Best Practices for Auditioning for an Audiobook

May 19

Written By Emily

Auditioning for an audiobook is your chance to step into the narrator’s booth and bring a story to life—but it’s also a competitive gig that demands preparation, polish, and personality. Whether you’re a newbie voice actor or a seasoned pro eyeing your next project, nailing the audition is key to landing the role. Here’s a rundown of the best practices to help you shine, from prepping your read to delivering a standout performance.

Why Audiobook Auditions Matter

Audiobook narration isn’t just reading aloud—it’s acting, pacing, and connecting with listeners through voice alone. Publishers and authors (especially on platforms like ACX) sift through dozens of auditions, hunting for the perfect match. A killer audition shows you’ve got the skills, the vibe, and the stamina to carry a book. Let’s break down how to get there.

Best Practices for Success

1. Understand the Project Before You Record

Diving in blind is a rookie mistake. To ace your audition, know the book and its needs.

How: Read the audition script (usually 1-2 pages) and any notes from the author or producer. Check the genre—fantasy needs gravitas, romance calls for warmth. Research the book’s tone, characters, and target audience (e.g., a gritty thriller vs. a cozy mystery).
Why: A narrator who gets the story’s soul stands out. If the listing says “upbeat YA narrator,” don’t deliver a dour noir growl.
Tip: Skim reviews or summaries online if the full manuscript isn’t available—context is king.

2. Prep Your Voice and Space

Your voice is the star, but a noisy room or a cold read can dim its shine. Set up for success.

Voice Warm-Up: Spend 5-10 minutes humming, doing tongue twisters (“she sells seashells”), or reading nonsense words to loosen up. Hydrate with water—coffee dries you out.
Recording Setup: Use a quiet space (closet or blanketed corner) with a decent mic (e.g., Audio-Technica ATR2100x, $99). Add a pop filter and monitor with headphones to catch flaws live.
Why: A warm voice and clean audio signal professionalism—crackly or flat takes get skipped.

Test a few lines first—listen back for pops, hiss, or strain, and tweak as needed.

3. Nail the Performance

Auditions aren’t about perfection—they’re about showing you can embody the book. Bring energy and authenticity.

Pacing: Read at a natural, conversational speed—about 150-160 words per minute for most audiobooks. Slow down for drama, pick up for action, but avoid rushing.
Character Voices: If the script has dialogue, give each character a distinct tone (e.g., higher pitch for a kid, gravelly for a villain). Keep it subtle—cartoonish overkill flops.
Emotion: Feel the words. A sad scene needs a quiver; a funny line needs a smirk. Don’t just read—act.
Why: Producers want a narrator who hooks listeners, not a monotone robot.

Practice the script 3-5 times aloud, tweaking inflection until it flows.

4. Polish Your Technical Delivery

A great performance falls flat if the audio’s sloppy. Meet industry standards to impress.

File Specs: Record at 44.1 kHz, 16-bit (or higher), mono WAV—ACX and most platforms demand it. Peak levels should hit -3 dB to -6 dB, with a noise floor below -60 dB.
Clean It Up: Use free software like Audacity to trim silences, remove mouth clicks, and reduce background noise (Effect > Noise Reduction).
Length: Stick to the script’s limit—usually 2-5 minutes. Don’t ad-lib or ramble.
Why: Pros expect pro-quality files—muffled or over-loud submissions get trashed.

Label your file clearly: “YourName_BookTitle_Audition.wav”—details matter.

5. Submit with Confidence and Follow Up

Your audition’s ready—now make it land right and leave a good impression.

Submission: Upload per the instructions (e.g., ACX dashboard, email, or casting site). Include a short note: “Hi, I’m [Name]—loved the script’s [specific vibe/character] and had fun bringing it to life. Thanks for listening!”
Double-Check: Confirm the file plays, isn’t corrupted, and matches the brief (e.g., “female narrator, British accent”).
Follow Up: If you don’t hear back in 2-3 weeks, send a polite nudge—“Just checking on my audition for [title]. Happy to tweak if needed!”
Why: A smooth submission shows you’re reliable; a touch of personality seals the deal.

Bonus Tips to Stand Out

Mark Up the Script: Underline key words for emphasis, slash (/) for breaths, and note character shifts—prep beats improv.
Record Multiple Takes: Try two versions (e.g., upbeat vs. moody) if time allows—submit the best, but versatility impresses.
Know Your Niche: Play to your strengths—deep voices nail thrillers, bright tones lift kids’ books.

Final Thoughts

Auditioning for an audiobook is your shot to prove you’re more than a voice—you’re a storyteller. Understand the project, prep your setup, deliver with heart, polish the tech, and submit like a pro. It’s not about being the loudest in the room; it’s about being the one they can’t forget. So warm up those vocal cords, hit record, and let your audition open the door to your next narrated adventure!

Emily

A devoted composer turned writer, Emily is characterized by being clear and precis with a touch of wit. Whether tackling industry trends or offering practical tips, she strives to inform and entertain her readers while providing valuable insights.