Best Audiobook Narrators Don't have to Cost You

Getting your book on audio may seem like a daunting task, kind of like frosting a cake with your eyes closed.

Fortunately, the first time I discovered the value of an audiobook narrator in 2014, the narrator came to me. Her name?

Nancy Peterson.

Nancy was looking to begin her narrating career, having spent the last few years as an actress playing parts in movies such as Ephriam's Rescue and Friendship's Field.

What was out of this world great about Nancy is that she wanted to get her "narrator name" out there, and she was willing to share in the profits to do that. That means it didn't cost me a penny to have her narrate my books. We split the profits after the audio was published.

Nancy told me about a marketplace that matches authors with narrators. The company, ACX.com is connected with Audible.com, which sells the audiobook (along with Amazon and iTunes) after it's produced.  

I worked with her on the first audiobook, 

 

"Conquering Your Goliaths: A Parable of the Five Stones,"

the second,

                                                   The Feast: A Parable of the Ring," 

and the third,

 

"The Gift: A Parable of the Key."

Since then, Nancy Peterson has become one of the best audiobook narrators out there; take a look at what she's doing now.

By the time I was ready for her assistance again, however, she was no longer available for a 50/50 split. She is now charging for her services, which is what many of the best audiobook narrators do once they get their feet wet.

From 2016-2018, I worked with a narrator named Lauren Holladay. We found each other online and she worked on my mystery books and the first of my two science/fantasy novels for middle readers. Unfortunately, she got sick recently and hasn't been able to use her voice for narration, but she was terrific.

Why am I telling you this?

If I could find two narrators - and get going without so much as paying a dollar upfront, so can you.

Begin Your Search

To begin your own search for one of the best audiobook narrators out there, you'll need to go to ACX.com first, to see who is listed as a producer. 

Go to this link: https://www.acx.com/help/authors/200484540. Start with confirming your audio rights. Get your profile set up and find a producer. You can listen to sample narrations and/or review auditions from producers looking for work. When you're ready to make a deal, you will see two options. Either the narrator will be open to a 50/50 split, or royalty share deal, or they will want their payment after they have finished with your project. Some audiobook narrators are open to both ways of payment, others are not.

Find the Best Audiobook Narrator for Your Book

What follows is a sample, ACX calls a 15-minute checkpoint, where the narrator does a reading of your book. If you like what you hear you can move on. What's great about this process, is that you can approve the book in segments, chapter by chapter. Consider the tone of the narrator and the speed at which he/she speaks. Make sure that the narrator's voice fits in well with the subject matter or main character of your book.

Sell Your Audiobook!

Once your audiobook is approved by you, your book is distributed to Audible.com, Amazon.com, and iTunes. You can then promote your book, though there are opportunities through the process to let your readers know where you are in the narration, and when they can expect the audiobook to be released during key times offered by ACX. You will also receive 25 free promotional codes so that you can receive reviews from listeners. From there you receive a digital monthly statement on sales from Audible.com.