Inside the Audiobook Industry

JavaScript isn't enabled in your browser, so this file can't be opened. Enable and reload.

Just how well equipped are you to work professionally with major publishers?
Answer honestly! It's anonymous!

True or False? Including your middle name in your professional title increases your workflow by 66.66%. *

10 points

Yes, of course.

No, of course not.

Maybe. I don't think it's been proven, but there is likely enough existing data to test the theory.

You lost your voice on Monday and your file delivery deadline is on Friday. You're halfway through recording. You should: *

10 points

Go on complete vocal rest and believe that you will be able to meet your deadline. If you tell your publisher that you need more time, they might not hire you again.

Email your producer immediately and explain the situation. Just go for total honesty and see if that works.

Email your producer and tell them you got CoVID. That's not your fault, that's just how it is right now. The producer will believe you and give you a few more days.

Plow through and record anyway. It's likely that no one will notice the difference in your sound but you, and it's important to make that deadline.

You've been offered a book, but the turnaround is quick. You don't have any time between now and the due date to record it, but you're interested and you kind of want it. You should: *

10 points

F*ck it. Take it and drive yourself and your family crazy cramming it in this month.

Decline with thanks, on the basis of the due date.

I've heard narrators mention that they listen to audiobooks. I think...

10 points

"That's nice, but not necessary." (And who has that kind of time?)

"Fine, good for them!" (As long as they're listening to me.)

"Yeah, and so do I and so should you because it makes you a better narrator."

Clear selection

You were browsing Audible, reading your reviews, and you came across a preorder that hasn't been cast yet, and you are really hot to narrate it. You know someone at that pub; is it acceptable to email the publisher and ask for a shot at it?

10 points

Yes, just don't be an a-hole.

No, let them do their job.

Clear selection

You emailed all your contacts with publishers to celebrate the release of your 100th audiobook. Many of them congratulated you. Now, you should:

10 points

Chill. Sit back and wait for the auditions and offers to roll in while you continue working, seeking work, and auditioning elsewhere. Get back to them with another update in six months.

Reply to all the "Congratulations" with "Thank you, hope to work together soon! Please book early; my schedule's packed!"

Send the same celebration message again to all the people who didn't reply.

Email them all again once a month moving forward and/or any time you get a good Audiofile review.

Clear selection

You log into AHAB and see an audition you really like. After prepping the audition script, you see that the first person narration is that of a first generation Vietnamese American, but you are not Vietnamese. But..Cool! You've got a great Vietnamese accent! You:

10 points

Pass and move on to the next. You're not the right fit after all.

Record and submit your audition and check your email constantly for updates.

Clear selection

You've recorded a series for an author and you thought the plot and the writing were absolutely terrible. You suffered through it for the paycheck, and you'd do the same again. You log into Facebook and hit up a private narrator's group to vent about it because you know your colleagues can relate! Is this ok or is it bad form? *

10 points

Sure, it's ok. It's a private group. Those narrators have been in my shoes too. No harm, no foul.

Mmmm..bad form. Even if the group is private, it's never cool to talk smack. Karma's a b-word.

You were cast to co-narrate a book with a narrator of the opposite gender as you. When you, the other narrator, and the producer were emailing before recording began, you thought your co-narrator was noticeably falling short of professionalism (and getting away with it!). Hey, that's not how you would do it, but to each their own, right? You decide to ask around to your narrator friends if anyone else has had a bad experience with this narrator. Is this ok or is it bad form? *

10 points

Whether ok or not, it happens.

It's ok. It helps another narrator to know who is tough to co-narrate with. It's not my bad karma; the other narrator is the one with bad karma. I'm just talking about my experience.

It's bad form. It's not nice to talk badly about someone even if they deserve it.

You're recording in-studio today and you don't want to be late, so you arrive 15 minutes early. During recording, your director suggests something that you don't agree with. You: *

10 points

Listen and try it their way even if you think you're right.

Hesitate skeptically and proceed to explain the correct way.

Submit

Clear form

This content is neither created nor endorsed by Google. Report Abuse - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy

Forms