Career-Building Contacts
Finding your way into the business can be confusing. Where should you start?
If you are not an experienced narrator, you can start with volunteer reading for the blind and handicapped. Check with your local library for programs in your area, or contact the main office:
http://www.loc.gov/nls
Look under "Frequently Asked Questions" for information on how to start as a volunteer reader.
Another good choice for volunteer narration is Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic at:
http://www.rfbd.org
Once you have experience, or if you are already experienced, you will need a demo. Edge Studios offers training and studio time. If you can get to their locations, this company can teach you all you need to know about narrating. If you can’t get to them, they do offer telemarketing seminars. Their web site is:
http://www.edgestudio.com
Another source for voice training is The Voice Factory in San Francisco. Check them out at:
http://www.thevoicefactory.com
You may also find voice coaches and consultants in our Audiobook Reference Guide—using the detailed search, click the "INDUSTRY SERVICES" tab, then search for "consultant" or "voice coach".
If you cannot get to either location, check your local community college for classes in voice-over, narration, or storytelling.
Also, you may want to join the National Audio Theatre Festivals(NATF). Their newsletter gives tips on audio performance, ways to network, and more. You can visit their web site at:
http://www.natf.org
One of their membership programs includes a discount to our professional level subscription of the magazine—AudioFile PLUS.
If you would like to find out more about the audiobook industry and about the industry's annual conference, you should visit the Audio Publishers Association web site:
http://audiopub.org
The APA is non-profit trade organization—it holds the annual Audio Publishers Association Conference a.k.a. APAC every year usually in late May. The conference has a narrators' track for new and experienced narrators. Read (PDF) about the experience of one attendee at APAC 2008.
AudioFile's Audiobook Reference Guide is a good resource to find audiobook publishers and other professionals. Search the online data base.
The Guide also includes listings for Talent. Consider an Expanded Listing to make you stand out from the rest. Want more details? Check out our FAQs for Talent Listings.
The best way to keep informed about the audiobook industry is with a subscription to AudioFile magazine.
Choose the best subscription offer for you.
