Storyteller: How to Be An Audio Book Narrator

by Lorelei King, Ali Muerden

Simple, straightforward advice from both sides of the microphone on becoming an audio book narrator - what it takes and how to do it!

Sales and production of audio books are booming. It seems that in our busy, multitasking lives, people are hungry for more and more recorded books. In this audio book, two of the best in the business - award-winning narrator and member of the Audible Narrator Hall of Fame Lorelei King and award-winning and Grammy-nominated producer/director Ali Muirden - tell all about what goes into audio book narration and what you can do to prepare yourself for a career in this industry.

Topics covered include:

What a narrator does.
Determining if you have what it takes.
Getting experience.
How to prepare.
Marking up scripts.
Research.
Creating voices.
Handling sex scenes.
How to behave in studio.
Challenges and troubleshooting.
Marketing yourself.
Future-proofing.
Storyteller - How to Be an Audio Book Narrator is for people who want to get started in the audio book business or who want to learn more about what they have to do to get there. But it's also intended as a guide for narrators already in the business, who might pick up a few tricks and techniques to help them become even better at their craft.

This audiobook gives you tools to develop your unique talent, helping you on your way to what might be one of the best jobs in the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, How To, Writing

Audible Audio

First published October 29, 2018

About the author

Lorelei King is one of the most successful and accomplished American actresses working in the UK today, appearing in numerous films from Hollywood blockbusters such as 'Notting Hill' and 'The Saint,' to British independent films, such as 'House of Mirth,' '24 Hours in London,' and 'Suzie Gold.'

Lorelei has appeared as regular and recurring characters in popular British television shows such as Chef, Cold Feet, Alistair McGowan's Big Impression, Emmerdale and the saucy Mile High. She has also made numerous guest appearances in British comedies and dramas such as Jonathan Creek, Not Going Out, The Robinsons and Monarch of the Glen.

Once described as 'the best known American voice on radio 4,' Lorelei has recorded more than 200 programs for the BBC, including the Marx Brothers tribute, 'Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel,' super-hero 'audio movies' including 'Superman,' 'Batman' and 'Judge Dredd and classic American drama such as 'East of Eden,' 'Ethan Frome' and 'A Thousand Acres.' She appears regularly as a panellist on shows such as 'Where in the World' and 'Wordly Wise' and has hosted her own talk show, 'All About Eve.'

Lorelei is a multi- award-winning narrator of audiobooks, recording the works of best-selling authors Janet Evanovich, Sue Grafton and Patricia Cornwell among others.

Her work in animation is extensive, and in America she provides the voices for 'Wendy' and 'Packer' (among others) in Bob the Builder.

Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Los Angeles, Lorelei now makes her home in London, where she lives with her husband, actor Vincent Marzello.

Reviews

[Sarah]

Lots of valuable tips from experienced industry professionals (both performers and producers). A good starting point for any beginner. The most valuable parts for me (my messy notes)...

preparing to record/marking up a script:
1. marking difficult stresses
•words you want to emphasize in a sentence
•inflections (rises / falls)
2. highlighting stage directions
•distinguish author clues (ex: "he whispered," "she yelped")
3. making cast lists
•when a character appears for the first time, note name, page number, and brief voice description
•jot down every instance (page or chapter) where that character appears
•glance at cast list while narrating, to see what's coming up
•save cast lists--useful for consistency across a series
4. researching pronunciations
•always check names (people and places)
•keep a vocab list with page numbers.
•note phonetic breakdown + syllable stresses
•if there is ambiguity (word could be pronounced various ways), check w/ author/publisher
•take into account regional context when deciding on pronunciations (tip: place names--check that place's local news)
•save these lists as well
5. it can also be helpful to:
•color code dialogue
•mark breathing breaks


