Guest Post by Indie Audiobook Productions

I’m excited to post a guest blog today! I recently met Nicky Griffiths, founder of Indie Audiobook Productions. Immediately, I was drawn to her desire to make the audiobook process clear and transparent while providing support for the author. Thankfully, Nicky agreed to write a blog about finding a narrator when I asked her. Indie Audiobook Productions is based in the UK but has narrators who record in American English. Enjoy today’s blog, and thank you, Nicky!

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Thank you, Elizabeth of The Book Marketing Nook, for asking me to write a guest blog for your author followers to help them understand where to find the narrators who will bring their books to life in audiobook format.

In keeping with our transparency values, although the following blog offers advice about where to find narrators, we’d love for you to check out Indie Audiobook Productions as part of your search for the perfect narrator. We’ve built a company specifically designed with the author in mind. We work with authors to create a masterpiece that they can enjoy and be proud of.

In fact, we’ve put together a Quick Start Guide to help you understand it all (we’ll share more about that at the end of this post!).

Where to Find a Narrator for Your Audiobook – And What to Look Out For

Where to Find a Narrator for Your Audiobook – And What to Look Out For

One of the most important and overwhelming decisions you’ll make when making your book into an audiobook is who will narrate it. Whilst a great narrator can bring your words to life, the wrong one could miss the mark, and your audiobook could flop. So, where do you even begin looking for a narrator, and what should you be sure of before making your choice?

We’ll look at some familiar places to find narrators, the pros and cons of each, and we’ll give you some tips to ensure you’re getting a professional who’ll do your work justice. And, of course, full disclosure, we’ll share why Indie Audiobook Productions could be the perfect solution to ensure you give your book the best chance at success.

1. Freelance Platforms (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr)

These platforms are often the first stop for authors looking to hire a narrator. You can browse through various narrators, see their pricing, listen to samples, and even read reviews from other clients.

Pros:

• Easy to find a variety of narrators.
• Competitive pricing with options to fit different budgets.
• Reviews from other clients can give insight into the narrator’s quality, work ethic and professionalism.
• Professional Narrators are on these platforms; just make sure you do your research on them and look at and listen to their previous work.

Cons:

• The quality can vary widely. Not all narrators are equal, and some might not have the experience you’re looking for. Voicing a 2–5-minute sample is very different from a 3-15 hour book, and even new narrators don’t realise how much of a marathon this can be until it’s too late.
• Finding someone with the right fit for your book takes trial and error and time.
• You might end up with a narrator who only focuses on completing the job quickly rather than investing in making your audiobook the best it can be.
• Platforms have to make their money somehow, so educate yourself on any service fees, taxes, etc., you may be charged. And remember, most platforms are also charging their freelancers/narrators. So, when you’re trying to get a better deal on your audiobook, your narrator is usually already sacrificing a percentage of the value of your order to the platform, plus any fees on exchange rates, if you’re using an overseas narrator.

Pitfall to Avoid:

• Don’t just go with the cheapest option! While it’s tempting to cut costs, a low rate could mean you’re getting a beginner who might lack the necessary skills for your project. From an experienced narrator’s point of view, they will generally give the most effort to people who respect what they do and pay them fairly.

2. Narrator Directories (e.g. ACX, Voices.com)

Platforms like ACX and Voices.com provide platforms that connect authors directly with professional narrators who are often (but not always) experienced and trained in audiobook production.

Pros:

• You can find experienced narrators who specialise in audiobooks.
• ACX provides royalty share options (if you’re looking for a partnership-based deal, which ultimately means you sacrifice some of your audiobook royalties in return for not paying a narrator an upfront flat narrator/producer rate) or a one-time payment, which is based on how long your audiobook’s finished recording time is (also known as per finished hour—PFH).
• A wide range of voices and styles to choose from.

Cons:

• Some platforms charge you a fee/commission, and even charge the narrator too, which means that great rate, now ends up being much more than you thought. 
• Searching through profiles to find the perfect voice and establishing their experience and professionalism requires a lot of legwork.
• ACX can be tricky to navigate if you’re new to the audiobook world—there’s a lot of technical lingo to get through, and it may feel overwhelming.
• Remember that a 2-5 minute sample from a narrator does not automatically qualify them for a marathon. This is not a 5k race.
• Many people are posing as narrators and using ACX as a side hustle to earn money on the side that are not professional narrators. Even though there are contracts between you and the narrator, don’t bank on ACX having your back if something goes wrong.

Pitfall to Avoid:

• Be cautious with royalty share agreements. While they can save you money upfront, the long-term revenue share might not always be worth it.

3. Professional Production Companies

A reliable production company, like Indie Audiobook Productions, can take the stress out of the process and make this part of the author’s experience enjoyable and exciting. You can browse a curated selection of narrators who have already been vetted for their professionalism, experience and skill. Plus, the team behind the production house handles all the technical aspects, ensuring your audiobook is produced to the highest standard.

Why Indie Audiobook Productions? At Indie Audiobook Productions, we know how important it is to find the right narrator for your project. That’s why we’ve built an ever-growing roster of professional, experienced narrators who are ready to bring your book to life. And we don’t just let anyone into the fold – each narrator has passed a thorough vetting process, so you can be confident you’re working with someone who knows their craft.

