Comments on: Audiobook Narrator Self-Assessment Quiz

By: Derek Shoales – Award-Winning Narrator/Voice Actor – Rox Burkey – Blog Place

Sun, 05 Apr 2020 15:52:21 +0000

[…] isn’t really a test per se, but audiobook narrator Karen Commins has a nice little self-assessment quiz. There’s a lot that goes into audiobook narration that […]

By: Karen Commins

Karen Commins — Thu, 02 May 2019 16:12:36 +0000

In reply to Brett Heinemann. Hi, Brett! Thanks for the nice note. In addition to all of the info I've written on this site, I've launched a new site called NarratorsRoadmap.com. NarratorsRoadmap has links to advice pages from numerous narrators and a treasure trove of other resources that will help you get started in this career. The site is still in development but will include a Knowledge Base and some other unique offerings in the future. I hope you'll check it out and subscribe to the mailing list for updates! If you'll send me your snail address to me via email, I'd love to send you a special gift to kickstart your new career. Thanks again, and best wishes for your success! Karen

By: Brett Heinemann

Brett Heinemann — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 17:56:13 +0000

Great quiz, thank you for the many resources you have put out there for us looking into this as beginners!
I have been a 5th and 6th grade teacher for the past 15 years, and am seriously contemplating whether to start (slowly) into this field. I know a lot of people “have been told” that they would make a good ________or __________, but my favorite parts of my job by far are the read aloud/storytelling/performance aspects, and the kids have been telling me for years that “you should try it!” So, I think I will. Daunting list of things to consider in the beginning, from how to learn the software necessary to the equipment you’ll need. I think I’ll start with how to set up the room I have in mind! Thank you again for the wealth of information and if you have any words of wisdom for someone like them I would surely listen!

By: Karen Commins

Karen Commins — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 19:50:49 +0000

In reply to cognitivedan2008. Hi, Dani! Thanks for taking the quiz and starting this discussion! I hope you also read through all of the explanations about the questions: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 I wrote about the financial considerations in Part 4. Like any business, becoming an audiobook narrator requires an investment of time, money, and energy. It can take a while to develop skills and attract enough clients to make the work into your sole job. Since you're an author who'd like to narrate her book, I suggest you look at my article Should an Author Narrate Her Own Audiobook?, as well as this page of curated articles to help authors learn more about audiobook production. I hope this info is helpful. Best wishes for your success! Karen

By: cognitivedan2008

cognitivedan2008 — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 15:13:46 +0000

I answered ‘Yes’ to the majority of the questions. The only area in which I had to respond with ‘moderate yes’ was flexibility and familiarity with new tech. I’m interested and keen, but take time to get it right. Once I’ve mastered it, though, I’m fine. I’ve done a LOT of on the job learning of new tech skills throughout my working life, so my assessment is founded in sober reflection and self-knowledge.
The chief reason I’d like to absolutely master audio narration is my ambition to turn my own novel into an audiobook, because I HEAR it just as much as I picture it, and it’s stiff with different characters etc.
Futhermore, as a disabled person, I am keen to gradually withdraw from my ongoing work as a tutor and lecturer (travel is becoming ever more problematic), but to continue earning and income that involves LOTS of books, because they are my great passion.
Would love to hear your thoughts on all this.
Thanks for your kind attention!
Dani K

By: Audiobook Narration: Part One | Intergalactic

Audiobook Narration: Part One | Intergalactic — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 19:54:04 +0000

[…] in audiobook narration for yourself, I highly recommend checking out Karen Commins’ blog post “Audiobook Narrator Self-Assessment Quiz”. This article will give you an idea of whether or not audiobooks are a good […]

By: Karen Commins

Karen Commins — Sat, 11 Aug 2018 15:10:13 +0000

In reply to Amy Deuchler.

Hi, Amy! Thanks for sharing your reaction to these questions!

I often battle feeling ignored in our super crowded and competitive marketplace. Gaining and keeping the attention of publishers and producers who might cast me for a project continues is the true on-going work of this business. When things don’t happen as quickly as I think they should, I affirm to myself that the right people and opportunities are crossing my path at the right time.

I hope you’ll continue to contribute thoughtful comments like this one to the future posts about this quiz. Thanks again!

Karen

By: Amy Deuchler

Amy Deuchler — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:48:17 +0000

Thanks for posting. This is a comprehensive list of questions! I particularly like the “Are you curious? Do you like to learn new things?” which is one of my strengths, but I never considered it could be related to audiobook narration until now. The hardest part for me is the “How do you feel about constantly networking and marketing yourself to attract and retain clients?” which is a big challenge for a lot of the introverted creative types who are drawn to narration because it offers them a chance to work autonomously and “behind the scenes”. I’m looking forward to your future posts to find out what question was the most challenging for you.