There are many ways for people to make money writing stories, such as novel authorship, blogging, and news reporting.
You can also earn money telling stories without writing a single word, through audiobook narration, where you only read aloud from a script.
Audiobook narrator jobs might be suitable for you if writing isn’t your forte or if you’re just interested in experimenting with a different niche.
As an audiobook narrator, you’d benefit people who:
- Struggle with literacy
- Are blind
- Prefer to listen to a story while relaxing or working on a task
And let’s not forget how you’d benefit, too.
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As I mentioned in our post on how to make money on Audible, not only would you be able to work from a remote area or professional studio, but you would also get paid for narrating a genre you enjoy.
Pay rates for audiobook narrators vary depending on factors such as years of experience and location. Each book you narrate is typically paid on a PFH (per finished hour) basis.
To elaborate, you can expect a $10 to $100 PFH rate as a newbie and about $100 to $350 PFH as you gain more experience.
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Requirements for Becoming an Audiobook Narrator
You need a clear speaking voice, audio software, a quiet studio, a good microphone, an up-to-date computer, and the initiative to seek out narration work.
I’ll make your journey a bit easier by providing a list of companies that hire people to narrate audiobooks.
Legit Audiobook Narrator Jobs from Home
Check out the following companies to find your first or next narration gig.
1. Upwork
Upwork is a bastion for freelance jobs, which includes audiobook narration, writing, data entry, and much more! It’s a great place to find entry level audiobook narrator jobs.
Sign up for a Basic (free) plan or a Plus plan for $14.99 a month.
Once you become a member, type “audiobook narration” into the Search box (make sure you have the “Jobs” setting on beforehand), and bid on a job that suits you.
2. Voices
Voices prides itself on being the #1 marketplace for voiceover jobs because:
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- There are more than 5,000 jobs posted each month.
- It offers various ways to earn money via its free and paid memberships.
- You can utilize its resources to help you grow your narration career.
Click “Find Work” on the Voices homepage, create your account, and begin expanding your voiceover business.
3. ACX
Have you always wanted to publish an audiobook or narrate for a published author?
Consider ACX!
ACX (Audiobook Creative Exchange) links authors and narrators with other rights holders/producers in the audiobook creation process.
These audiobooks are sold through iTunes, Audible, and Amazon.
There are two ways to make money as a narrator: either create a profile and audition to narrate someone else’s work or narrate your own book.
4. Voquent
If you’d like to try your hand at niches like documentaries and audiobooks, join Voquent.
Just post your best demos in your profile to make it simple for clients to find and hire you.
It costs nothing to sign up for a Voquent account, and its website even includes a buying guide for the best home studio equipment.
5. PeoplePerHour
Like Upwork, PeoplePerHour is a popular freelance site where you submit your job proposals and, if hired, receive payment by the hour or per project.
Create a PeoplePerHour account with your email or Facebook login, then build your profile to get started.
6. Fiverr
As its name implies, Fiverr allows sellers to price their services at a minimum of $5.
Five dollars is a good starting price, particularly if you’re new to audiobook narration. However, you can price your services at a higher level if you qualify for Fiverr Pro eligibility (up to $50,000 for custom offers).
Best of all, you keep 80 percent of each transaction.
7. Voice123
Voice123 has been in business since 2003.
To sign up for an account, enter your native language, gender/age, recording capabilities, delivery, and any additional services you offer.
In addition to gig opportunities, Voice123 provides a handy voiceover guide that teaches you the ins and outs of the industry.
8. AudioFile
AudioFile, aka AudioFile Magazine, provides objective reviews of audiobooks from many genres, as well as narrator and author interviews.
Its website offers a form where experienced audiobook narrators can submit their listings for $160, so that producers and authors can locate them. (Listing renewal fees are $125.)
9. BunnyStudio
BunnyStudio is a freelancing company trusted by over 50,000 clients.
Some of its most popular opportunities include dubbing, translation, video, audio ads, and, of course, audiobook narration.
For the time being, BunnyStudio isn’t looking for new freelancers, so check back often for any openings.
