When people ask me about starting a career in voice-over, I usually recommend that they first read a book about the voice-over industry. A book is a small investment of time, money and energy to see whether a voice-over career is the right choice for you. I have quite a few books and audio programs. You can never learn too much, and every author has different experiences and viewpoints to relate.
Since I haven’t found time to re-create the static page on the new site with my recommended reading list, I’ve created an Amazon list that features my favorite voice-over books. I even included a few items towards the bottom of the list that I don’t own but will probably add to my library.
Do you find this list and format helpful? I’d love to have your feedback before I make any changes to my site to add a permanent link or create more lists for marketing books, etc.
Got a question for Karen to answer on the blog? Send her an email or enter a comment below. She prefers to answer publicly so that more than one person benefits from the answer. Due to the volume of requests that she receives, Karen may not respond personally to your message. Also, the info you seek may already be in her blog archives.
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Thank you for your book list. I am a minister and have been living by my voice for over twenty years. Now I’m looking for way to do more than just preach. Seems like great part-time work and perhaps a great second career.
Thanks,
Bill
Karen So far the info in your blog has been very helpful and practical (thank you thank you thank you). I’ve been one of the people that have said to others before “People tell me I should do something with my voice…” blah blah blah! Thank you for your concrete tangible tips. If there were one piece of advice I could ask it’s of the many books your suggested which one would you absolutely not want to do without especially starting out? Thanks again.
Everett
Greetings, Everett! I’m so glad to know that you’ve found the info on my blog to be helpful, and I apologize for the delay in my reply.
If I were just starting out in this career, I would get 2 books, 1 on voice-over and 1 on marketing. James Alburger’s book The Art of Voice Acting is a good introductory book on voiceover which has been updated recently. I also highly recommend C. J. Hayden’s fantastic marketing book Get Clients Now!
These 2 books will give you a great overview of the tasks needed to start in voiceover and create your marketing plan. Best wishes on achieving the life of your dreams!
Karen
Hello Karen,
Thank you for all of your effort and information. Please know that some of us truly appreciate your hard work and sharing. Your blog has been completely instrumental in my decision to pursue a career in voice overs. Unlike other blogs and websites, you “give” and to you I humbly bow…your information is straight forward and easy to follow and apply. Your reference materials and webistes offered me exactly what I needed in the way of direction on how and where to start. I will continue to follow you on Twitter, FACEBOOK, your blog and website for continued direction and inspiration.
Warmly,
Jetaun Lynee
Greetings, Jetaun! Your note made my day! I’m so pleased that you found my info to be helpful as you start on your way. Even though I can give you a map and show you some landmarks on the way, it’s still up to you to decide the path to take as no 2 people ever seem to go the same route! 🙂 As long as you are putting one foot in front of the other and moving in a forward direction, you can be assured that you are on a good path to achieving your dreams.
Best wishes for your health, happiness, and prosperity in 2011 and beyond!
Karen
Hi Karen, 11 years later, would you still recommend those same 2 books? ” 2 books, 1 on voice-over and 1 on marketing. James Alburger’s book The Art of Voice Acting is a good introductory book on voiceover which has been updated recently. I also highly recommend C. J. Hayden’s fantastic marketing book Get Clients Now!”
Hi, Grace! Time may have marched on, but those 2 books are still solid choices! Their authors have updated the books since I wrote the post.
In 2013, I stopped doing voiceover outside of audiobook narration. I haven’t kept up with books about general voiceover topics. I feel comfortable also recommending:
Making Money in Your PJs: Freelancing for Voice-Overs and Other Solopreneurs by Paul Strikwerda
V-Oh!: Tips, Tricks, Tools and Techniques to Start and Sustain Your Voiceover Career by Marc Cashman
For other VO books, you can research authors at their sites and also look at the publication date and sample to see how current the material is.
I hope this info helps. Best wishes for your success!
Karen