music hobby) and hope to not need my sound technician guy forever.
Thanks again!
Thank you! This really made me pause and think. It’s great advice, honest and sincere. I’ve been wanting to narrate audiobooks for a long time and you gave me a “realistic” test to see if I have what it takes to do this. Thank you!!
Sean thanks for posting! I've been seriously considering Audiobook narrating for a while. Of course doing my homework on it first. There's all types of advice out there from getting classes and what you need to buy right off before you do anything. Truthfully your advice is the most practical and useful advice given. Thank you. I've already been trying out reading due to worry over the strain it will have on voice box and throat muscles. But really cracking down and getting on a stricter schedule is something I'm immediately implementing. As well as taking notes and really playing the part. You'll hear from me if I pass my own rigorous testing of my self control. If I still enjoy it, I'll be back for advice with a game plan in the works.
Thank you so much for this, Sean. I work full time in management, but have recently begun narrating, and am now on my second audio-book. I eventually intend on doing this full time. I do love it, and have no problem being alone in a small space reading aloud. I even love the editing part. All I desire is to become so much better at it. I am very grateful to people, such as yourself, who are willing to share.
I've listened to lots and lots of audio books. I'm currently listening to "Fall and Rise". Sean is the best narrator I've ever listened to. I don't know how you do it Sean
but you captured every nuance and emotion. The way you delivered that line in the chapter about flight 93, "they were done taking
orders from anyone" made it one I'll always remember. I've tried to describe it to others, but I can't come close to your narration. Excellent job!! Thank you!
I've always loved reading out loud, and I've been wanting to narrate audiobooks since the day I discovered them in the library. Will definitely do this test, looking forward to see how it goes!
That's awesome Sean, I without learning this from anyone, went through actually recording and editing different books, reading, timing, figuring out how to make sure the read is as smooth as possible, and still obsessed, so I'm guessing this is 100% a passion. Heck, I used to read out loud whenever I read books (still do, it helps me understand better), so it's a no brainier for me. Love audio-books, and it marries with my technical prowess and I believe great voice. So, literally just finished setting up my voice.com and voice123 accounts. Was reading an article and saw that you've done over 900 AUDIOBOOKS! Like Holy S. Incredible. Reminds my of Alexander Scourby, what a feat!
Sean, your work on Infinite Jest was outstanding, really astonishing work on a very difficult masterwork. Many heartfelt thanks
A master at his craft. He's my favorite audiobook narrator by far
Ingenious and simple! When I was working through graduate school for my historic preservation degree, I don't recall getting a lot of serious heart-to-hearts about what it would actually be like working in the field. Fortunately I'm blessed with a rewarding job that rarely bores me. People have often commented on my voice and ask if I ever wanted to get into radio/narration. Glad I found this video! Lots to ponder before making serious moves.
Sean this is great! I've been a narrator for a couple years now and have been in similar situations being asked how to become one. I absolutely love your "test". Smart man! Hope to see you at future narrator and APAC events.
Enjoyed your perspective... Thank you, I have been reading out loud in the Sauna, in the morning a perfect small space!
I've been considering doing this for years (ever since I read Rose Madder). I read avidly, drive back and forth between FL & NJ many times a year and listen to audiobooks 90% of the trip, and am also a writer. I've done a minor variation of your test, reading several pages of my own material for about 20 minutes, and every time I tripped over a word, or lost my place on the screen, or had to sneeze or whatever, I started over. Happy to say I got a little further each time, until I finally finished a chapter. But nowhere near two hours a day for two weeks. Thus I am definitely going to take this challenge and see what comes of it. I've been told I have a good voice (I'm sure they all say that) and I have done 60-second radio spots (three, a few years ago) as local advertising for the company I work for. It only stopped because the company pulled the radio ads out of the advertising budget... So anyway, I'm giving this a shot, Sean, you'll be hearing from me. Thanks!
Thank you so much for your advice and honesty. Definitely going to try this test.
