Audiobooks discussion
Narrators' Corner
>
Guest Narrator Simon Vance 1-14-16
MissSusie wrote: "So many of your narrations have turned into favorites,some I would highly recommendThe King's Speech: How One Man Saved the British Monarchy
[book:Dust and Shadow: An Account of t..."
'We, The Drowned' has just been published - wonderful book.
Following the recording of that one I had two excellent books - the first 'The Wake' by Paul Kingsnorth is written in a 'shadow language' very similar to old English... and there was little to no punctuation on the page... It was the stream of consciousness of an English countryman at the time of William the Conqueror (1066). Phenomenally difficult to read, but I have a sense of achievement with that and I'm keen to see how it is received. Don't know when it's due for release but it can't be long.
Then I was given Nicholas Monserrat's wartime classic 'The Cruel Sea'. So very, very good! It follows the trials and tribulations of the crew of a corvette on convoy duty in the North Atlantic facing the U-boat threat. I have a love of these kinds of stories since my grandfather was a Commodore in the Merchant Navy during WWII.
I've since been asked to do some of Monserrat's short stories and am loving them (Leave Cancelled is particularly good from the collection entitled 'HMS Marlborough...')
Again, I have no idea when these will be available for download, but it can't be long.
Mona wrote: "Simon wrote: "Mona wrote: "Hi, again, Simon. I've now read through the entire thread (some chore, that haha! No seriously, it was very interesting).I, too, will be influenced to try an audiobook ..."
Not really - there's always some way in to understanding them. An author spends hours agonizing of their creations and I owe them the same kind of devotion in finding my own sense of truth for the audiobook.
Tracey wrote: "Welcome, Simon! I'm in the no-questions-but-want-to-join-my-squeeing-to-the-throng crowd. Your Holmes in Dust and Shadow: An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson is p..."And a quick 'squee...' back at ya!
Simon wrote: "'We, The Drowned' has just been published - wonderful book.Following the recording of that one I had two excellent books - the first 'The Wake' by Paul Kingsnorth is written in a 'shadow language' very similar to old English... and there was little to no punctuation on the page... It was the stream of consciousness of an English countryman at the time of William the Conqueror (1066). Phenomenally difficult to read, but I have a sense of achievement with that and I'm keen to see how it is received. Don't know when it's due for release but it can't be long."
Sounds like a lot of seafaring books in a row! Will have to check them out! Thanks!
Hi Simon, I just listened to several of your website samples and you are fabulous! I have a book coming out June 7 with Penguin Random House (see below) and I have signed an audio deal with Audible. My question is, who picks the narrator, Audible or the author? I presume Audible has the only vote, but allows author suggestions.The venue for my WWII book is primarily London and your accent and inflection is perfect for an MI5 officer (who would have the POV to narrate a book on one of the MI5 spies). I'd love to recommend you to Audible when the time comes.
Please advise as to typical protocol.
Best,
Larry Loftis
Into the Lion's Mouth: The True Story of Dusko Popov: World War II Spy, Patriot, and the Real-Life Inspiration for James Bond
Larry wrote: "Hi Simon, I just listened to several of your website samples and you are fabulous! I have a book coming out June 7 with Penguin Random House (see below) and I have signed an audio deal with Audible..."It depends what you have signed in the audio rights agreement. Some authors are able to dictate - but I think, generally, you are right - the publisher chooses but will listen to the author's request...
I'll enter the delicate area of pay scales here and say that Audible have a distinct reluctance to pay anything over the minimum rate for a narrator and this has caused difficulties in the past given that my rates tend (given my experience and track record) to be above that - so, unless they have a change of heart, to accept a title from Audible would mean turning down better paying work from my regular publishers. I have great respect for the people who work at Audible, they're very committed to the success of the industry as a whole... but the people who control the purse strings there exert quite strong control (Audible is owned by Amazon).
Now, if Penguin Random House were producing the audiobook it would be a different story :)
Simon wrote: "Lee wrote: "Hi Simon and welcome!I was going to ask if you would be recording book 5 of what was originally the trilogy but it looks like you've already answered my question. I enjoyed book 4 des..."
Wonderful! I'm looking forward to it. :)
Hi Simon! Like others have said, I try to seek out audiobooks that you narrate because I really enjoy your work. Last year, however, I really wanted to listen to The Man Who Ate His Boots: The Tragic History of the Search for the Northwest Passage regardless of the narrator. I picked up the discs from the library. When I saw your name on the box, I very loudly exclaimed "YESSSSSSS!" which got me some strange looks from the library staff...I don't have a question, I just wanted to say hi and thank you for making the books you narrate so engaging and entertaining.
