Hey there, hero!

We've just opened registration for the new 2023 ACX Master Class, and because so much has changed for voice talent in the audiobook narration world and with ACX, I invited you all last week to ask me questions.

And I got some great ones: on the editing, on how to judge a book's potential profit, on how much time it actually takes to narrate a book and more.

I answer all of them in this week's podcast episode, so strap in, and get the skinny on the latest updates.

And, of course, if you haven't yet joined us, we'd love to have you as a 2023 ACX Master Class student, building a solid audiobook narration practice. 9 PM Pacific tonight (Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023) is the deadline for the Early Action Bonus pricing, where we pay the first $300 of your tuition, so here's the link:

https://acxmasterclass.com/join

Do you have a question of your own? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil:

https://voheroes.com/you-asked-me-anything-about-audiobook-and-acx-and-boy-have-i-got-answers/

#acting #voice #voiceover #onboarding #performance #productivity #tips #art #commerce #science #mindset #success #process #options #bestpractices #marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
https://voheroes.com/start

...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
https://acxmasterclass.com/

...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
https://narrateyourownbook.com/

...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
https://mikesock.com/

...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | BuzzSprout

Hey there, hero!

Next week, Dan O'Day and I will be opening registration for the brand-spankin'-new edition of the ACX Master Class.

In fact, we're running (as this podcast episode is being released live) a series of free video training on ACX, audiobook narration, the tech you need, the challenges you'll face (and how, as a new narrator, we've seen our students meet them) and so much more.

But...if you have a questions about audiobooks or ACX that you'd like to ask me directly, here's your chance.

In this episode, I let you know what you can ask (pretty much anything, but I give you some guidelines) and how to ask (where to put your questions...hint-hint: scroll down to the comments here and leave them).

Then, next week, I'll answer them all. I'll be doing a last-minute produced podcast, plus a live event online, with Dan to answer each and every question.

What do you want to know about audiobook narration? If you want to become a narrator, what's stopping you? What worries you about it? What do you need help with? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil:

https://voheroes.com/ama-ask-me-anything-about-audiobooks-acx-and-more/

#acting #voice #voiceover #onboarding #performance #productivity #tips #art #commerce #science #mindset #success #process #options #bestpractices #marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
https://voheroes.com/start

...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
https://acxmasterclass.com/

...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
https://narrateyourownbook.com/

...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
https://mikesock.com/

...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | BuzzSprout

Hey there, hero!

How many times have you approached decisions around the choices you make when doing auditions as "Sure, I can do that!" …when you clearly are not the type the character demands?

Like, way outside your age range, your lineage, your vocal style and more?

What about taking the time to choose your auditions based on how much you align with that character? Using a little jiu-jitsu on the situation?

We can sometimes go overboard in our zeal to be "versatile" or "agile."

This podcast episode discusses the pitfalls of that and how to avoid them. 

Do you find yourself forgetting just how good you are, as opposed to how many options you can create, when performing? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil:

https://voheroes.com/applying-the-jiu-jitsu-of-quality-over-quantity/

#acting #voice #voiceover #onboarding #performance #productivity #tips #art #commerce #science #mindset #success #process #options #bestpractices #marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
https://voheroes.com/start

...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
https://acxmasterclass.com/

...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
https://narrateyourownbook.com/

...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
https://mikesock.com/

...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | BuzzSprout

Hey there, hero!

I had a few questions as to what was up with the episode count, and it all boils down to me taking my own advice.

I spent decades in broadcasting, and was one of the first podcasters ever. So…I wanted to take the time to tally all of the production from my first podcasts (the Online Tonight daily RealAudio-laden emails in 1996) through the rest of my daily syndicated days on AM, FM, XM and Sirius, on CNET, on Salem, on WGN/Chicago and WOR/New York, to the Secrets of Screen Acting Podcast, the podcasts I'd done for SAG-AFTRA, for commercial clients, the VO2GoGo podcast, this VOHeroes podcast and many more.

It's been, and continues to be (in the audio AND video era) a blast.

And I wanted to do a bit of celebrating.

I ask you for the same contribution as last episode: what have you forgotten to give yourself credit for? What about your journey do you need to take a moment and have a moment? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil:

https://voheroes.com/celebrating-the-math-my-podcast-episode-count/

#acting #voice #voiceover #onboarding #performance #productivity #tips #art #commerce #science #mindset #success #process #options #bestpractices #marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
https://voheroes.com/start

...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
https://acxmasterclass.com/

...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
https://narrateyourownbook.com/

...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
https://mikesock.com/

...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | BuzzSprout

Hey there, hero!

Although I've tried very hard to take away the fear of starting something new, I've paid little attention to celebrating when we actually accomplish whatever that thing is.

I want to change that in this episode, because if we're going to have the gumption to attempt something, we definitely have to take a moment when we actually get that something done.

It certainly far more likely that we'll try something, and run into challenges along the way.

But if we manage to do things in such a way that we actually get what we want...well, that's worth a few fireworks and champagne.

And that's why this episode is numbered "properly," based on the total number of podcast episodes I've produced in the last 26 years, beginning with the first daily email-delivered Progressive Networks (RealAudio) email attachments back in 1996.

So...give me an example of something you've accomplished recently that you forgot to give yourself credit for in the comments below. And tell me how it feels to type it out and maybe say it out loud.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil:

https://voheroes.com/dont-ignore-your-successes/

#acting #voice #voiceover #onboarding #performance #productivity #tips #art #commerce #science #mindset #success #process #options #bestpractices #marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
https://voheroes.com/start

...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
https://acxmasterclass.com/

...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
https://narrateyourownbook.com/

...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
https://mikesock.com/

...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | BuzzSprout

Hey there, hero!

