I’ve talked with a lot of authors wanting their books in audio format. Many use Audible’s Royalty Share program, but when you do, you’re bound to Amazon’s terms and conditions and pricing, which give both you and your narrator pennies on the dollar, hardly worth the hard time, hours writing and reading, editing, and what you both put into the audio-book.
Having done some indie film-making myself, I’ve become friends with quite a few people in the industry, especially actors who are constantly struggling for work. When you live in a state like Washington, film projects with any residuals are far and few between. Every year Indie filmmakers rally in Olympia asking for incentives and every year Olympia fails to accomodate.
That being said, knowing that actors almost always have a way to record (they continually make reels for auditions) I can put out the word to local film communities asking for narrators and have never been disappointed. I offer a fair market value that I can afford and pay in installments. Most actors are quite happy with it.
Erik was one of those people who has narrated the entire Cho Nisi series for me. Yes I pay him, and he must be happy with the amount because he keeps offering to do the next book. I think he’s enjoying the series as well and my listeners have been satisfied because they keep coming back for more.
So next time you, authors, are wondering how to get your book into audio, consider contacting some ‘waiting for work’ actors. I’m sure they’ll jump at the chance to make some money reading your stories. And you can be glad you contracted them!
You can get the Cho Nisi series in audio (and eBook, paperback, and collector’s leather edition on my newly launched Kickstarter now until May 19, 2025. After that all the audio books will be available on my website delivered via Bookfunnel.
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