Audiobooks discussion
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Guest Narrator Melanie Fraser 1-11-16
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Julie wrote: "Good morning Melanie Day 3 ! The time has sure gone by quickly .
Can you tell me what the best , and worst part of your job is ?
Hello Julie
For me, the best part is narration and mastering the files to finished product. The worst part, because it takes a long time, is editing. Some narrators working solo engage editors to do it for them and at some stage I may do the same. Working via a publisher or production house reduces that as they have their own editors, proofers and sound engineering systems.
Julie wrote: In your own words, can you describe what you think audiobooks can bring to a person that a print book can't ?
They both have their values - in audio books the narrator can add nuances of expression, sounds and accents. The delivery and pace of the narration can draw a listener's attention perhaps more quickly than if reading it, especially if the listener is tired or their concentration is not at its best - say at the end of a day after work. Whilst travelling, on a train, for instance, if the carriage is filled with noise making it difficult to concentrate on reading, headphones cutting out that problem make it possible to enjoy the story. These are some of the advantages of listening versus reading.
Julie wrote: Would you like to take this opportunity to tell us about any recent or upcoming projects to look for ?Thank you Julie.
Upcoming projects - The ones I can mention at the moment are:
the steam punk Tavara Tinker series books 2 and 3 written by Bob Nelson and Sharon Skinner which are being made into audio books. Once production has been completed and before they are released, I will announce details on my website, LinkedIn and on Spotlight.
Meanwhile Le Tour de Paris: The Chronicles of Tavara Tinker Book 1 is available on:
http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fant...
and for listeners in the UK on: http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Sci-Fi-Fa....
Most Recent Project - (historical adventure) is Desiree 1519 written by Archie Vincent which was released a few days ago and is available on:
http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Des...
and for the UK on: http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Fiction/D...
The authors of both of the released productions above have sent me a few free codes to offer to those participating in this event.
In addition and as mentioned by Julie, I am pleased to offer one code as a gift to anyone wishing to choose one of my audio books (listed on page one of this thread) and who is participating in this event via melanie@melaniefraser-voice.com.
Leena wrote: "Thank you for the message - I answered you in a bit of a hurry (you know how it is: you have to scoot through the door and decide to have "just a little peek" at your messages...)Thank you Leena. I have sent you a reply directly and look forward to being on touch later on.
Jeanie wrote: "Melanie,I'm leaving this for you to answer tomorrow... you'll be up way earlier than I will!
Could you describe the ACX process for matching authors to narrators? Are samples of the manuscripts ..."
Good morning Jeanie
Authors post an audition under the Search button under Titles Accepting Auditions of ACX with a description of the story, the qualities they are seeking and other additional information and a link to the book on Amazon.
Narrators need to create a profile on ACX first. Details include demos of their work, credits and experience, a photograph and choice of payment (Royalty Share or PFH - pay per finished hour of audio). Authors can independently search for narrators under, Search/Producers for Hire, they'd like to consider or to offer a title without the need to audition. This can be made easier if one wants to search by language, voice type, native accent, genre and many more choices.
Narrators also use the Search button when looking for their preferred genres, length of titles and fee preference (Royalty Share or PFH rates). After choosing a title for which to audition, the narrators download the sample (usually a short extract of the book) to record and upload the audio file for the author to choose from those sent. The Author or Rights Holder then makes an offer to the narrator they'd like to engage. Once accepted, the manuscript is downloaded by the narrator to commence production.
Then a 15 Minute Sample of the production is uploaded and once accepted by the author (sometimes there are changes at this stage), the narrator completes the production and uploads the files ready for the Author's approval. The audio files' formats have to be within ACX's sound and size criteria - all of which are listed on their website. Once they have approved the latter, the production is sent to the Retail department to be prepared for release.
Julie wrote: "There are usually big discussions in the group about book reviews..."
Julie, here is my answer/opinion to the question you posted yesterday and a very controversial one.
I wouldn’t presume to recommend how reviewers should word their critiques but there are certainly helpful reviews and unhelpful ones! Personally, I am not influenced by reviews and ratings – I’ll read them with interest but mostly don’t agree with either positive or negative ones and make up my own mind.
The one thing that disturbs me and others – authors, narrators or anyone else in business for that matter – is personal attacks or phrases like, “don’t buy this it’s rubbish” which I’ve seen a few times when researching information on all sorts of products. Another thing is giving a review or rating if, in terms of books and audio books, only a tiny fraction has been read/listened to. In the latter case – and I have experienced it as a consumer – I wouldn’t give either a review or a star rating as one doesn’t know whether things might improve later on with the product to the point of becoming fantastic. That’s how I handle the situation but I know others don’t agree! It’s very important not to destroy the confidence of a person’s “product” (I’ll use this word to make things easier), whatever it may be or to assume that all consumers have the same tastes. I've also seen long-winded teacher-like reviews which are very off-putting. A succinct review with careful wording is so much easier for the majority of consumers (especially time-wise) to digest when they are choosing products.
