Audiobook Production and Narration

*What is involved in the audiobook narration process?

In a word: Storytelling. Narration is an art form, the narrator or voice actor is a "voice artist". There are special skills required of an audiobook narrator. The skill set for a narrator or voice actor includes the following "performance tools": Script analysis, interpretation and a range of creative delivery styles for character development and portraying characters and, not least of all, stamina and consistency. A lot of time goes into preparation for an audiobook performance. This includes pre-reading the material, (often creating a database of the characters to be voiced) and going through the manuscript to do the "mark up", putting accent/emphasis marks in for a guide.

In voice acting it is important that the "global" or overall performance flows well and is consistent. The rhythm of each line, each paragraph, each piece of dialogue, each chapter as it unfolds must match the flow that the imagery of the scenes demand.  The pre-read is essential to the execution of this task. At the same time, a fine balance must be maintained,  delivering the necessary emotion, characterization and tone without overshadowing the story. Unless called for in the story, an "over the top" performance can distract the listener and detract from the experience. Therefore the narrator must be able to serve the needs of the role while remaining "transparent".

On a detailed or "micro" level, the accomplished narrator makes choices involving the rhythmic and intonational aspect of the language (prosody), essentially the same way scansion is used in analyzing meter in poetry. Scansion is the analysis of a line for rhythm, emphasis and accent; (accent here refers to syllabic stress, not linguistic accent). Emphasis can be applied through inflection (or pitch), tone of voice (emotional coloration) dramatic pause and  projection (volume - loudness or softness). In the course of recording a single audiobook the narrator will make literally thousands of choices to find the right voice tone, interpretation and rhythm to convey the imagery called for in the scene. The voice actor must understand the author's intent, understand the story line and have the acting and storytelling skills to effectively deliver the end product. Unlike other forms of acting, this has to be done exclusively with the voice; putting a shrug, a smile, a frown in the mind's eye of the listener. An experienced and talented audiobook narrator performs with this level of skill reflexively. | Back to Top |

*What is involved in choosing a narrator? 
As the author or executive producer, you are the person closest to the project, and if the voice "resonates" with you on an emotional level, chances are that it will be the appropriate "type" for the material. In addition to this, however, a narrator must have the skill set to be able to do much more than just read clearly: One must have the understanding and expertise necessary to breathe life into the work. 

Some other important considerations in choosing a narrator are: budget, deadline, narrator's availability, range of related services available (Does the narrator have access to a studio and engineer, e.g.?), attention to detail in recording, proofing, editing, and mastering.