In a recent episode of the podcast, I talked about keeping price and value straight, and supporting your price points by pointing out the value of what you do as a performer.

All well and good, unless you're just starting off and you don't feel as though you bring a lot of value.

You do.

And in this episode, I look at a couple of things to remember, even if you're a new performer, just getting their feet wet as a professional.

Even beginners deserve dignity as professionals, so let's talk about that.

If you're new, do you feel like you can't yet charge professional rates? Do you look at experience and exposure as currency? If you're not new, when did you decide to charge rates that approach or exceed union minimums? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil:

https://voheroes.com/use-union-rates-to-help-maintain-your-dignity/

#acting #voice #voiceover #onboarding #performance #productivity #tips #art #commerce #science #mindset #success #process #options #bestpractices #marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
https://voheroes.com/start

...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
https://acxmasterclass.com/

...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
https://narrateyourownbook.com/

...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
https://mikesock.com/

...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | BuzzSprout

Hey there, hero!

What runs through your mind when you hit that SEND button for the audition you just created? High hopes, excitement, anticipation, maybe a sense of satisfaction?

Great.

Fast forward to a couple of days later. Are you still thinking about it? Wondering how it landed with the casting person?

And maybe thinking you need to follow up?

Maybe you are one of those actors and voice talents that makes a regular habit of following up...just to "build that relationship."

Don't. Full stop. Hear why I'm so final about this advice in the episode.

Does this fly in the face of what you've heard before? Do you find yourself unable to let go of the notion that you have to follow up? Do you totally disagree with me? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil:

https://voheroes.com/on-following-up-yeah-dont/

#acting #voice #voiceover #onboarding #performance #productivity #tips #art #commerce #science #mindset #success #process #options #bestpractices #marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
https://voheroes.com/start

...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
https://acxmasterclass.com/

...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
https://narrateyourownbook.com/

...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
https://mikesock.com/

...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | BuzzSprout

Hey there, hero!

The digital age has made the links we voice in commercials, documentaries, audiobooks, IVR and so many other categories of work even more important that what used to be the crucial contact info: the phone number is no longer number one.

And how we voice URLs, the links on the Web, social media handles and email addresses can make or break the response your clients get from your work.

Here are four things that can make a huge difference in the clarity you provide to your listening audience when sharing links in your copy.

Anything else you think would be good to know about delivering digital information? Anything you hear that drives you just a bit crazy and telegraphs that the VO talent (or the client's copy) isn't all that Web aware? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil:

https://voheroes.com/4-ways-you-can-make-voicing-urls-more-effective/

#acting #voice #voiceover #onboarding #performance #productivity #tips #art #commerce #science #mindset #success #process #options #bestpractices #marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
https://voheroes.com/start

...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
https://acxmasterclass.com/

...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
https://narrateyourownbook.com/

...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
https://mikesock.com/

...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | BuzzSprout

Hey there, hero!

It takes a lot of time and effort to get our tools, like Audacity, dialed in so that we can use them efficiently in our work, and so that we can rely on them from session to session.

(BTW, if you want tips on setting up Audacity, subscribing to our Coach Stuart's newsletter on how to use Audacity better should be on your list. Here's a link to sign up (it's free!):

https://stuartgauffi.com/get-sat )

So...those tools can and will change and evolve over time, even to the point where keeping up with those changes can be a surprise.

Like when we update to a new version of software after a long period of NOT updating.

Often, those changes aren't made for you, but for other users of the tool. In fact, the changes a piece of software or hardware go through may end up making your job harder. That doesn't make it any easier to handle the frustration you can feel when you launch your newly-updated tool, and things have now gone south.

It can feel like a personal attack.

In this episode, I want to help you manage your emotions when you update, things don't go as planned and you get angry at the software publisher.

It's not them, it's you.

Usually.

Ever get a nasty surprise when you've updated a piece of software or hardware? What was your emotional reaction? Did that reaction serve you? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil:

https://voheroes.com/when-tools-evolve-its-nothing-personal/

#acting #voice #voiceover #onboarding #performance #productivity #tips #art #commerce #science #mindset #success #process #options #bestpractices #marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
https://voheroes.com/start

...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
https://acxmasterclass.com/

...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
https://narrateyourownbook.com/

...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
https://mikesock.com/

...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | BuzzSprout

Hey there, hero!

When a VOHeroes Pro has a success, I always take a moment to savor that. Whether it's a breakthrough in training, an equipment or software victory, or something as major as a booking, it's a moment to celebrate.

And I try my best to find out the details: what did you do that led to this? What did you learn? What does it feel like to achieve this success?

And so, when I get a chance to talk to a Pro when they get such a gift, I grab it.

And that's what I got to do with the newest voice of Starbucks, VOHeroes Pro Bethany Arrington-Peck. She's awesome and I couldn't be happier for her.

If you've wondered what it's like to get booked and do a session for a major brand, this podcast episode is for you.

Are you excited (and maybe fearful) of such a success? Did what Bethany shared square up with your expectations of your future success? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil:

https://voheroes.com/how-voheroes-pro-bethany-arrington-pecks-starbucks-session-went/

#acting #voice #voiceover #onboarding #performance #productivity #tips #art #commerce #science #mindset #success #process #options #bestpractices #marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
https://voheroes.com/start

...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
https://acxmasterclass.com/

...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
https://narrateyourownbook.com/

...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
https://mikesock.com/

...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | BuzzSprout