Audiobook Coaches

To wrap up this series, we're highlighting Ronnie Butler and Karen Commins

You’ve got this!

FROM TANYA:

I hope you’ve enjoyed this series on Audiobook Coaches highlighting established narrators who share their advice. Today, we wrap up the series with two phenomenal talents and people, Ronnie Butler and Karen Commins. Check out the rest of the series by scrolling through previous posts.

Have a suggestion for a coach you’ve worked with, or are you a coach and want to be highlighted in the future? Let me know. Have a question or topic about audiobooks, life, love, career, that you’d like to read about? I’m always happy to receive suggestions.

Ronnie Butler

1) Do you have a bit of advice for narrators that is inspiring or uplifting you could share?

Every narrator brings their own unique essence to a story, a blend of soul and individuality that no one else can replicate. Embrace your distinct voice and perspective, for there are listeners eager to hear the tales that only you can tell. Your journey as a narrator is not just about reading words but about sharing a piece of yourself with the world.

2) What kind of coaching do you offer? One on one, classes, workshops, conferences? Anything coming up? 

I offer one-on-one coaching, performance classes (with Narrator.Life), and beginner workshops (with the VO Dojo).  My next workshop is “You Should Do Audiobooks”  geared for VO performers looking to dive into narration (week of August 12, 2024 — details are available on my website and social media links).

3) How many books have you narrated OR how long have you been in the business?

I’ve been narrating for about 10 years and have over 450 titles.  I have over 150 film, TV, and theater credits, and have taught acting at The Atlantic Theater Company  (NYU), AMDA, AIPA, and Pace University.  

4) What do you like to focus on with your students?

Narration is storytelling, and my goal is to help you discover, develop, and market your unique, inner storyteller.    But success isn’t just about skills - it’s also about mindset, because oftentimes the obstacles to our success are self-imposed.  I have a comprehensive approach:  a combination of performance training, business strategy, and life-coaching, that’s geared to performers looking to break into the audiobook narration business or level-up their narration career.

5) Contact info or website?

Email:  rb@ronniebutler.com

Website: www.ronniebutler.com

IG FB, Threads, TikTok: @ronniebutlerjr

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KAREN COMMINS

FROM TANYA: While not a traditional coach, I wanted to highlight Karen because of the amazing information she’s cultivated and insight she shares on the industry. A great place to stop for narrators to find all the info and resources they’re looking for.

1. Do you have a bit of advice for narrators that is inspiring or uplifting you could share?

   Our words have creative power. It's very important to cast our words out in the direction we want our lives to go. 

You may have heard the phrase change your thinking, change your life. 

However we fill in the sentence "I am [...]' becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead of writing or saying "I am disappointed I didn't get that job", try instead to think/write/say the things that you WANT for your life: 

• "I'm receiving more and better opportunities all the time."

• "I'm radiating confidence!"

• "I'm getting better every day in every way!"  (one of my favorite affirmations!)

It takes vigilance and repetition of affirmations, but over time, we begin feeling differently about ourselves. Our thinking has changed, and our life changes follow right along with changes in our thinking.

Related articles (because of course I have to give you links!):

• Think/Write/Speak what you WANT into BEING!

• Power of "I Am" in Maintaining a Positive Attitude

• Stop Complaining About Noise

2. What kind of coaching do you offer? One on one, classes, workshops, conferences? Anything coming up? 

I strive to provide the greatest breadth and depth of information for narrators of all levels that is available anywhere. The cost is $35 for 6 months or $70 per year and includes these exclusive member benefits:

• Event calendar of 8 types of events, from narrator training to author signings to book festivals and more

• Video courses for members, each with their own set of resources:

  • Create Your Own Path (3 modules: public domain, prospecting with authors, publishing)

  • iAnnotate 12 modules

  • Evernote 10 modules

  • Antidotes for Comparison-itis and Bad Review Fever

• Member webinars, again with resources

  • Public Domain Audiobooks and Self-Publishing Audiobooks (new, with more webinar topics planned) 

• Casting Directory with 50+ (and counting!) profiles of publishers and production companies, including their social media accounts, genres, personnel, and resource links to interviews, etc.

I send a newsletter every other Monday to keep members updated.

Anyone can avail themselves of my vetted Coaches Directory and links to other audiobook professionals in Audiobook Village, as well as the Videos page, plus the KnowledgeBase and Welcome Center, with even MORE resource links!

3. How many books have you narrated OR how long have you been in the business?

I've been a professional audiobook narrator since 2002. I launched NarratorsRoadmap.com in 2019 and add to it every week!

4. Contact info:

   In addition to NarratorsRoadmap.com, I have lots more info for narrators on my narrator blog.

TANYA EBY will be back soon with new content! She hopes you are enjoying your summer and finding that balance between life and work. She encourages you to take a break, go outside, and do something just for yourself.