Susan
Susan wrote: "Hi Simon! Like others have said, I try to seek out audiobooks that you narrate because I really enjoy your work. Last year, however, I really wanted to listen to [book:The Man Who Ate His Boots: Th..."You are very welcome!
Hi, Simon!I would just like to say thanks for being a guest narrator here. You are one of my favorite narrators, especially for the British Victorian classics I love such as Dickens and Trollope. I just recently finished listening to your narration of Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
I'm curious how long did it take you to narrate the complete Sherlock Holmes for Brilliance Audio? It clocks in at 58 hours. You were brilliant!
I want to echo everyone's comments on how wonderful it is to have you hear to answer questions. I just wanted to say how much I love your voice and your rendition of the Temeraire series is fabulous. I also loved your reading of the Fionavar Trilogy, it is one of my favorites.
Thank you for your work and for taking the time to chat with us! I've been listening to audiobooks for over 20 years and it seems like you were always there as one of the go-to narrators. You narrate many of my favorite authors from Dickens and Hardy to Lindsay Faye, Naomi Novik and Guy Gavriel Kay. I see Karen just mentioned the Fionavar Trilogy, which is by Kay. I read all his work in print years ago and at the time I thought it just begged to be read aloud. Thank you again for all the hours of pleasure you've provided!
Simon wrote: "Julie wrote: "Which book out of all the Classics you've done ,has been your favorite to do, or that you think turned out the best ?"I always loved recording Charles Dickens, and I think any of those stand up well. Of course the one's that stick in my mind are the one's that won awards, though I think some of the others are just as good - so Great Expectations and Nicholas Nickleby, perhaps... but then... Tale of Two Cities... Bleak House... and on...and on. Loved them all."
Have to admit, that one of my favorite audiobooks is your reading of Tale of Two Cities, if only because it is my all time favorite book, to have it read by one of my most favorite narrators is just the icing on top of the cake! Thank you very much for that one. <><
Hello Simon!I am fairly new to audiobooks - have only been listening for about 6 years. One of my first audioooks was Dune. I have been a HUGE fan ever since. You are the gold standard!
Pretty sure all of the questions I had, have already been asked. Just want to thank you for taking the time to answer questions, and for all of the wonderful work you have done (and will do).
Simon wrote: "Larry wrote: "Hi Simon, I just listened to several of your website samples and you are fabulous! I have a book coming out June 7 with Penguin Random House (see below) and I have signed an audio dea..."Thank you, Simon, very helpful.
Hi Simon,It's great to have the chance to speak to you directly. As a novice narrator I couldn't allow the opportunity pass to let you know that your work is a real inspiration to me. I too love Dickens and your Nickelby is more of a manual than a novel. Your Squeers is unequalled (probably unequalable). I'm sure Dickens would have loved it.
Best wishes,
Tadhg.
Hi Simon, you are one of my favorite narrators. For me, when you read fiction I feel you accurately capture the personality of each character in the intonations you use. This is extremely important to me.Your ability to do this is fantastic.What I dislike tremendously is when a less talented narrator uses an intonation that portrays a character differently from the author's words. I want to understand the author's intentions, the author's words.
I just thought it might be interesting to you to hear why some listeners want narrators to only read the lines. It is engaging to figure out yourself what the author is saying without added input from the narrator.
I will soon be listening to We, the Drowned. Really looking forward to it.
Aack! It's my busy season at work and by the time I get here, this thread is 3 pages long! Well I just skimmed it so if I "re-ask" a question, my apologies.Simon,
My favorite of yours is Bring Up the Bodies. I tried to read it in paper several times before you finally brought it to life for me. Was it a difficult narration?
I was also wondering whether there was a story behind you getting that job away from Simon Slater (who did Wolf Hall), not that Slater did a bad job but I think readers are always surprised when a series changes narrators.
Finally, do you know yet if you will be narrating The Mirror and the Light? I hope so!
Hello Simon (and everyone who's reading this and asking such great questions!). I'm really enjoying finding out more about you and how you go about doing your audio narrations.Do you have a dedicated studio space where you live now?
Good Morning Simon,Yesterday you mentioned just coming back in from a run before beginning this chat. Of course you have to stay in good shape for a screen career, but are there any special things you do to maintain yourself for the narration work specifically?
Simon, Opera singers are notorious for the things they do or can't do in order to protect The Voice. Do you have anything that you specifically avoid because of your narration work?
Simon,I drive many miles daily. My audio books keep me happy while on the road. Thank you so much for your work! I am a fan.
