Do people tell you that you have a nice, clarion voice? Have you ever had any voice training or done any public speaking? Are you looking for something more on the artistic side of the work-at-home industry? Well, then keep reading.
There is now a section of the work-at-home population making money doing voice overs — especially as audiobook narrators.
Below, we’ve shared with you what audiobook narrators do, what skills you need, and where to find work.
What Does Voice Over/Narration Work Involve?
Usually when someone mentions voice overs it brings to mind cartoons or Disney movies, where celebrities use their own voices or one of their many “acting” voices to speak for the characters.
Being able to perform voice overs is a combination of speaking, oral reading, and acting. All of this is done off-stage and off-camera, in other words “behind the scenes.”
Voice over actors or artists are used in radio, television production, filmmaking, theatre, video games, eBook and audiobook narration, and other presentations.
For this post, we will primarily be examining eBook and audiobook narration.
How To Become an Audiobook Narrator
If you’re brand new to narration or voiceover work, the first step is learning the craft. Many professionals take acting classes, voice lessons, or work with private coaches before recording their first job.
Some things that can help you get started:
- Practice reading out loud, but aim to make it sound natural and engaging
- Learn to breathe from your diaphragm to avoid choppy delivery
- Get comfortable staying in character while reading long passages
- Study proper mic technique and script pacing
- Consider hiring a voice coach or taking a beginner-level narration course
It’s also a good idea to listen to professional audiobooks and pay attention to tone, pacing, and inflection. Audiobook narration is its own unique form of performance, and mastering it takes practice and feedback.
What Equipment Will You Need to Do Audiobook Narration?
If you’re serious about this type of work, you’ll eventually need to invest in a quiet recording space and high-quality audio gear. Some beginners rent studio time to create their demo recordings, but many choose to build a home setup over time.
To get started, you’ll need:
- A decent laptop or PC for managing audio files
- A quality USB or XLR microphone (not a headset mic)
- Studio headphones that don’t leak sound
- A mic stand and pop filter to reduce plosives and mic handling noise
- Recording software like Audacity or Adobe Audition
- A quiet, echo-free space to record in (ideally treated with sound-absorbing panels or blankets)
Recording in untreated rooms (especially with low-end gear) can lead to poor sound quality and rejected submissions on platforms like ACX.
Where Can You Find Freelance Work Doing Audiobook Narrations?
You’ve probably seen voice over work listed on freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, and Guru. Many narrators start there to gain experience and build a portfolio. However, the pay is often low starting out.
There are also several VO-specific platforms worth checking out:
1 – ACX.com
ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is one of the top platforms for audiobook narration, especially for beginners. You can create a profile, upload samples, and audition for books.
Many listings pay via royalty-share only, meaning you’ll only earn if the audiobook sells. Others offer Per Finished Hour (PFH) pay, where you’re paid a flat rate for each completed hour of audio.
ACX also provides marketing tools for authors and narrators and lets you track your projects and payments.
2 – Voices.com
Voices is a professional-level voiceover platform. You’ll need polished audio samples and possibly a subscription to access premium job listings.
While the site includes audiobook projects, most opportunities are for commercials, corporate narration, and training videos. It’s a competitive site, so make sure you’ve practiced and produced a strong demo before jumping in.
3 – Bunny Studio
Bunny Studio is a platform known for paying well, but it has strict entry requirements. You’ll need to pass a test to be accepted, and they expect clean, professional-quality audio from the start. It’s not ideal for beginners, but maybe worth keeping on your radar as you gain experience.
How Much Can You Make Doing Voice Overs?
Rates vary depending on your experience, the type of work, and where you’re finding clients.
On freelance sites, beginners might charge $20–$50 for short reads or commercial scripts. Audiobook narration is usually paid Per Finished Hour (PFH)—with rates ranging from $100–$300 PFH for non-union work.
If you join SAG-AFTRA (the actors’ union), union rates are higher and more standardized.
Many audiobook projects on ACX offer royalty-share only, which means your income depends entirely on how well the book sells. Some narrators avoid these; others use them as stepping stones when starting out.
It’s also worth noting that for every finished hour of audio, it can take 3–6 hours of recording, editing, and mastering. So, considering that, PFH pay reflects completed work, not total time spent.
Tips For Launching a Freelance Career Doing Voice Overs
Start by learning the craft. There are many free and low-cost online tutorials, courses, and YouTube channels that offer beginner-friendly voiceover education.
Then:
- Set up a quiet recording space
- Practice and record a sample demo
- Start small with freelance platforms or short royalty-share projects
- Get feedback on your work from professionals or coaches
- Gradually upgrade your gear and refine your audio editing skills
It takes time, but plenty of people have started from scratch and built solid side incomes, or even full-time careers!
Are You Interested In Training For Voice-Over Work?
Get Paid To Do Voice-Overs is a free mini-course you can take if any of the following applies to you:
- You’ve thought about audiobook narration as a way to earn money
- You’re curious about voice over work in general
- You want to work from home doing something flexible and creative
The course gives you a basic overview of what this industry looks like and can help you figure out if it’s something you’d like to pursue more seriously.
Go here to check it out if you’re interested in signing up and learning more!
Good luck in whatever you choose to pursue!
Photo by Amin Asbaghipour: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-microphone-3710191/
Leisa Good has worked in the corporate world as well as side hustled and operated a virtual assistant business full-time since 2006.. She wrote the eBook on that one! She is also a PFYP certified career coach and the owner of the blog, Powerfully Purposed For Success. She empowers folks 50-ish to find fun, flexible, and financially rewarding work both now and into retirement. However, this time it will be work/life on their terms.
