If you have a knack for reading aloud and a voice that people enjoy listening to, there is a good chance that you can make money from reading books aloud. With busy lifestyles and the convenience of listening on the go, audiobooks have become quite popular in recent years. In what follows, we will tell you about how you can turn this skill into a source of income.
The Market and the Platforms
The audiobook industry has been experiencing exponential growth which is driven by the increasing consumer demand for convenience and accessibility. According to the Audio Publishers Association, audiobook sales have been consistently rising, and nowadays millions of individuals worldwide enjoy listening to audiobooks.
This growth has led to the emergence of a number of platforms where you can earn money by narrating books. We will take a look at 5 of the best platforms below.
ACX
One of the most prominent platforms is the Audiobook Creative Exchange (ACX), which is a widely used online platform connecting authors and publishers with narrators. Narrated books on ACX can be distributed through major retailers like iTunes and Audible.
ACX provides comprehensive guidance for getting started on their help pages. After setting up an account, the most important step is uploading several high-quality audio samples.
When you are considered for a project, clients typically listen to about 15 minutes of your narration samples to determine if your voice and style are suitable for their book. If selected, you will earn money
Compensation on ACX typically involves an hourly rate, which you can negotiate with the client. Moreover, you can often earn a share of the royalties from each sale of the audiobook you narrate.
Voices
Another platform to consider is Voices that provides audiobook narrators with the chance to collaborate with well-known brands like Shopify and The History Channel.
The process begins with recording several high-quality demos and audio samples. These are then uploaded to a created Voices profile where narrators can also browse available jobs, which may include audiobooks, podcasts, and commercials.
Pay rates vary depending on the project, but narrators are expected to earn between $200 and $300 per finished hour of audio narration.
Bodalgo
If you are fluent in multiple languages, Bodalgo presents an interesting option. With over 10,000 voice actors speaking more than 80 languages, Bodalgo offers numerous opportunities for audiobook narrators seeking international projects.
Besides audiobook work, Bodalgo also features jobs for podcasts, international commercials, and e-learning content. Narrators create a profile, upload demos, and audition for suitable projects.
Voice Jungle
Voice Jungle specializes in audiobook production for the e-learning industry and podcast narration. Before applying, you need to make sure that you meet Voice Jungle’s requirements.
To be eligible for paid work on Voice Jungle, two key requirements must be met. First, professional-grade recording equipment is essential for producing high-quality audiobooks. Second, a quick turnaround time is expected as projects are required to be completed within 24 hours of assignment.
A demo submission may also be required to verify that the narrator’s audio quality meets Voice Jungle’s standards. Once the demo is approved, Voice Jungle will directly contact you with job assignments.
Unlike some other platforms, Voice Jungle’s payment model is solely based on completed jobs. There are no royalty-sharing options. The assigned books cover a wide range of topics, giving you the chance to find projects that are financially rewarding and personally interesting.
Bunny Studio
The final platform that we want to mention is Bunny Studio. This platform connects companies with freelance professionals who specialize in audio advertisements, voice-overs, video services, and translations.
If you have high-quality audio equipment and the ability to meet quick turnaround time, Bunny Studio can be a great option. As part of the process, you should create an account and set your rates based on experience. You may also undergo a skill assessment before receiving job offers.
The best thing about Bunny Studio is its payment system, which compensates narrators for each submitted audio file that passes a quality check, regardless of whether the client ultimately uses that specific file.
Skills and Equipment
Although the concept of reading books aloud for pay sounds simple, there are certain technical and talent requirements that you must have if you want to earn a satisfactory income.
Technically speaking, along with a computer, a microphone is essential for recording. Investing in a high-quality microphone is worthwhile for long-term success in this field.
What’s more, headphones are recommended to ensure the audio sounds good to the typical listener and to allow for easy identification and correction of recording issues.
Talent-wise, specific voice acting skills are necessary. Just as we often create different voices and accents for characters when reading dialogue silently, the same ability is important for audiobook narration.
More importantly, it is crucial that the reading pace and voice are clear and crisp for the listener. If these technical and talent aspects are in place, then we encourage you to explore the platforms mentioned above and begin pursuing reading-book-aloud opportunities.
Getting Started
Diving into the world of audiobook narration begins with creating your personal home studio. It does not have to be extravagant. Even a quiet closet can transform into a soundproof booth with some foam panels or heavy blankets to dampen outside noise.
The next step is to equip yourself with essential gear. The tools you need include a quality microphone to capture the richness of your voice, headphones to monitor your recordings, and user-friendly software to edit your work. This setup allows you to produce professional-quality audio right from the comfort of your home.
With your studio ready, it is time to seek out opportunities to showcase your talent. There are platforms (such as the ones we mentioned above) that connect narrators with authors and publishers looking for voices to bring their stories to life. Building a compelling profile and uploading samples of your narration will attract potential clients.
What’s more, do not underestimate the power of networking. This means that you’d better join online communities, attend virtual workshops, and engage with industry professionals on social media.
Every connection could lead to your next project, turning your passion for reading aloud into a rewarding source of income.
Essential Tips For Success
In order to improve your chances of success in audiobook narration, we are going to provide you with some useful pointers:
- Invest in Quality Equipment: First and foremost, excellent audio is paramount, so invest in professional-grade recording equipment, especially a high-quality microphone.
- Focus on One Platform: While exploring multiple platforms initially is advantageous for finding your first paid work, specializing in one platform in the long term is recommended. This allows you to build a strong reputation and demonstrate a consistent track record.
- Specialize in a Niche: Focusing on a specific genre, such as children’s books or science fiction, will make it easier to find paid audiobook narration work. In other words, developing expertise within a niche and establishing yourself as a reliable narrator in that area are more likely to lead to higher pay.
- Target Your Job Search: Explore voice-acting job boards, audiobook production houses, and major publishers for opportunities. Before tailoring your portfolio for a specific employer, carefully review their requirements since each platform or company has unique needs.
Freeward – An Easy Way to Earn Extra Money
If you are looking for an easier and more exciting method to earn some extra cash, you can check out Freeward. Whether you like sharing your opinions through surveys, playing games, or just watching videos, Freeward has something for you. You earn points for your activities, and these points can be redeemed for real money, gift cards, or even cryptocurrency.
Final Words
To sum up, you can get paid for reading books aloud, and if you excel as a narrator, you can even turn it into a full-time career. While initial earnings may be modest, building a strong portfolio and gaining experience will allow you to gradually increase your rates.
By embracing the expanding audiobook industry and continuously improving your narration skills, you can transform your passion for reading into a profitable and fulfilling career.