10. Brilliance Publishing
Brilliance Publishing is an Amazon-owned company that provides authors with a platform to share their stories via audiobooks.
Professional audiobook narrator?
Send an email to auditions@brilliancepublishing.com for information.
11. Freelancer
Like PeoplePerHour and Upwork, Freelancer is a well-known job bidding site where you can get paid per project or by the hour.
Sign up for Freelancer with your Facebook account or email address, click “Browse Jobs,” type “audiobook narration,” and filter your search according to your preferences.
12. FlexJobs
Since 2007, FlexJobs has been the go-to site for hybrid, flexible, and remote jobs.
What’s great about this website is that it protects you from intrusive ads and sneaky scams.
However, FlexJobs isn’t free; it costs about $25 per month or approximately $60 a year.
It could be worth it, though, if it means snagging a great audiobook narration gig.
13. Voice Crafters
To join Voice Crafters, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Possess 5+ years of professional experience
- Deliver a short recording within a couple of days
- Have a professional recording studio
- Work directly with the company, not through an agent
Voice Crafters isn’t hiring anyone from the United States and the United Kingdom at this time.
But if you live elsewhere, feel free to apply.
14. Bodalgo
Bodalgo is a German-based voice talent company that offers multiple audiobook voiceover opportunities as well as jobs for corporate narration, commercials, e-learning, and more.
Note that it only accepts profiles from individuals with professional experience.
15. Hotghostwriter
In addition to ghostwriting services, Hotghostwriter provides audiobook services, which could open up a job opportunity for you.
Work from your home studio and make $70 per 10,000 words for nonfiction works and $90 per 10,000 words for fiction works.
If you possess professional experience and want to apply, expect to wait two weeks for a response.
16. VOPlanet
VOPlanet requires voice talent to have at least one year of professional experience, as well as professional studio and audio samples.
Additionally, the site charges a non-refundable $199 per year membership fee.
17. VoiceJungle
Consider signing up for VoiceJungle!
You don’t have to pay a listing fee, plus VoiceJungle only contacts you when there’s a paying job available.
Just fill out the sign-up form, upload a commercial demo, and wait for more info.
18. Mandy
Mandy boasts of being the largest voiceover platform in the world, so finding and landing an audiobook gig might be a cinch for you.
It costs nothing to create an account.
Some Mandy jobs require you to be at a specific location, while others are remote.
19. The Voice Realm
To join The Voice Realm, you need at least one to three years of experience in the audiobook or other voiceover industry.
Fill out the form on the site and submit your demo.
The Voice Realm also includes a guide on how to ameliorate your voiceover career.
20. Future House Publishing
Future House Publishing offers book titles in genres like young adult, fantasy, and sci-fi.
It provides job opportunities for audiobook narrators to showcase their talents.
Submit your application and send any questions or comments to books@futurehousepublishing.com.
21. Findaway Voices
Register for a free account through Findaway Voices.
It’s similar to ACX in that you can be an author/narrator or just focus on narrating books on an author’s behalf.
22. Craigslist
You can find numerous audiobook gigs and other related jobs on Craigslist.
Though the site’s a hotbed for gigs, it’s also a hotbed for scams.
A few years ago, I dabbled in the voiceover industry by applying for a script reading job and auditioning for it.
The prospective client said he liked it, but then he suddenly disappeared.
So, be careful when responding to Craigslist posts.
23. Indeed
Indeed is a good place to find local or remote audiobook narration jobs.
Nonetheless, it’s not immune to scam artists, so take care when applying on this site, too.
24. LinkedIn
With LinkedIn, you can find voiceover gigs or network with members who can connect you with audiobook opportunities.
Moreover, this site provides helpful services like resume writing and interview coaching.
25. Covoco
Covoco lets you start and grow your audiobook freelancing business easily.
Sign up for a free account, go through the verification process, and audition for projects.
Furthermore, you get paid via PayPal once per month.
Closing Summary
Narrating audiobooks allows you to bring story characters — and stories — to life.
Whether you’re thinking about embarking on a new career or returning after a long hiatus, you now have the resources to apply for several audiobook narrator jobs.
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