Friends, a lot has happened since last week’s update! Make a tea and settle in, because there’s a great deal of excitement ahead.
To remind you of where things were at this time last week:
Findaway Voices had sent me eight narrator recommendations. I listened to everyone’s samples, made a short list, and requested an audition from five.
Then, I waited.
Later that same day – after I’d posted the update – I had two auditions, and it may have been the most exciting moment of my life.
If you want to catch up before moving on, you can find every entry here.
As always, there’s a summary of this week’s progress at the end of this post.
The Auditions
Out of five requests, I got two auditions, so I was pretty chuffed with that!
I listened to both several times, trying not to flail too hard as two wonderful ladies gave my characters a voice.
It was such a surreal moment for me. I kinda just smiled at my screen with blank eyes as I listened to every word.
Both narrators did amazing jobs, but they were also quite different to each other. I loved both and struggled to choose.
Fortunately, I have critique partners who were happy to help, and by Saturday, I’d pretty much chosen.
I still waited until Monday just in case I changed my mind, but I didn’t and pressed the exciting/daunting BOOK NARRATOR button.
I got these two screens next:
I’ve blacked out her name for now since nothing is official or signed yet. To be honest, this is probably overkill, but since both of us can still pull out at this point, I don’t want to make anything look official.
Production Notes and the Contract
Last night, I got an email.
IT’S HAPPENING
*throws confetti*
(I mean, it’s probably happening. As I said above, we haven’t signed anything yet, and I never like celebrating too soon.)
So, things are suddenly moving very quickly. This time last week, I didn’t have the auditions yet and was hoping that at least one of my five would be interested. Fast-forward a week and I’m about to sign the contract and my narrator is getting ready.
A Shout-Out to FindawayVoices
The fourth week of my journey into audiobook production is about to end, and so far, I’ve had nothing but a good experience with FindawayVoices.
On the few occasions when I’ve emailed them with questions, their team got back to me quickly with helpful answers and a friendly tone.
Everything has been easy, clear, and professional, even to a complete newbie like me.
So far, I’m very pleased that I chose them to produce my audiobook, and can only recommend them if you’re considering doing the same.
Summary:
- I got two auditions late last Friday and listened to both.
- Since I struggled to decide – they were both incredible! – I asked my critique partners and my editor for their feedback.
- On Monday, I booked my chosen narrator, and FindawayVoices got in touch with her.
- Last night, I got the production notes form to fill in and the contract to sign. My narrator is currently reading the book and making notes as she goes, so it’s possible that she won’t like what she reads and cancels, but I’d like to think that’s a small chance.
What’s Next?
I’ll be filling in the production notes over the next few working days (unless there’s a tighter deadline than that – I’ve emailed them to check) and signing the contract as soon as they’ve confirmed one more thing for me.
And then we’re off! :O
All being well, I’ll be able to tell you next Friday that the production is officially underway *high five*
If you have any questions about this process, leave a comment and I’ll reply asap!
For all entries in The Audiobook Diaries, look here.
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