For narration consideration, you may submit a sample demo disc of yourself reading books out loud for our review. Please record several fiction selections (3-5 minutes each) that offer at least one example of a straight read (no voice characterization) and three with full voice characterization and dialogue. Be sure to include at least one dialogue sample between male and female characters to show how you would handle that, as well as any dialects at which you are proficient. In addition, include one sample of nonfiction, i.e., history, self-help, business. Of course we would like the clearest sound possible, but do not worry if your disc is not studio quality. We are interested in your performance, not your recording abilities.
We are not interested whatsoever in voice over or commercial work examples.
If you are new to narration work, we suggest you begin by spending an entire 6-7 hour day reading a book out loud before attempting any of the above. We would recommend that you record yourself doing so. When you are finished reading, play it back and listen critically to your performance. We don’t mean to be discouraging but you have to able to prove to yourself that you have the chops to read out loud for six to seven hours a day and that your voice performance shows acting talent, professional delivery, clear diction, positive energy, and consistency from beginning to end. In short, you have to be able to tell a good story and draw listeners into the story without allowing any attributes of your own voice to interfere with their engagement. Distractions for listeners are usually impeding speech (excessive sibilance, poor enunciation), nasal speech, sing-song cadence, and incorrect inflection. Ask a friend whose opinion you trust to review your performance as well.
Please be aware that we record audiobooks during the work week, from 8:00 to 5:00. An average audiobook takes three to five days to record, so your schedule must be able to accommodate ours.
Lastly, after you submit a demo to us, do not expect a response unless we are interested in pursuing your talent. We do not have the time to offer feedback for all demo discs submitted. Because we receive between 5-15 submissions and 10-30 narration inquiries each week, we can offer no further help or instruction about the art and work of narrating audiobooks.
You may send demo discs to the address below. Make sure your name and contact information is directly on the disc and not limited to accompanying material.
Attn: Casting
Brilliance Audio
1704 Eaton Drive
Grand Haven, Michigan 49417