I will definitely try this! Thank you Sean Pratt!
I'm glad I've taken the step to research on what and how to go by this whole book narration thing.
I'm going to take my time to do this test and build myself.
Thank you for the lessons.
Thank you for the advice! This worked out great. I definitely want to get into this for sure!
Sean, thank you so much for posting this priceless video! I’m going to begin my 2 week test now! I will definitely be in touch with you soon! Keep up the excellent work!
A great narrator can make or break an audiobook. I'm a trucker so I've listened to about a thousand of them during my 21 years behind the wheel. There have been some pretty good ones but none that were good enough that I wanted to go find other books that they narrated, until now. I've been listening to a series called Expeditionary Force, narrated by R.C. Bray. Bray is absolutely hitting it out of the park, best narration I have ever heard. I will definitely be looking for other books done by him when I finish this series, which BTW is hilarious. If you love Sci-Fi and you have a good sense of humor, this series is for you.
Currently reading/listening to "The Body Keeps the Score" and you are wonderful! You have a very clear voice and a natural expression that is not too dramatic, but evocative enough to want to keep listening. I have often needed to read books and papers out loud and it would be great if I could just record myself as long as I'm doing it anyway! I know that's not the same thing, though, but I thought I'd check out your advice. Thanks for this video!!
Thanks so much for this Sean. Great advice.
Thank you for the realistic advice, Sean. I'm going to be applying this exercise daily (and take it seriously - in fact I'm adding the element of actually recording) to see if I'm as serious as I think I am.
Thank you!! Posting this video is truly volunteering a community service.
Your "test" is wisdom that I will be keeping with me the rest of my life.
Glad it was so helpful!
An well-constructed, well presented, and very useful insight into narrating audio-books. A valuable contribution, Sean. Many thanks.
Wow, what a brilliantly simple idea. Thank you so much for posting this.
+Jane Doe Thank you!
I'm definitely going to have to try this. I've been playing some games that are similar to audiobooks on my channel, and have been slowly improving quality. I think if I'm actually working for someone I'd focus more on slowing down and editing out messed up takes, but I've been slowly investing in my voice space and my work. Definitely enjoy it.
Love the realness. Anyone serious about a craft will invest their time wisely. Thanks for the tips!
This was very helpful. could you make a video talking about the equipment needed to be an audiobook reader?
I just wanted to add that I have been listening to your book and it is excellent. Very good advice. Thank you. And best wishes. I hope lots of groovy (dating myself) books come your way.
I've been doing this test for the past 3 days, but 4 hours instead of 1-2, doing this has actually helped me read with less mistakes and made me realize I really enjoy it
Thanks for posting this video. Will see how I feel about narrating books after I finish this test.
Thank you for the suggestion, I just recorded my first short story. It was less than a page and I really enjoyed it.
Going in, I think I'll do very well. I'm anticipating my only problem being to keep properly hydrated.
I drink this tea every day, mixed with peppermint, lemon ginger, or raspberry lemon. www.amazon.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Throat-Seasonal-Organic/dp/B07D7HN9QT/ref=asc_df_B07D7HN9QT/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312094795400&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14111436848196895112&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026286&hvtargid=pla-570097015368&ref=&adgrpid=67655949808&th=1
I love this! Thank you for sharing! I am going to try this!
I’m a new subscriber here in February 2021. I am going to take the test to see if I want to do this as much as I think I do. Thank you for the very informative video.
Wow. I've been wanting to be a narrator ever since I heard my first audiobook, Roger Zelazny's The Chronicles of Amber. For weeks I would listen to it driving to and from work. It got me crazy about audiobooks. Instead of listening to the radio now I'm always plugged into my Kindle Fire. I'm going to try this and see what happens. Great advice. Thanks for sharing.
