How to Record an Audiobook – Part One: Casting and Preparation
I have been recording audiobooks for nearly 6 years. During this time, I have completed 54 titles of varying lengths and genres. Audiobook narration is, essentially, a version of intimate storytelling that is as old as history itself. Despite this, I have come to realise that reading books into a microphone for a living is seen by many as a pretty exotic occupation. As a result, I am frequently asked how on earth such projects are undertaken. How do you learn all that text? Do you do all the characters? How do you do all the characters?! Is your larynx made of steel? How do you edit such a long recording together?
Audiobook narration is an exacting process if you want to do it well. And there seem to be a lot of misconceptions about exactly what I do when I narrate one (obviously my larynx isn’t made of steel, but the case of my microphone is.) So, I thought it would be fun for me to explain to my lovely readers how I do it. Before I go any further though, I would like to point out that what I am about to reveal relates to my own process. Some of what I do will be very similar to other narrators and some parts might be unique to my own way of working. Nothing I say in the following paragraphs represents a value judgement of my esteemed colleagues, many of whom I’m sure have a completely different way of doing things!
Nor, is this insight particularly relatable to those who ply the narrating trade in 3rd party studios. I am full of admiration for these hard-working narrators, such as my brother’s brilliant sister-in-law, Tania Rodrigues. These guys work to unbelievably tight schedules and manage to narrate superbly under huge pressure. I’m a madman in a box by comparison! Hopefully you’ll find what I reveal interesting and entertaining if not especially pertinent to those who read books in Audible’s own studios.
To find out about the first two stages of the process, Casting and Preparation click here. Don't forget to leave your comments and subscribe for more blogs.