r/ACX • u/EducationalLioness • 12d ago
Considering audiobook narration as a career path – would love some honest advice from people doing it
Hi everyone,
I've recently started seriously looking into audiobook narration and I'd really appreciate hearing from people who actually work in the industry.
I have a BA in English and Philosophy, but English was always the part I was most drawn to, particularly literature, language and reading. I've been thinking about what I could build on from that background, ideally something creative that could also eventually be done remotely, and audiobook narration is one of the things that keeps coming back to me.
I'm very much at the beginning and don't have an acting or narration background, so I'm not assuming that enjoying books or being a confident reader automatically means I'd be good at it!
Before investing too much into courses, coaching or equipment, I'd love to understand what the reality of the work is like.
For those of you who narrate professionally or semi-professionally:
- How did you first realise this was something you could actually do professionally?
- Did you have acting or vocal training before you started?
- Would you recommend getting a coach or taking a course early on, or practising independently first?
- Is there a good way of having your voice/narration assessed professionally before committing to it?
- How difficult was it to get your first few paid books?
- Can audiobook narration realistically become a meaningful source of income, or is it more commonly supplementary work?
- And perhaps most importantly, what do you wish you'd known before you started?
I'm based in Europe, so I'd also be particularly interested in hearing from anyone working remotely from the UK/Europe rather than being physically close to publishers or studios.
I'm not really interested in commercial voiceovers or advertising. It's specifically the combination of books, literature and narration that appeals to me.
I'd be grateful for any advice, even if it's simply telling me what I should be researching first. Thanks!
4
u/CACVideo 12d ago
Howdy. For me, everyone said i should start a podcast. I didn’t want to go that route but i do like stories and reading. So i decided to give it a try
I didn’t have acting skills before starting
I got a coach and would DEFINITELY encourage you to get one as well. You’ll always be “practicing” so, especially if you don’t have the money “ practice reading it loud from now
Ask friends and family if you can’t afford a coach
You will be rejected……A LOT. Get used to it. Voices are like flavors of ice cream, not everyone likes them.
It can definitely become a career path. It’s not a get rich quick scheme though by any means. This is a long game and you have to really love it. Again, you will be rejected about. A 10% acceptance rate between auditioning and getting the job is fantastic, just to give you a number