We offer free samples from your chosen narrators so you can hear exactly what your audiobook will sound like before you commit. You’ll get to make the call on who feels right for your book—whether you’re after a dramatic tone, a soft narrative voice, or something with more energy.

Pros:

• Every narrator is pre-vetted for quality, ensuring you’re hiring someone who’s a professional.
• You get to choose from a range of voices that fit your style and the tone of your book.
• Indie Audiobook Productions guides you through the entire audiobook production process from start to finish. We’ll keep you in the loop with regular updates and require your continuous feedback throughout, making sure the final product is exactly what you envision.
• Fair prices, split payment system and no hidden fees. We make sure you get great value without compromising on quality.

Cons:

• If you have a very specific budget, it might be slightly higher than the bargain options you’d find on freelance platforms.
• A more personal, curated service that encourages your involvement in the audiobook production means your audiobook could take longer to produce. If you’re looking for a super quick turnaround, make it clear to us, and we’ll find a way to move faster with you without compromising on your experience.

Pitfall to Avoid:

• Not all production companies are created equal. Make sure the company you choose is transparent about its process and that you’re comfortable with its approach. At Indie Audiobook Productions, we pride ourselves on being a reliable, supportive partner, so you can feel confident that we’ve got your back throughout the journey.

4. Local Studios

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, consider a local recording studio with a team of narrators.

Pros:

• You can work closely with the studio, ensuring you get exactly what you want in terms of sound, tone, and pacing.
• If you’re in the studio with the narrator, it gives you full creative control over the process.

Cons:

• Local studios can often be more expensive due to the in-person nature of the work.
• The range of narrators might be limited compared to a larger network.
• You might need to do your own vetting, which can be time-consuming and stressful.
• You’ll need to source a production team of narrators, producers, soundproofers and the studio itself, including any expenses like travel or accommodation.

Pitfall to Avoid:

• Be wary of extra costs that might not be advertised upfront—studio time, equipment rental, and other fees can add up quickly.

Final Thoughts: Avoiding the Pitfalls

At the end of the day, finding the right narrator is all about balancing quality, cost, and your creative vision. While there are plenty of places to search, from freelance platforms to production companies, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

• Do your research: Always listen to samples, read reviews, and ask about a narrator’s experience with audiobooks and go check them out.
• Stay clear of hidden fees: Make sure you’re fully aware of any potential extra costs before signing an agreement.
• Trust the process: Whether you choose a freelancer, a directory, or a production company like Indie Audiobook Productions, remember that this is an investment in your book’s future.

At Indie Audiobook Productions, we’ve got your back from start to finish. With our experienced narrators, transparent pricing, and ongoing support, you can rest easy knowing your audiobook is in the best hands possible.

Check out our roster of vetted narrators and apply to receive samples from 3 narrators on us! Let’s work together to make your audiobook dream a reality!

Nicky Griffiths

Indie Audiobook Productions

Here’s a list of links to places to help you search for your narrator…..although number 2 is all you really need 😉

1. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)

• Website: ACX
• A popular platform for finding audiobook narrators, especially for indie authors. You can choose between paying a one-time fee or a royalty share agreement. ACX also offers a large selection of narrators with different styles, voices, and experience levels.

2. Indie Audiobook Productions

• Website: Indie Audiobook Productions
• Indie Audiobook Productions offers a curated roster of professional audiobook narrators who have been thoroughly vetted. They provide free samples from a range of narrators, ensuring you find the right voice for your project. Plus, they support you through the entire production process and actively encourage author involvement.

3. Voices.com

• Website: Voices.com
• A professional platform where you can hire narrators for various projects, including audiobooks. Voices.com has an extensive directory of narrators, offering samples and allowing you to filter by genre, tone, and more.

4. Fiverr

• Website: Fiverr
• Fiverr connects you with freelancers, including audiobook narrators. You can find narrators with a wide range of pricing and experience. Many narrators offer quick turnaround times and competitive rates.

5. Upwork

• Website: Upwork
• Upwork is a general freelance platform, but it offers a selection of professional audiobook narrators. You can post a job listing, browse portfolios, and communicate directly with potential candidates.

6. Bodalgo

• Website: Bodalgo
• A global voiceover marketplace that also includes audiobook narrators. It offers an easy way to connect with professional narrators who specialise in audiobooks.

7. Voice123

• Website: Voice123
• A popular voiceover marketplace where you can find audiobook narrators among other voice talent. You can post your project and get auditions from professional narrators.

8. The Voiceover Network

• Website: The Voiceover Network
• This site connects you with experienced voice talent, including audiobook narrators. It’s a great resource if you’re looking for high-quality narrators who are serious about their craft.

9. Local Recording Studios

• Search for local recording studios in your area that offer audiobook production services. Many of these studios can connect you with experienced narrators or offer in-house talent to hire for your project.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Narrator?

Choosing the right voice for your audiobook is a big step, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’re looking for a clear roadmap to the entire process – from selecting a narrator to understanding production costs – our Quick Start Guide to Audiobook Production, has you covered.

👉 Download the guide here and take the guesswork out of bringing your audiobook to life.

I’d love to hear from you if you have any questions or want to chat about your audiobook project!

You can contact Indie Audiobook Productions here.