Because of some previous issues, I'm at the point where I am seriously considering narrating my own books.
Has anyone else done that with their work? I'm just trying to avoid the nightmare that resulted from the first narration I had done for a novel when I used a hired narrator.
Any and all input is appreciated. Thanks!
Thank you! I’m currently looking for a new place to live (had to make the decision to move to San Diego) and a walk-in closet is part of the criteria so I can turn it into a recording studio of sorts.
I had hired a narrator for AYA’S DRAGON, with the understanding right up front that this is a multiple book series, and she quit after the first one.
To say I was annoyed is a massive understatement.
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Or you could try a set of reflexion filters - much cheaper than buying a house! :)
https://tinyurl.com/r78gcqe
I narrated Access Denied, but mainly because it was such a personal story that I don't think anyone else could have told it to give it the same effect. The reviews I've had for it have detailed it's the "Most incredible audio book I’ve ever listened to, planned to listen to an hour at a time, ended up listening to it all at once, couldn’t drag myself away..." and "It’s very rare that a book has an effect on me as substantial as Access Denied." so I definitely did the right thing.
I'm thinking about it but I'd need at least 4 performers to voice the story's large cast (20+) of characters.
What's your plan on making money after doing an audiobook?
Writing more books.
I have several out already.
Okay, can you tell us how many audiobooks do you need to sell to cover your cost/make profit?
It all depends upon what sort of recording arrangement you make. My first book was produced with a 50/50 royalty split, so the narrator was responsible for having her own equipment and I didn’t have to pay her up front.
I’m using the same art as for my novels and do the covers myself, so that deals with that cost.
I’ve already got my own recording equipment because of my podcast gig. That paid for itself long ago.
Because I did the narration myself, on Access Denied, every audio book I sell via Audible, iTunes, etc., gives me a royalty. Because there was no cost in production, I was in profit from the first sale.
I have two audio books for my Peter Brandt mystery thrillers, with a third in the series to be completed later this year, and two more audio books in the final process of completing. Four of the books have the same narrator; the fifth book has a different narrator. All of them are done on a 50/50 royalty share.
I would never do my own narration; I have neither the voice nor the acting chops. I also think it would be like editing your own book - you can't. You're too close to the subject matter. I have two professional editors for each book (even though I am a freelance book editor myself), and I use professional narrators for the audio books. When the narrators complete the narration, I review each audio file for errors they've missed doing their own editing.
You should absolutely do it yourself
but if you do need a voice... https://youtu.be/GIcxjPWYcqI
or... https://youtu.be/9NIep_5bUE0