Hi, Simon. One last question. I've been searching for a comprehensive list of all the audios you've recorded (both as Simon Vance and as Robert Whitfield) and so far I haven't been able to find it. Does such a list exist? If so, where is it? Thanks.
Lilmissmolly wrote: "I'm curious how long did it take you to narrate the complete Sherlock Holmes for Brilliance Audio? It clocks in at 58 hours. You were brilliant!"As I look back in my calendar I see I started recording on January 16, 2013... At the time I had to intersperse it with other requested books that had a more immediate deadline - These included Guy Gavriel Kay's River of Stars, Black Feathers by Joseph D'Lacey and a shorter book called Every Contact Leaves a Trace by Eleanor Dymott - and I eventually finished recording on 13 March...
Karen wrote: "I want to echo everyone's comments on how wonderful it is to have you hear to answer questions. I just wanted to say how much I love your voice and your rendition of the Temeraire series is fabulou..."I keep forgetting to include Guy Gavriel Kay in my list of favorite authors... It's such a joy when a new book of his turns up
Robin wrote: "Thank you for your work and for taking the time to chat with us! I've been listening to audiobooks for over 20 years and it seems like you were always there as one of the go-to narrators. You narra..."You're very welcome!
Msjodi777 wrote: "Simon wrote: "Julie wrote: "Which book out of all the Classics you've done ,has been your favorite to do, or that you think turned out the best ?"I always loved recording Charles Dickens, and I t..."
It was the best of times, it was...
No, seriously, it was the best of times - always is when I'm narrating Dickens.
Jeanie wrote: "Hello Simon!I am fairly new to audiobooks - have only been listening for about 6 years. One of my first audioooks was Dune. I have been a HUGE fan ever since. You are the gold standard!
Pretty ..."
Thank you!
Julie wrote: "Good Morning, Simon Holy Smokes, were you busy yesterday ! :)
There have been so many questions asked, pardon me if I repeat one you have already answered. Just skip it and move on to the next one..."
Let me copy and paste so I don't lose track of those questions... spent most of yesterday running back and forth over these pages and kept losing the question I was answering:
Can you tell us what the best and worst part of your job is ?
The best is when I'm reading a good writer's work... when the sentences just flow and the characters are acting logically and the story just flows... I couldn't care what the genre is - I love the music of the words. The worst is the opposite... feels like I'm wading through mud to make the sentences work and I hate it when people do stupid things with no reason and the story takes jagged turns for no reason other than for the author to get to the conclusion they'd decided on before they put pen to paper...
What is the longest amount of time it has taken you to complete a book ,and which book was it ?
I recorded The Count of Monte Cristo many years ago for Books on Tape before they were bought out by Random House (about 45 hours)... It was very well received at the time but became one of the titles they cut after the amalgamation (I possibly recorded it as Richard Matthews... I don't recall). Most annoying. I've no idea how long I took over it but I think that's the longest single book I've done.
Generally I record from 2-3 hours a day and I try to not break up a single book with others, so you can probably work it out... For insdtance I did Clive Barker's IMAJICA a while ago and as I look back in my calendar I see I spent two and half weeks over the 37 hours... which is about right (that's another of my favorite books, by the way - what an imagination that guy has, and a fantastic writer)
Do you happen to know which of your books has sold the most copies to date ?
I can only go by reviews on Audible and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo has the most... I used to joke that I could have retired if I'd been paid residuals on that series... But then RC Bray and The Martian came along and in much less time he has garnered about three times a many reviews... I've suggested he could have bought a small island on the proceeds - but only if... residuals :)
Tadhg wrote: "Hi Simon,It's great to have the chance to speak to you directly. As a novice narrator I couldn't allow the opportunity pass to let you know that your work is a real inspiration to me. I too love D..."
I thank you. I'll have to go back and rediscover what I did for Squeers - might prove an inspiration to me, myself!
Chrissie wrote: "Hi Simon, you are one of my favorite narrators. For me, when you read fiction I feel you accurately capture the personality of each character in the intonations you use. This is extremely important..."I always say that you don't HAVE to be an actor to be an audiobook narrator, but having an actor's sensibilities is an absolute must. Being able to get into a character's head and understand their motivation is an absolute must and that's where having a skilled writer pays absolute dividends, because the path is so darned clear.
Janet wrote: "Aack! It's my busy season at work and by the time I get here, this thread is 3 pages long! Well I just skimmed it so if I "re-ask" a question, my apologies.Simon,
My favorite of yours is [book:Br..."
For 'Bring Up The Bodies' just see what I have written above about good writers and finding a way into the character's heads... Hilary Mantel is an absolute gift and the character she created so fascinating... reading that was like luxuriating in a deep mineral bath with bubbles all over and a glass or two of champagne right there...
