Audiobook Coaches
Part One of Recommended Coaches for Narration
Recently, I wrote an article on Pay To Play in audiobooks. It talks a little about the audiobook industry and the massive changes happening, and how sometimes people can be taken advantage of.
But not everything in audiobookland is bad. There are really wonderful people who are committed to the industry, excel in their work, and share their knowledge with others. Coaches offer valuable insight and can help you navigate the industry more effectively. (And they should be compensated for doing this.) Do you have to have a coach? NO. But if you WANT one, there are wonderful options with established audiobook narrators/coaches.
I wanted to highlight some audiobook coaches that I know are good people offering terrific services, so I sent them a few questions to help you get to know them.
This is part one of the series.
If you’re looking for a coach, read about them, see if you can meet them, and check in with your gut. Does the coach spark something in you? Are you excited to work with them? Are they offering what you’re looking for?
Here are two people I’d like to highlight in the industry. More to follow in the coming days.
ERIN MOON
1) Do you have a bit of advice for narrators that is inspiring or uplifting you could share?
Acting is about anchoring into belief. You have to see it and feel it in your body, in your heart and your mind because if YOU feel it we will. You don't need to tell us. Trust us! You need to honestly connect to the emotions and needs of every person/being on thier journeys in the book. Everything comes from the text.
2) What kind of coaching do you offer? One on one, classes, workshops, conferences? Anything coming up?
One-on-one mostly. I also teach on the occasional panel, conference etc
3) How many books have you narrated OR how long have you been in the business?
I have been in the audiobook business since 2005 starting as a director and editor in between theatre gigs then switched to narrating in 2008. I have narrated over 450 books and worked on at least another 500.
4) What do you like to focus on with your students?
All depends on the client's needs. Sometimes it is business stuff like websites advice and demos. Most of the time it is performance, character work, connecting to the text, text work, accent work and more. I also work with Authors who are narrating thier memoirs. I have been teaching actors for over 20 years so we focus on what we need to focus on.
5) Contact info or website?
6) Anything else you want to share?
I have an over 50 page booklet with lots of "tips and tricks" and "how tos" that I sell for $25 when requested. If you are struggling I will always try to give alternatives to one on one coaching and homework and have some space for sliding scale if needed.
ANN RICHARDSON
1) Do you have a bit of advice for narrators that is inspiring or uplifting you could share?
I like to tell aspiring narrators and those who are struggling with impostor syndrome, three things:
First: You have every right to be here (in this industry); just as much as any of the celebrated narrators! We all put our pants on one leg at a time.
Second: There’s no one like you; capitalize on your uniqueness. Don’t try to sound or be like anyone else.
Third: A dear friend told me this once… “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Just keep at it. It’s a long game. I often see people judging their marketing efforts by immediate ROI (Return On Investment). If you attend APAC or an industry mixer or subscribe to a magazine and don’t see any work as a result, just think of this… I consistently marketed myself to many publishers and it took close to a decade before some of them hired me.
2) What kind of coaching do you offer? One on one, classes, workshops, conferences? Anything coming up?
These days everything is via Zoom. I offer one-on-one coaching, as well as group coaching which I do for VoiceOne,(as a part of their audiobook program I put together), and occasionally with Narrator.Life. I also created a 10-lesson video course with handouts for those who want to study on their own, re-watch the videos as many times as they wish, and go at their own pace.
3) How many books have you narrated OR how long have you been in the business?
I have been narrating since 2008 and now it’s 2024 and I have over 350 titles under my belt. The longest is 64.5 hours, the shortest (which I don’t think I included in my count; I need to update my database) are some poems.
4) What do you like to focus on with your students?
My niche is beginners. It can be so daunting when one is just starting out. I like to lay it all on the table so aspiring narrators can either go into it with eyes wide open or learn it’s not for them before they invest a bunch of money in equipment and training, only to find out that lifestyle is not for them. I believe in honesty, and do not entice anyone to get into this career. If, however, they wish to pursue it in earnest, I’m tickled to help. I like to learn about each student’s special talents or focus and refer them to other coaches in the industry whom I feel would be a great fit for further performance coaching.
5) Contact info or website? https://hersmoothvoice.com/instruction/ ann@annrichardson.com
6) Anything else you want to share?
I love that you’re including a variety of coaches in your highlights here. I feel it is very important to study with as many different coaches as possible. Some will be a good fit, others will not. Each one has their own recommendations and it’s important to realize that there is no one magic method. We coaches are presenting what we believe to be valuable guidance to help you on your way and it may be different from what other coaches preach. Find what works for you and keep at it.
More recommended coaches to come. Stay tuned! And if there’s something you’re struggling with or want to know more about Audiobookland, please let me know.
TANYA EBY is a freelance narrator and casting director. She also writes books. She likes foraging, and occasionally frolicking, but isn’t coordinated enough to do both at the same time.
This is wonderful and so helpful! Thank you Tanya.
I love learning about coaches and fellow narrators. Thanks for sharing this! Looking forward to the next in the series.