As most authors and narrators are approachable, it’s much more constructive to contact them directly via their websites if one has serious issues with their work. We’ve all had a few negative comments or low ratings – even the top narrators and authors experience it and many want to know how to change/improve those elements if possible. If there are lots of people saying the same negative things then one should pay closer attention to correct those issues.
From a consumer’s point of view, when the majority of ratings are high and there are much fewer low ones, the latter just may not be to the reviewers’ tastes but wording it likewise is much more helpful.
A balanced and constructive view about the narrator - their style/flow and especially whether the story has been conveyed effectively – this is the most important and helpful element. Additional comments are useful about whether the voice, phrasing, pace, pronunciation of specific words were also effective or not and a little about the characters. I’ve read very, very long reviews where practically the whole focus is on one or more characters or one single element without anything said about the delivery of the actual story! Whilst characters are of course important, the signature voice and delivery of the narration takes precedence on behalf of the author. Finally, but just as important, is mention of the production/sound quality if it is defective and how it could be improved to ensure a high standard to enhance the listener’s enjoyment.
These are my thoughts, Julie, one person’s opinion – just as each review is likewise.
Hi Melanie,It's been very interesting reading the Q&A's here. I haven't come up with any insightful questions but I would like to say that it's great to see that our modus operandi is very similar, including our dread of editing. I wish you the very best in the future.
Regards,
Tadhg.
Hi Melanie,Do you have a favorite narrator and is there a book you would love to narrate?
I love your narrations, especially the romance. You have a wonderfully smooth quality.
Patty
Tadhg wrote: "Hi Melanie,It's been very interesting reading the Q&A's here. I haven't come up with any insightful questions but I would like to say that it's great to see that our modus operandi is very similar..."
Hello Tadhg. Thank you so much for tuning in and reading the Qs and As - very interesting and stimulating questions. I'm so pleased we are on the same page.
Wishing you continued success.
Melanie
Patty wrote: "Hi Melanie,Do you have a favorite narrator and is there a book you would love to narrate?
I love your narrations, especially the romance. You have a wonderfully smooth quality.
Patty"
Hello Patty
Welcome and thank you so much for joining the conversation.
I don't have just one favourite narrator but several. Here are some of them (not in order of preference or style):
Emilia Fox, Helen Lloyd, Jane Copeland, Anne Flosnik, Serena Gay, Derek Perkins, RD Watson, Morgan Freeman, Simon Vance, Roy Dottrice, Dennis Kleinman, Simon Prebble and several more.
Your support of my work has been such a boost. Even though some my narration is not in the pure romance genre you mention, you have taken the trouble to kindly review those of mixed genres such as Crossing the Vaal and also the steam punk one! Thank you.
Melanie
Melanie wrote: "Patty wrote: "Hi Melanie,Do you have a favorite narrator and is there a book you would love to narrate?
I love your narrations, especially the romance. You have a wonderfully smooth quality.
P..."
Patty, regarding a book I'd love to narrate here are two of the ones that spring to mind:
The Runaway Family by Diney Costeleo and
Rachel's Shoe by Peter Lihou
Melanie wrote: "Julie wrote: "There are usually big discussions in the group about book reviews..."
Julie, here is my answer/opinion to the question you posted yesterday and a very controversial one.
I wouldn’..."
Well said, Melanie. We all all passionate about reading and listening; we become invested in the story and characters, not just emotionally, but with our valuable time. It is understandable that reviewers react emotionally in their responses, but it is never as constructive as a specific description of where the story, narrator, or production value has gone awry.
Helo Melanie, I'm wondering what kinds of promotional activities narrators use to promote their work. You mentioned setting up your own website and have, happily for us, participated in this Q&A... what other things do you do? What have you found to be the most effective? Are any of the things tried particularly ineffective? Is there an activity, such as public readings, that you definitely do or do not want to do?
And, more importantly, what are your bunnies names? Any other pets? ;)
Rosemary wrote: "Melanie wrote: "Julie wrote: "There are usually big discussions in the group about book reviews..."
Julie, here is my answer/opinion to the question you posted yesterday and a very controversial..."
Hello Rosemary, super to hear from a fellow "Bee"! Thank you for your supportive message.
I've just been listening to a sample of Crow Hollow and love how you draw one into the story. It really pricked up my ears!