If there's a story behind my getting the second in the series I am not aware of it... It could be as simple as that he was not available at the time...
If I don't get the next in the series I may have to do some damage somewhere.
Ruth wrote: "Hello Simon (and everyone who's reading this and asking such great questions!). I'm really enjoying finding out more about you and how you go about doing your audio narrations.Do you have a dedic..."
I'm in two places at the moment - I have a house up near San Francisco and I'm also renting in Los Angeles... it's a long story. I have an identicle 'cubicle' in both places (6x4x7) and when I spend an extended time in one or other I take the microphone and other essential parts in the car (the things that are too expensive to buy two of)... It's a hassle and a situation I hope to resolve in the next year or so.
Jeanie wrote: "Good Morning Simon,Yesterday you mentioned just coming back in from a run before beginning this chat. Of course you have to stay in good shape for a screen career, but are there any special thing..."
Not really - I'm aware my voice does not hold up as well as it used to if I extend my hours, so I have to take care of that, but I have no 'rituals'. Just healthy living - as far as possible... and I'd exercise whether I wanted to stay in shape or not... it's good for the heart :)
(frankly, at my age, my shape has very little to do with a screen career... I'm not aiming for a 6-pack)
Jeanie wrote: "Simon, Opera singers are notorious for the things they do or can't do in order to protect The Voice. Do you have anything that you specifically avoid because of your narration work?"
Screaming... (and, of course, smoking)... probably spending too long trying to be heard in a loud room... That's all that comes to mind right now :)
Katherine wrote: "Simon,I drive many miles daily. My audio books keep me happy while on the road. Thank you so much for your work! I am a fan."
Yay!
I'd better get back into the studio and do some more work then...
Back soon!
Simon wrote: "I keep forgetting to include Guy Gavriel Kay in my list of favorite authors... It's such a joy when a new book of his turns up ..."Yes! I was delighted when I saw you as the narrator for River of Stars, and I will be treating myself to your reading of my favorite, Tigana, before long. Fingers crossed for Children of Earth and Sky!
Mona wrote: "Hi, Simon. One last question. I've been searching for a comprehensive list of all the audios you've recorded (both as Simon Vance and as Robert Whitfield) and so far I haven't been able to find it...."I used to keep a list of titles, but it became so very out of date. Best way is to do the search on Audible and Downpour... That won't give you every title I ever recorded, but it'll give you the one's that are available (don't forget Richard Matthews for early Books on Tape)
Simon, You touched on the topic of residuals earlier. I have to say of all the things I've learned since we began being able to chat with narrators in this group, the most surprising has been that, unless they go through ACX, the narrator doesn't share financially in the success of an audiobook. Hello! Narrators put the "audio" in audiobook! I'm a rabid audiobook listener--1594 titles from Audible read to date--and am aghast that my favorite people in the world don't benefit from my purchases... many times, it was the narrator (often it was you) that was the sole inspiration for my purchase! Rant suspended...
Do you foresee a time when this is remedied? Is there anything fans can do to assist--write ranting emails, post manifestos in our Audible reviews, go on a hunger strike--wait, that may be taking fandom a bit far... maybe refusing to eat our oatmeal until fairer pay practices go into effect? ;P Love ya, Simon!
Thank you, Simon, for addressing the need for a narrator to know the characters' souls.
Simon, Scrolling through Audible I noticed an abridged version of Dostoyevsky's The Idiot credited to you. I bought and read the unabridged version with Robert Witfield listed as the narrator--boy, that was a face/palm moment years ago when I finally recognized where else I'd heard that voice!
Did you do a separate abridged version or was that done in editing by a publisher? How does that work?? Is that considered a separate narration?
We here tend to feel strongly about abridged books, what are your thoughts?
Jeanie wrote: "Simon, You touched on the topic of residuals earlier. I have to say of all the things I've learned since we began being able to chat with narrators in this group, the most surprising has been that..."
Frankly, I don't think it's going to happen... or, at least, it's going to be very hard to introduce in a way that makes sense. One smaller publisher tried to introduce something like a residuals scheme, but the formula meant the resulting income was very much capped and even then what came in from a good book would not really have warranted the reduction in the 'up-front' payment that would probably have been inevitable if the scheme was accepted.
If publishers insist on paying the minimum across the board then there certainly should be some kind of residual scheme. But if a good narrator can negotiate a higher 'up-front' rate then that's the way it will probably go.
So, keep chowing down on your oatmeal...
Jeanie wrote: "Simon, Scrolling through Audible I noticed an abridged version of Dostoyevsky's The Idiot credited to you. I bought and read the unabridged version with Robert Witfield listed as the narrator--bo..."
