Getting an audiobook produced for your book opens up a whole new group of readers. In fact, about 26 percent of readers only listen to audiobooks, according a study done by the Library Journal.
Which means, if you don't have an audiobook, you're losing readers. But how do you get an audiobook produced, and how do you choose the best audiobook narrator for your book?
In this guide we're going to share our favorite audiobook narrators, the people we trust to narrate our books, and the narrators writers in our community have actually used to narrate their books.
What Makes a Good Audiobook Narrator?
There's been an audiobook boom in recent years, and for good reason. Some audiobook lovers appreciate the format's accessibility and the freedom to enjoy their book wherever they are. Some simply prefer listening to their books rather than sitting down to read it.
And a lot of that appeal comes down to excellent audiobook narrators.
Great audiobook narrators don't just read out words on the page. Most narrators are professional voice actors, trained not only to read clearly but to make books come alive through their emotional delivery, characterization, and pacing. A good narrator will fully immerse you in the story and make you forget you’re even listening to an audiobook.
There are countless standout audiobook narrators, such as Bahni Turpin and Scott Brick (both of whom have won Audie Awards for their fantastic audiobook performances).
Like these narrators, you want your audiobook's narration and voice acting to be expressive and engaging. The audio production should also be of a high quality, with no background noise or static.
To help you choose the right person for your book, we've compiled our favorite narrators—people we trust who have brought our community's books to life. Check them out in the table below:
Best Audiobook Narrators
| Narrator Name | Narrator Contact | Portfolio Website | Preferred Genres | Rates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaura Howery | schooldeskink@gmail.com | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvZQ7S2H7A_0XNxmAFeQ9AQ | Book narration, voice over work | $50-100 PFH | Alaura narrated Sarah Gribble's Surviving Death. Does voices. Very quick turnaround. |
| Christa Kelly | https://www.acx.com/narrator?p=A2CWPGQXFW2EWF | Nonfiction, YA | $50-100 PFH | ||
| Andi Eloise | andibruinsma@gmail.com | acx.com/narrator?p=A2ZTHV55PZY77I | Romance, Romantasy | $75+ PFH |
We'll continue to update this list as we learn of more trustworthy and excellent narrators!
Choosing the Best Audiobook Narrator for Your Book
Like any medium, there are great audiobook voice actors . . . and some not-so-great ones. We hope this list of our favorite narrators will make it easier for you to choose the right person to make your audiobook unforgettable.
Who's your favorite audiobook narrator (or a favorite book that's been turned into an audiobook?) Let us know in the comments!
PRACTICE
Set the timer for 15 minutes and write a scene with two characters having a conversation (or use one from your work in progress).
How do they speak in the dialogue? What can you show about their personalities by their word choices and phrasing? And what kind of voices do you imagine them having? Do they speak fast or slow, loud or soft? Are they sarcastic or earnest?
When you're done, post your practice in the Pro Practice Workshop. Be sure to leave feedback for your fellow writers!
Not a member yet? Join us here.
Happy writing (and listening!)
Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris, a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).
Want best-seller coaching? Book Joe here.
Johnathan Keeble is a brilliant narrator. He does the Philip Kerr novels, and anything he narrates, I enjoy.
Richard Armitage does a lot of the Joy Ellis crime novels, and of course, he has two of his novels as well now.