Jeanie wrote: "Helo Melanie, I'm wondering what kinds of promotional activities narrators use to promote their work. You mentioned setting up your own website and have, happily for us, participated in this Q&A...."
Jeanie, firstly, the only pets I have at the moment are the bunnies, Misty and Twinkle and as they don’t make a noise, are perfect pets for people who are recording a lot of the time and need peace and quiet!
Regarding promotion, many narrators use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn. Google+ and several other sites in addition to their own website. Then for those of us who are members of Spotlight Casting Directory, that’s an additional site. Some do talks at local libraries or business venues – the latter particularly for voice over work. Many of us are on several voice over sites of which there is a huge variety. Some narrators have agents specifically for voice over work and some are allied to publishing companies e.g. Blackstone, Random House, Harper Collins etc or to production companies such as BeeAudio.com and .uk. Goodreads is a good one and it was an author who introduced me to it – thank you Julie Elizabeth Powell!
There are websites to which one can pay for a Listen and Review to promote audio books for which we pay a small fee. As long as those requesting a free copy actually do review and accept the deal as it is intended to be, it’s helpful but often only a small percentage carry out that part. There are probably other activities that I haven’t mentioned. I use some of the ones listed above.
I can’t say any of these are ineffective – as my agent used to say, “All publicity is good even if it’s bad publicity”! As I am not on Twitter or Facebook, preferring to be on business rather than social sites, I wouldn’t know whether it is effective or not but narrators who do would tell you. Overall, a mixture of these approaches work and of course, word of mouth. Sometimes even a throw-away line about current narration projects or online Qs and As (like this one on Goodreads) to a potential client for voice over projects can work well, as it did for me today!
No, I don’t think there is anything I definitely wouldn’t do but one only has so much time to keep up with all these sites so a choice is necessary in order to get on with one’s commitments. I always promote my work on my website, Spotlight, LinkedIn, Google+ and several voice over websites.
Melanie, I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for the time you've spent with us and to say how much I've enjoyed it. You've had a fascinating life so far and I'll be eager to see what you come up with next. Best of luck and I hope you keep in touch.
Jeanie
Hi Melanie,I've enjoyed reading your comments here. I've not had time to pose any questions of my own as my teaching schedule during the day and narrating at night has really kept me busy. But I've enjoyed reading your posts. All the best to you as you continue!
Melanie I was lovely to chat with you. Thank you so much :-D
Scott wrote: "Hi Melanie,I've enjoyed reading your comments here. I've not had time to pose any questions of my own as my teaching schedule during the day and narrating at night has really kept me busy. But I'..."
Thank you for visiting the event, Scott and very best wishes to you too with many lovely stories to narrate.
Jeanie wrote: "Melanie,
I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for the time you've spent with us and to say how much I've enjoyed it. You've had a fascinating life so far and I'll be eager to see what ..."
Margo wrote: "Melanie I was lovely to chat with you. Thank you so much :-D"Your words have been so much appreciated, Margo. Thank you.
Melanie, thank you for spending time with us, answering questions and sharing your experience. And for the book recommendations!
welcome melanie can i have this one please A Murderer’s Heart by Julie Elizabeth Powell (Mystery Thriller)
Julie and JeanieMany thanks for inviting me and for the wonderful organisation and considerable time you give to the Guest Narrator events.
I've very much enjoyed the variety of questions from everyone.
Looking forward to tuning in to the next Guest Narrators' Spots and the lively and informative discussion threads.
With warmest wishes
Melanie
Melanie
CatBookMom wrote: "Melanie, thank you for spending time with us, answering questions and sharing your experience. And for the book recommendations!"It's been a pleasure and thank you for your interest.
Tammie wrote: "welcome melanie can i have this one please A Murderer’s Heart by Julie Elizabeth Powell (Mystery Thriller)"
Of course, Tammie, delighted you've chosen that one. I'll send it via your profile here.
Hi Melanie,Can I also please have a code for A Murderer's Heart?
Thank you :)
Jessica wrote: "Hi Melanie,Can I also please have a code for A Murderer's Heart?
Thank you :)"
I'll send it over to you, Jessica.
Do you listen to other audio books and cringe?
A.L. wrote: "Do you listen to other audio books and cringe?"Sadly, I do, Alex, especially when there are lots of background and other noises!
Certain voices just aren't a pleasure to hear but it only takes a second or two to warm to one that is. Then it is difficult to tear oneself away from listening.
Leena :)
Melanie wrote: "Leena wrote: "Melanie wrote: "Jeanie wrote: "Melanie,
You mentioned working through ACX, do you plan to work only through them or do you want eventually to work for publishers as well?"
I have n..."