I think that might have been from two different publishers. I don't like abridgments and have rarely been asked to do them. I will do them as a stand alone title if asked. On one occasion a publisher actually took the full length book and edited the recording down. I received nothing for that... I still haven't forgiven them. But they still send me good books occasionally, so I keep my mouth shut :)
Julie wrote: "Simon ,Do you keep copies of all the recordings you've done throughout the years , back to the Books on Tape time up until the present ?
I was just wondering if you like taking a trip down memory..."
I actually started here for Blackstone Audio in 1993...
When I started recording digitally in the mid 90s I used to keep a copy of everything on disc... but it just started taking up too much space. I moved to digital storage, but saw little point as what left me was not the finished product - the publisher always proofs and QCs and cleans up the recording. So I eventually stopped keeping anything.
I couldn't bear to listen to earlier stuff unless I was listening for the subject matter - or reminding myself of character voices, etc.
I once listened to something I'd recorded in the mid 80s... I sounded like a young beginning narrator, which is what I was...
>If you do, do you notice things that you have improved on throughout the years ,or has your quality of work stayed at the same standard throughout ?
I imagine (I hope) I have improved over the very early stuff. I'm not going to go back and listen just to judge myself... too painful. And if I find I had a Golden Age that is now past... ? I think I'll let the audience decide as each book comes out. :)
>And just to get a little personal, how long have you lived over here, and do you get to go home to visit family and friends very often ?
I've been in California for 24 years this March. I try to get back at least once a year and usually more often than that
>Did you find it difficult to adjust to life over here at first ,and what is the thing besides the people that you miss the most from home ? Maybe a special favorite food or something that you can't find here ?
Used to miss the beer and the pubs the most - and probably the weather (6 months of sunshine with no rain is intolerable to an Englishman). Yup, it's probably a good old English pub I miss the most. The beer here is better than it was, but you can't recreate the centuries of tradition that have gone into creating the good old pub lifestyle (which is actually dying out rapidly in the UK - you're unlikely to find it in the big cities any more).
Julie wrote: "Simon As you start getting more involved in the acting field, do you think you will still have interest in narrating ,or would you like to move on to something new at some point ?"
I'll probably never give up narrating, but if I find myself in demand elsewhere of course my output will drop - I've been producing around 50 titles a year for quite a few years now and I certainly couldn't do that if I'm spending time on film sets.... and if Spielberg ever calls... :)
Simon, I mentioned to a friend you would be on the boards with us. She literally became tongue-tied. She begged me to say hello to you from her. I pointed out she could do that herself. She said she'd be too nervous. I pointed out it's online, no pressure. She began to stammer.
So, "Hello" with lots of gibbering love from Violet!
Simon, My above comment is absolutely true... which makes me wonder if you've had any other, uhm, "interesting"fan encounters?
Simon, Your earlier comments about what it takes to effectively narrate a book, finding the soul of the characters and the narrative, makes me think of just how demanding your job is... and then to see just how many books you do!
First, on average, how many books do you narrate a year?
Second, what do you do to unwind from the work? Are you able to take vacations? Where would your ideal vacation place be?
Edit: OK, now I see you've answered the "how many" question... proceed to the second item please.
Audiobooks
Books mentioned in this topic
Scaramouche (other topics)Scaramouche (other topics)
Barchester Towers (other topics)
Barchester Towers (other topics)
Master & Commander (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Lawrence Anthony (other topics)Naomi Novik (other topics)
Lawrence Anthony (other topics)
Naomi Novik (other topics)
Tim Powers (other topics)
More...
Welcome and thank you! Would you share a book or two you've narrated that have had a lasting impact on you? And why? (I'm an English teacher and always ask the dreaded 'why' question.)"
Lasting impact? Hmmm.Every book leaves some sort of impression on me, and yet every book tends to get overwritten by the next one - like Sherlock Holmes, I only have so much space in my brain and to be able to recall so many would cause my brain to overflow...
Man's Search for Meaning was mentioned a while back and I have to say that still crosses my mind from time to time. Why do some people survive incredible difficulties while others do not - and it's not always who you'd expect.
I honestly could spend a lot of time thinking about this one as I know there are many small bits from many, many books that have impacted me at the time I read them but I just can't recall them instantly. I love books about creative people (autobiographies or biographies, musicians, artists... and stories about the process of creation) - What is it that makes art/beauty so fundamentally necessary for human survival and growth? I'm very moved when I sense that the author (fiction or non-fiction) is moving through life with their eyes fully open... does that make sense?