I'm author with 18 titles to my name. I recently started to hire narrators for my books. This got me thinking that perhaps I should learned to narrate my own books, as a start, and maybe I can get good enough to produce them on my own and then start taking on other people's books. I think I can create a fairly wide range of voices. Like you suggested, I started reading out loud at night and discovered that reading out loud is exhausting! Physically tiring. I stopped doing it, but I'll start again. It's good practice. I have some hardware coming today in hopes of doing some recordings to get an accurate gauge as to the quality of my voice and if I'm pleasant enough to listen to.
what kind of hardware?
@@lexboogy01 I got a scarlet solo kit. Comes with an AT 2020 mic and stand. Been working out pretty well.
Yeah, I spent thousands on equipment and whatnot before really doing anything. Thank God I still enjoy it.
Thanks a lot, such genuine persons are hard to find
Hey, I recognize this guy's voice! He's really good.
Eight years later and I still point new narrators to this video.
Thank you for this insight, I will have to try this out! I have been told my voice is "easy" to listen to so I have been contemplating narrating for books. I have bought several audiobooks just because of your voice being so soothing. ;-)
jessica Harmon Good Luck!
Thank you for this. It's great advice. I didn't realize how much concentration and stamina it takes. Appreciate it.
Tougher than you thought, yes? :-)
Hello Sean,
Thank you for putting this video out to those that are curious and wanting to know more about this industry.
For the last thirty years on average, I would get a minimum of two customers daily telling me that I have a great voice why not get into radio broadcast. Well at the time I loved my job and did not consider doing something on the side even to test this theory or idea of using my voice for income. I do love reading also so this might be something I would love to do especially now since I am not currently working. I will certainly touch base with you later as I go through the two weeks period you have suggested in reading books out loud.
Thank you Sean for all the great tips. I found your video to be very helpful and professional. I'm trying my voice to break into this industry, just purchased all the equipment. Thank you, maybe you'll be hearing my narration soon.
Great video. I was considering a career change, and as an avid reader and lover of audiobooks, had convinced myself audio narration might be right for me... turns out it's not! Tried your test for 3 days and started to lose my mind a little! Not only did I find it terribly lonely, I couldn't even enjoy the book as the act of reading aloud meant I wasn't actually able to process much of what I was reading.
It was the same for me at the networking events. People were asking me so many questions, trying to get themselves ahead - but it got to the point where I wasn't using the opportunities that were available for me.
Dear Sean. if it wasn't for your fantastic reading, i would never have fallen in love with Infinite Jest. i am INFINITELY grateful for your insightful interpretation, making this masterpiece coming to LIFE! all my heartfelt gratitude. Robert
Robert Plautz I’m so happy you enjoyed my performance! It was both the most challenging and the most rewarding book I’ve ever narrated.
Nice. Thanks for putting this up.
Hi! I am just realizing how much I would like to become a narrator. First of all, thank you for this video it is just what I’ve been looking for. I absolutely love to read and escape into the wonderful world of audiobooks, something I haven’t really done very much of. I’ve always just read books myself. Funny what happened recently, I was reading so many books since the pandemic that I wanted to change it up a bit. So I started reading to myself....and I actually had fun. I was a preschool teacher a few years ago and I have always read aloud, including changing my voice for each character, love to sing, not just in the shower! I love to imitate other people’s voices and I guess you could say I’m a very animated person. I am also retired and have plenty of time to myself and would love to try. This brings me to why I would love to become a narrator!!! I am going to attempt the test....read books 1-2 hours a day in a small room with great acoustics....here I go, wish me luck!!
I am just beginning with your test. i will get back to you as soon as i get it done. thank you very much
This is cool i will give it a shot. I wouldn't know the first thing about where to go from there though. Honestly never thought about doing this until listening to plenty of R.C Bray's narration plus stumbling across your video on UA-cam. We shall see where this journey may lead.
I recognize the voice from the Tim Keller books - nice work! Good advice - I've been doing this for two weeks now and was surprised the level of effort, but still interested. Thanks for the tips here - I've been reading with the book flat on the table, will try up on a stand. Thanks!
