If going the audiobook route is within your plans, then it makes sense to pick the best one you can find. After all, a good narrator can make a great book even better while a bad one can ruin a great book.
Audiobooks have become increasingly popular as folks realize they can listen to content while they do other tasks. For instance, it is becoming increasingly common for folks to use their daily commute to catch up on useful materials. Also, plenty of folks use their workout sessions to exercise both body and mind.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at five keys that will help you choose the best possible narrator you can find. In the end, these keys will help you avoid costly headaches.
Hold your Horses
It is always better to choose a narrator that speaks slower. Of course, this largely depends on your book’s topic. Nevertheless, a narrator who speaks slower makes your content more digestible to readers. Of course, you won’t want a slow as molasses narrator. But what you do want to avoid is the appearance that the narrator is rushing through the content.
Unless you are going for a specific effect, faster narrators may cause readers to miss details. This is especially important if you are delivering detailed information. So, make sure that your narrator takes their foot off the gas a little bit.
Sounding Natural
When it comes to novels, ensuring that characters sound as natural as possible is absolutely critical. The last thing you want is for characters to sound “fake.” By “fake” we mean cartoonish or unreal. Sure, there are talented narrators who can play with their voices. However, sounding as natural as possible will provide the most authentic experience possible.
Also, please ensure that your narrator’s voice sounds genuine. Faking enthusiasm will immediately turn listeners off. By the same token, a lack of emotion can also cause an adverse effect on the listener.
Check the Narrator’s Track Record
Whenever possible, check out a narrator’s past work. While you’re not judging their work, you are evaluating if they are a good fit for you. In this regard, it’s a great idea to check out what they’ve done before. They might sound good overall but might not be a good fit for your specific topic. Also, you can check out other narrators on similar topics. It could be that you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Get your Followers Involved
In some cases, you can ask a couple of narrators to send you a sample reading of your work. You can then ask your readers and followers to give you feedback on who they think sounds better. In doing so, you are incorporating positive feedback from your customers. In the end, your followers will appreciate you taking their opinion into consideration.
Go with your Gut
At the end of the day, going with your gut is a good tiebreaker. If you are unsure about who to choose, your gut will give you a nudge in the right direction. Often, you may find yourself unsure about someone even if they check off a lot of boxes. So, don’t neglect your instincts. Your gut could save you a heap of trouble down the road.
