Do you love storytelling, characters, or getting lost in a good book?
Audiobook narration might be the perfect path for your voiceover journey.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to branch into a new niche, audiobook narration is a rewarding and creative outlet for voice actors. Here’s what you need to know to get started—and where to find your first jobs.

🎧 What Is Audiobook Narration?

Audiobook narration is the art of bringing a book to life using your voice. It’s more than just reading aloud—it’s about creating characters, conveying emotion, and keeping listeners engaged for hours at a time.

There are different styles of narration:

• First-person or third-person narrative

• Character-driven fiction (accents, age, gender, personality)

• Non-fiction (clear, informative, trustworthy tone)

• Dual or multi-cast narration for larger productions

🎓 Build Your Skills

To become a great audiobook narrator, focus on:

• Reading stamina (you may be recording for hours at a time)

• Acting skills (especially for fiction)

• Pacing and tone (especially for nonfiction or self-help)

• Breath control and consistency

💡 Pro tip: Listen to well-reviewed audiobooks and analyze the narrator’s rhythm, tone, and transitions between characters.

🎙️ Set Up Your Home Recording Space

Audiobook publishers expect high-quality sound, so it’s worth investing in a clean recording space. You’ll need:

• A quiet, treated space (closet, booth, or treated corner)

• Microphone (XLR with interface is preferred)

• Headphones and pop filter

• DAW (Audacity, TwistedWave, Adobe Audition, etc.)

• Optional: Punch & Roll recording feature for seamless edits

You’ll also need to learn basic editing, mastering, and noise removal—many narrators do their own post-production (or outsource if budget allows).

🎤 Create an Audiobook Sample

Before landing your first job, create a short sample (2–3 minutes) that shows your ability to:

• Narrate smoothly

• Differentiate characters

• Keep a consistent tone

Choose public domain books or scripts written specifically for demo use.

🌍 Where to Find Audiobook Narration Work

Here are some of the top platforms for beginners and experienced narrators:

🔹 ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)

Owned by Audible, ACX connects narrators with authors and publishers. You can audition for royalty-share or per-finished-hour jobs.

🔹 Voices & Voice123

Both sites occasionally post audiobook work. These are subscription-based, but great for building client relationships and direct work.

🔹 Fiverr & Upwork

These freelance platforms can be great starting points if you’re just building a portfolio. Make your gig clear and include a demo.

🔹 Findaway Voices

A solid option once you’re more established—offers broader distribution and more control over pricing.

🔹 Reach Out to Publishers

Once you’ve got a few projects under your belt, start emailing independent publishers or author groups. They’re often looking for reliable narrators, especially in non-fiction and self-help genres.

🗂️ Keep Track & Keep Going

Audiobook narration takes time to build. Be patient and consistent. Here’s what to do as you grow:

• Build a portfolio of finished books

• Ask for reviews or testimonials

• Track your projects, hours, and income

• Keep training (take classes on narration, breath work, and storytelling)

Final Thoughts

Audiobook narration is more than a job—it’s a chance to step into new worlds, bring stories to life, and connect with listeners in a deeply personal way.

If you’re ready to get started, begin small, train your skills, and keep putting your voice out into the world. Every narrator starts with one book.