Gentle Sea Pratt...using your book for self-promotion -----smart. I wish you much success in your future. And dear sir, your test is brilliant!!!
This is probably the best possible job I can think of. I wish I could do this.
I found the info in this video to be very very valuable!!.....as it relates to me aspiring to read audiobooks in the future!......I MUST TEST MYSELF!!
I Thank you for sharing Sir!
I got through 100 pages of a young adult novel, and about 300 pages of a 639 page book called Contextualized Language Intervention. I did it as a favor to some students and colleagues and also to help me study the latter material myself. This is a good challenge and an eye opener! I enjoyed it, but I'll stick with my current profession. A huge thank you to all audiobook narrators, but especially those who record books kids with reading difficulties need for school, both literature and textbooks.
Thank You Sean, I will give this a shot!!!
Thank you so much for this informative video! I got so much out of it.
Amazing advice. Thanks for making this video. 👍😊
Hi, Sean. I want to say thank you.
I didn't do this test to start, but I've been narrating for almost 2 years & I love it. Definitely a good barometer of if you would enjoy it.
The best advice i've see so far on the internet. Thank you !
And I am actually going to do that test ...
Good Luck!
@@SeanAllenPratt Thank you.
Came across this video in a forum. I'm actually interested in e-learning, commercials, and possibly cartoons when I gain more skill and experience. I don't read books for 2 hours a night, but do still read my son a bedtime story every night lol. Anyway, I don't suppose any of this is very important. I've wanted to do voice over since I was a kid, so I'm definitely willing to put in the work to make it happen. I record samples for hours every night after he goes to sleep and spend hours during the day editing. I don't love it, but I do love that I'm finally following another one of my dreams. Not everyone gets to have this experience in life. Just wish I'd had the knowledge and opportunity to start sooner!
even the way you talk in this video is soothing and engaging to listen to.
+TheAshchronicles Well, thank you very much. You're too kind.
Great information and test!!! Thank you!
I love listening to audiobooks, but I know I couldn't do it. I have much respect for narrators who can do (and remember) all the different voices.
Thanks Sean. I've just ordered a digital voice recorder to see if I like my own performance. If I find myself convincing, I"m going for it part time to see where it goes.
Thank you so much. This is great advice.
This is exactly the test I was looking for! I'm going to record (since I already have the equipment available) and post my 2 week segment on librivox for listener feedback. I was planning on using a nook, which I hope does not make sound, but you setup looks like a good plan B. thanks!
Never heard of librivox. I might try that too.
I'm 25 and working on a collection of poems and excerpts that I'm writing. I'm really interested in audio storytelling and will most certainly give your test a shot. Thanks for the information ❤️
Just realised how brilliant audio books are as I'm in a reading slump, but don't want to totally stop reading. I found an audio book online and can honestly say it's helped a lot. So if you're struggling to read, then read along with an audio book, it works wonders.
You're not the first person I know who's done that. If it works, then go for it.
It's got me back into reading, so will definitely be using more audio-books in the future.
@@Makreads Same. I got to a point in my life that I don't have time to sit down and read, so I listen to audiobooks while I am busy with boring adult duties like folding laundry, making meals and driving my car, where ever. Without audiobooks I would go stir crazy.
Hi Sean. Greetings from Cork. Love your work.
Sean, I appreciate your insights and experience. I'm currently producing my 11th audiobook and thinking about a microphone upgrade. Would you mind sharing a little information about your setup, specifically the type of mic that you use and why? Thank you very much ~ Chris
Completely aside from wanting to break into this industry, you are one of my FAVORITE narrators on Audible! Terrific work!
aw shucks. :-)
+Sean Pratt You hooked me with the read of Norm Brodsky's Street Smarts. I can still hear you saying, "Ask Norm". Well done!
Thank you very much for sharing. I will give this a try and see if this is something I want to pursue.