Character Voices:
* "collect" voices, observe other people, note postures - changing posture/how you carry yourself /breathing can affect voice, write down a few words that will remind you of that voice
* you can record that voice and create a reference library
* gender, pitch (low/med/high), voice quality(ex., husky, nasal, breathy), accent
•gender more about attitude than pitch
•age - convey personality and spirit
•accent--doesn't have to be 100% perfect, but should convey at least a flavor of that region. Less is more
* map out the characters; who interacts with whom?
•characters who are going to be in many scenes together should have distinct voices
•good to have at least 2/4 elements differ for characters appearing together often

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in the beginning stages of becoming a voice actress. So my life at the moment is about learning. This book was very helpful even if it is centered mainly around working in a professional studio. I can't afford to work in a professional studio unless one is being paid for, for me, so I am building my own quiet studio on a walk in closet. This book is great when it comes to the ins and outs of narrating. I just wished they had more of a section for people who will be all in one narrator, producer and editor. But then, they run their own studio so they have people to do that for them, so they wouldn't know that info.

[Talena Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful and informative.
This was a great help as I decide whether I have the chops to pull off recording my own audio books. Thanks!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storyteller: How to be an Audiobook Narrator by Lorelei King and Ali Muirden is pretty much exactly what the title says, a guide to narrating audiobooks. I purchased this audiobook (and I do want to commend these authors on creating an audiobook, it’s a bit ironic to see other guidebooks about audiobook narration only available in non-audio formats…) because I’m interested in trying to combine my interests (reading and performance) to use my acting skills in another medium. In the age of COVID when theatres and film sets have been closed, slowed, or subject to increased risk it seems like a perfect pivot…or at least another opportunity to perform and perhaps earn a bit of cash. I wasn’t familiar with King (who is a narrator) or Muirden (who is a producer) before listening, but they both seemed to be experts in the field and to be warm and encouraging for the listener. They describe the demands and challenges of this career and then go into some detail about a variety of subjects such as preparation, character voices, recording in studio, troubleshooting, etc. I really enjoyed the section on character voices and King’s breakdown of the different layers or elements she uses to build a character voice. I also thought it was really cool to hear from both the performer and the producer on all these topics. There were a couple of weaknesses in the book. For one, they don’t really discuss setting up a home studio in detail. I thought that was kind of a shame since I think a lot of folks get their start by recording themselves at home and auditioning on sites like ACX. I’m sure that some people, especially those who have voice/other acting experience and possibly an agent, are able to get their start with audiobooks recording in studio, but I do wonder if it’s more of the norm for less established narrators to begin as performers/producers recording, editing, and mastering all at home on their own? So I think the lack of a chapter really going into detail about that is a weakness in this title. Additionally, though King spent some time talking about creating character voices and research/prep, she spent less time discussing how she decides on a delivery or what kind of acting techniques she applies to her work as a narrator. As a trained actor I have a variety of tools I can use, and normally I don’t even like to think in terms of how I want a line to sound, instead focusing on my objective (what I want) or the intention (why I’m saying these words) behind the line. King sometimes used language that suggested she gives some thought to where to place the emphasis or otherwise “how” to read the text, and I might have enjoyed more discussion about her at-home rehearsal process. These quibbles not withstanding, I think this is an excellent introduction to narrating audiobooks. Hopefully you will be able to hear me put some of this information into practice soon! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

[Donald Scoby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well thought out and well written. Speaks to many important subjects and gives experience-based solutions for aspiring audiobook narrators. There's just one problem...

The author addresses the subject based, mostly if not entirely, on being a high-value narrator who mostly or always works in a professional studio with other people serving producer & etc roles. Effectively, this book speaks better to being a voice-over than a modern-day audiobook narrator .... which is surprising given the apparent year of publication.

These days most audiobook narrators work from home, with their own purchased and operated gear, producing / engineering / editing the recordings themselves, and typically getting paid less than the author can command. Preparing John or Jane Q Public with the mindset to prepare-for and pursue audiobook narration work in a section of the industry that is extremely competitive, where Nobodys aren't likely to make it in, is at best unrealistic if to say outright wrong.

