Audiobook Voice Over

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Why Voices.com is the World’s Source for Audiobook Voice Actors

Skillful narrators

Voice actors have completed over 6,000 audiobooks for North American producers. Several are Audie Award nominees.

Value-added services

Quality recordings from voice actors with stamina for long form narration. Several also offer audio editing.

Voice over variety

Voices.com is the fastest and easiest way to hire a single narrator or a cast of characters.

Audiobook Project Voice Over Requirements

Long-form narration

Upholding a consistent read is an art. Voice actors with experience can easily read long-form narration.

Minimal revisions

Constant revisions are costly. A professional voice actor can ensure fewer re-reads, keeping your budget on track.

Narration variety

Different titles may need partially-voiced, natural narrators or multicast voice over.

Get access to the world’s top voice actors

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Voices.com is trusted by the world’s most prominent brands

Voices.com in Action

At Voices.com, the number of project types that we can help you complete are nearly endless.
Our audiobook clients rely on us for all their voice over requirements.

How Voices.com works

Learn how Voices.com makes finding professional voice actors faster and easier than anyone else.

Voices.com’s SurePay™ service offers a proven, safe and sound way to pay

Whether you are an independent agency or operate as part of a larger corporation, keeping your funds secure is of utmost importance. Voices.com’s SurePay™ service offers a proven, safe and sound way to pay for the talent you hire and ensure your transactions are secure.

Our voting feature enables teams of all sizes to work together

When you have multiple stakeholders, from clients in other countries, to your Art Director down the hall, Voices.com makes it easy to take everyone’s opinion into consideration. Our voting feature enables teams of all sizes to work together, even when you’re apart.

Top Vocal Qualities for Audiobook Narrators

Here are the top 5 vocal qualities (known as ‘styles’) that audiobook clients source from Voices.com in order to achieve a captivating read, no matter the story.

Voices.com Audiobook Client Case Studies

At Voices.com, the number of project types that we can help you complete are nearly endless.
Our broadcast clients rely on us for all their voice over requirements.

Canadian Council of Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW)

The CCRW's popular series of six children’s books had to be made into audiobooks to be accessible for a broader audience. CCRW needed a hand finding five actors who could narrate the audiobooks in English and French. The books have also been produced in Braille, PDFs, electronic versions and ASL/LSQ.

6 audiobooks

20 custom auditions

1 week to complete project

Magus Elgar’s diverse audio drama

Magus Elgar is an 11-episode audio drama inspired by the works of Terry Pratchett. The project needed voice actors for a dozen different characters. They were looking to connect with fresh performers that would really bring the project to life.

800 custom auditions

12 voice actors

2019 Audie Award Finalist

Helpful Resources

Need more content? As your project partners, we also want to help you get inspired and offer information on the latest tips and tricks related to your industry:

Abridged vs Unabridged Audiobooks — Pros and Cons

Audiobook Boom: Why Publish Audiobooks?

Benefits of Audiobooks

How To Make An Audiobook [An
Independent Publisher’s Definitive Guide]

The Evolution of Audiobooks: From the First Audiobook Recording to Digital Downloads

6 Business Audiobooks to Help You Develop and Execute Winning Strategies

Using a Full Voice-over Cast vs. a Single Narrator
for Audiobooks

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should authors narrate their audiobook?

There are pros and cons to narrating your own book. For a smooth, consistent read, it’s typically it’s better to get professional voice actors to narrate your audiobook. However, some authors, specifically those who have celebrity status and/or have a strong voice, may prefer to personally narrate their work.

Should an audiobook narrator sound like the original author?

No, they don’t have to sound like the author, but their vocal performance should mirror or enhance the author’s written voice and intention. This can help lead the audience through the book just as the author would. Read more about audiobook recording methods.

How do I ensure my manuscript stays private when I share it with a voice actor?

Generally, voice actors have nothing to gain and everything to lose by leaking your work. It should not be a concern. However, you can have the voice actor sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to ensure that it doesn’t get talked about or shared. Read more about NDAs and when you should issue one.

How do I select the best voice actor for an audiobook?

Look for the following qualities in the actor’s audition:

You find the read engaging the whole way through
This may seem obvious, but if you’re losing interest after hearing an audition, then chances are, the voice actor won’t be able to hold your attention for the duration of an entire audiobook.
They have experience with long form projects such as elearning, audiobook narration, or more.
Long form reads are a unique kind of voice over work, which requires endurance. Voice actors who have undertaken these projects previously have proved they can go the distance.
Know your audience
Your listening audience may enjoy a certain style of voice or expects words to be pronounced in a particular way or is accustomed to hearing a specific voice type. Knowing your audience will help you to decide who should be narrating your audiobook.

Do I need one narrator or multiple narrators?

Typically, most audiobook publishers want one narrator who can do character voices. This is called a fully-voiced reading. However, those who wish to create an audio drama experience with multiple voice actors may also choose this approach too. Read more about the pros and cons of the different styles of voice over narration.

How do I hire a voice actor for an audiobook?

Platforms like Voices.com makes it easy to find a range of voice actors. When hiring a voice actor, set expectations by communicating the time frame you’ll need them for, including ongoing work, before you hire them. Once you’ve assessed that they’ll be available, you can proceed to hiring them. If you want exclusive rights, then ensure the voice actor signs a contract. That way they won’t be snatched up by a competitor or inadvertently lend their voice to your competition.

Should I release the print copy or the audiobook first?

The common opinion amongst publishers is to always publish the physical or e-book version of your book before you tackle the audiobook.

What file formats does Audible use?

There are multiple audio file formats Audible accepts .aa or.aax file types for audiobooks. Read more about Audible’s format requirements.

How long does it take to record an audiobook?

It depends on how many words are in your book. The average rate of speech is 150 words per minute. You can take the number of words in your book and divide it by 150 to get a rough estimate of how long your finished audio file will be, or you can use our words to time converter tool. Please note that this amount of time does not take into account any editing or post-production work, which of course takes extra time.

How can I request a change to the voice over file?

No problem! You can easily communicate back and forth with the voice over talent on the Voices.com platform to make those necessary changes. Read more about working with your voice actor to make revisions to the voice over.

Should I publish an abridged or unabridged version of my audiobook?

When deciding whether to publish an abridged or unabridged version of your audiobook, here are a few things to consider:

The genre of your audiobook
Some genres are better suited to abridged versus unabridged books (e.g. a guide on how to become an entrepreneur might perform better as an abridged version
The demographics of your audience
Are most of your audience members children who may have a shorter attention span for long-form content? If so, abridged may be a better choice. Thinking about your intended audience can help you decide if an abridged or full length version will be best for them.