+Sharon Baker Go get 'em!
Thanks for the advice, will do it..
Thank you for this test.
before audiobooks became popular this is what I used to do whenever I read! I would read the book out loud with the intended emotion. My friends have told me I'm really good narrator and nice to listen too!
I like your flow!
Very sound wisdom. I'm sitting here looking at all these books to figure out what book should I test with first. However I think I will begin practicing on Short Stories just to see what it is like. Something simple and not complicated.
Smart move!
My first audiobook was a land of stories series by Chris Colfer. I used to think it was a copout when one tries to 'read' a book by listening to it. I also want to say that Chris Colfer acted the many characters in the books. It was interesting. I was so wrong because I learned to hone my listening skills and focus on the spoken word, NOT the written word. Spending an hour and a half achieving my 10000 steps (gyms are closed due to COVID-19) gets boring so I found a way to past the time and enjoy audiobooks. Now, I am 'reading' Lev Grossman's The Magician and Neil Gaiman's short stories. I am glad I gave audiobooks a try.
Thank You Sean for your helpful and interesting video!
I have been toying with the idea of doing this for some years, and as I grow older, I am looking for a second career (where ageism isn't a problem!) and I can continue to work remotely from home. Anyway, I am working through recording a book for a blind acquaintance as a way to get my feet wet. It IS hard work, and I am trying to learn HOW it is best done so I don't create bad habits I have to break.
As it is now, I make a number of mistakes and don't have the best place and equipment for this, BUT I am compensating with tricks I am learning in sound production and post-processing.
Thanks for this. I'm going to give it a go.
Great advice. Everyone in my life always tells me I'm a great reader and should read audiobooks. I am starting to take them seriously, as I do love reading aloud and giving characters voices and accents and such.
Sean, it escapes me how I took this long to get to this video of yours ...
The test is brilliant, by the way. :)
Dan Bolivar Thank you!
Thank you so much! What you're saying sounds obvious but it's funny that it wasn't one of the first things I should have done to determine if narrating books is a good fit for me. It does sound like it suits personalities which are naturally solitary.
Thank you for this. I am aspiring to do this as part-time you know to earn money for myself and also to help my siblings and family. I know there is still a lot of things to learn.
Hello, thanks for this test, this helped me a lot, I've started recording myself reading bc I plan on making an audio book, I read with my head looking down, which made reading for a long time really difficult, but now I know how to fix that, thanks a lot
I love to read. I enjoy listening to Audibles very much. Ive often read out loud because I found it enjoyable. I have a chance to audition for one of my favorite authors, and this idea has never entered my mind. I will definitely do this and see if it is just going to be a hobby, or if I can make some sort of ancillary career. Thank you for this easy self-test to find out what it is really like to do this as a career.
I've been interested in this for the longest time. I just need coaching. I'm not really sure where to start but for now maybe I'll post a few readings on youtube. This is a helpful video, thank you.
I am committing to the test. This is an interesting job, something I will try as I do have my education in audio engineering.
Alec Fleming Good luck!
@@SeanAllenPratt Thank you! I have decided on a book called The Human Zoo by Desmond Morris. I plan nothing fancy, but maybe I shall upload it to youtube, because that book is really good and also out of print.
Really awesome suggestion and tool/exercise to sort this idea out for one's self. I love reading to people out loud, to any captive audience, so that's why I had this idea and found your vid. Toni Morrison is who I have ALWAYS wanted to do all her works on audio - what fun and provocitave reading she is for me. Thanks so much for the great idea and the suggestions on posture and impecability while reading and the head's up on the 6hr life in a box someone who does this for a living must enjoy. Lol! Believe it or not it still seems up my alley, so I am looking forward to my next 2 week trial. I'll think of it as a meditation. :) Great little vid. Thanks for posting it. Sweet gift, and I saw no others like it and am glad I scrolled way down to see it in my search. Cheers Sean!
Glad it helped!