This is not to say that her information is not valuable or usable -- quite the opposite -- only that the reader needs to listen objectively and interpret what she says and how it applies to the work-from-home narrator *AND* seek additional information sources that provide the necessary information (gear to purchase, how to operate, setting-up home recording spaces, personal business management, etc) wholly preparing someone to be a successful work-from-home narrator.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to give this audio book a try because it looked interesting, and I am challenging myself this year to read/listen to books that are out of my usual interest range. (I am not interested in becoming a voice actor.) It had some very good tips and suggestions if you are serious about making this a career. I also really enjoyed the example outtakes at the end. Storyteller has helped me to better understand and appreciate what goes into producing an audio book, and I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would!

[Emily Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook is full of information that is extremely helpful and insightful. Lorelei King and Ali Muerden did a great job in creating this resource to help guide those that have an interest in becoming a narrator. I plan to record and release an audiobook soon, and I already know that there will be information from this book that I go back and review throughout the process. Definitely recommend this book!

[Darren Sapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

King offers a great overview of the performance art in a succinct, yet sufficient manner. The only thing lacking is the business side such as realities of compensation or the time and tools for those that edit their own narration.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book discussing what it takes to become an audiobook narrator. The author is an accomplished narrator and talks about all the ins and outs. Includes preparation, promoting yourself, what happens in the studio, etc.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very pleasant listen (audiobook), and very informative. It was interesting to learn more about the audiobook industry and Lorelei King offers great tips on how to prepare and then deliver a quality performance. Learning more about the production side was interesting g, too!

[Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

lorelei king is one of the GOAT narrators and her insight regarding audio book narration is obviously pretty awesome. fun to listen to whether you're just interested in how the sausage is made like me or want to break into the biz.

[Kamryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This provided lots of interesting insight! TBD if it ever becomes useful to me, personally, but even if it doesn’t I felt I learned a lot about professional narration that makes me appreciate audiobooks all the more.

[Kirstie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great primer. I'll be relistening to it and practicing

[Thyra (T.M.) Root · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, informational yet written personably, and excellently narrated as an audiobook! Great for me as someone just beginning to learn about audio.

[April Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect audiobook to listen to as I prepared to narrate my own audiobook. Great tips.

[Kevin Halloran]

A helpful look into the craft and business of audiobook recording. I’ll never listen to an audiobook the same way again. (Skip the chapter on sex scenes.)

[Bill Graf · Rating 5 out of 5]

lots of good advice from a pro

[Paul Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book to have in my library. I have been listening to Lorelei King for many years and seeing this made me think I just have to give it a try.

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is full of advice from somebody in the field as well as tips from an audiobook producer. Who knew that you had to worry about tummy rumbles when narrating a book?

[Pernille · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful and informative reading, that gave me loads of inspiration and a reflective sigh on what this business is about.

[kunal roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advice. Useful tips and common sense.

[Marianita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you! Amazing advice, learned a lot, really enjoyed it.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting to know what goes into the process of making an audiobook! It takes a lot of talent, preparation, and hard work for both the narrator and the producer/editor.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource and tips on how to get started on becoming a narrator.

[Christy Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this quick audiobook provided good advice and tips for the business. I also found Lorelei King to have a humorous personality.

[Stevi-Lee Alver]

A concise and clear “how to” guide. I read out of curiosity. But I wish I had listened to the audiobook, so I could have heard the examples given. The writing is entertaining and the job sounds fun. Stressful but fun.

[Roderick Vonhogen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative guide to the ins and outs of recording audio books.

Years ago, I recorded the audiobook version of my first book, 'Geekpriest'. Even though I had years of experience as a podcaster, reading an audiobook, coming up with voices for the various characters in the stories and finding the right pace and tone of voice proved to be quite a challenging matter.

Now that I have read this book, I almost want to re-record my book after getting so much advice and so many great tips.

The book ends with a number of outtakes of the audiobook recording of this book. Which illustrates that even experienced narrators still need the help of good editors to bring everything together!