AI and What it Means for the Voice-Over Industry

By Nate Meyers

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer in voiceover, fundamentally reshaping how content creators, voice actors, and consumers interact with audio-based media. AI's influence is profound and multifaceted. Let's delve deeper into the key areas reshaping the voiceover landscape and explore the opportunities and challenges that accompany this technological revolution:

The Rise of AI-Generated VO

AI has revolutionized text-to-speech technology, transcending the mechanical monotony of earlier systems. These advanced AI-generated voices can mimic human inflection, tone, and even emotions, resulting in remarkably natural and engaging narration.

AI offers unparalleled speed and efficiency, allowing content creators to produce voice-overs within minutes, bypassing the need for studio bookings or hiring voice actors. Moreover, it proves cost-effective, particularly for projects with tight budgets. Additionally, AI's multilingual capabilities enable the creation of voiceovers in various languages, enhancing accessibility and audience reach.

While AI voices have made significant strides, they still fall short of replicating the nuanced performances delivered by human voice actors. Complex emotions and highly creative projects may pose challenges for AI-generated narration, highlighting the enduring value of human talent in certain contexts.

Q: Will AI replace human voice actors entirely?

A: While AI may automate simpler voiceover tasks, it's unlikely to completely replace human talent, particularly in projects requiring a unique vocal performance or emotional connection. Human actors bring unparalleled creativity and authenticity to their craft, making them indispensable in certain contexts.

Q: How might AI create new opportunities in the voiceover industry?

A: AI's ability to swiftly produce multilingual voiceovers could lead to a surge in demand for actors who can provide data for training AI voices in specific languages or accents. Additionally, advancements in AI technology may open doors to novel forms of collaboration between humans and machines, expanding the scope of voiceover work.

Overall Impact

AI-generated voices play a crucial role in making content more accessible for individuals with visual or reading disabilities, offering audio narration options that enhance inclusivity and reach a broader audience.

Ethical concerns such as the potential for misuse or the creation of deepfakes underscore the importance of establishing regulations and best practices to govern the ethical use of AI in voiceover. Addressing these ethical challenges will ensure responsible and ethical practices within the industry as AI technology evolves.

In conclusion, AI's integration into the voiceover industry heralds a new era of innovation and collaboration. While AI-driven advancements offer unprecedented efficiency and accessibility, they also raise important questions regarding the future of human creativity and ethical considerations. By embracing the possibilities of AI while safeguarding against potential pitfalls, the voiceover industry can navigate this transformative journey with confidence and integrity.

Top 5 Male Voice Actors 2018-2023: Unraveling the Power of Masculine Voice Acting

By Nate Myers

The past five years have witnessed profound growth for many prominent voice actors. Male Voice Over Artists distinguish themselves from female voices through timbre, range, and subconscious cultural interpretation differences. Additionally, exploring the differences between male and female voices sheds light on the unique qualities each gender brings to the art of voice acting. While physiological distinctions exist, male and female voice actors can create captivating and memorable characters, transcending traditional gender norms and embracing a more inclusive and diverse future for the industry.

The ability to breathe life into characters, convey emotions, and connect with audiences has made these voice actors, in particular, stand out in an ever-competitive field. As we celebrate the top five male voice actors from 2018 to 2023, don't forget to follow up your reading by learning about the top five female VO artists for this same time frame:

Sam Witwer

Sam Witwer's remarkable vocal versatility and emotional depth have earned him a spot among the top male voice actors of the last five years. Best known for his portrayal of Darth Maul in "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels," Witwer's ability to capture the menacing and vengeful essence of the character has been lauded by fans and critics alike. His work extends beyond animation, with notable voice-over roles in video games, including Deacon St. John in "Days Gone" and The Son in "The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes." Witwer's vocal range and ability to embody diverse characters showcase the essence of male voice acting at its finest.

Voice Actor Sam Witwer demonstrates multiple voices of characters he has portrayed in voice acting.

Christopher Sabat

An iconic figure in the anime and video game community, Christopher Sabat's contributions to the industry have been monumental. He is renowned for providing the voices of Vegeta and Piccolo in the English dub of "Dragon Ball" and All Might in "My Hero Academia." Sabat's powerful and commanding voice has become synonymous with some of the most beloved characters in the anime world. His ability to add intensity and gravitas to his voice over performances demonstrates the unique qualities male voice actors bring to their roles.

Matt Mercer

Matt Mercer's exceptional talents as a voice actor and Dungeon Master for "Critical Role" have catapulted him to the forefront of the voice acting scene. Known for his role as McCree in "Overwatch" and Levi in the English version of "Attack on Titan," Mercer's portrayals have earned him immense admiration from fans worldwide. His soothing yet authoritative voice perfectly complements a range of characters, solidifying his position as one of the top male voice actors in recent years.

The many voices of Matt Mercer in video game voice over acting.

Roger Craig Smith

Roger Craig Smith's continued success in the voice acting realm is a testament to his adaptability and dedication to his craft. As Sonic the Hedgehog, Smith has lent his voice to various "Sonic" games and animated adaptations, becoming a fan-favorite portrayal of the iconic character. Additionally, he has voiced Batman in several animated productions, including "Batman: Arkham Origins," showcasing his ability to bring gravitas to well-known superhero roles. Smith's distinct voice and energy bring a unique perspective to the world of male voice acting.

Matthew Mercer

With his second appearance on this list, Matthew Mercer cements his place as one of the last five years' most influential male voice actors. In addition to his role as McCree in "Overwatch," Mercer has contributed his talents to many video games and animated series. His portrayal of Yusuke Kitagawa in "Persona 5" and Cor Leonis in "Final Fantasy XV" exemplifies his ability to embody various character archetypes. Mercer's dedication to his roles and involvement in multiple projects have solidified him as a prominent figure in the voice-acting community.

The top 5 male voice actors from 2018 to 2023 have demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and range, enriching the characters they bring to life in animated films, video games, and TV shows. Their contributions to the voice acting world have highlighted male voices' power in storytelling and left lasting impressions on audiences worldwide.

As we look ahead, it is evident that male voice actors will continue to play an integral role in shaping the entertainment landscape, captivating audiences with their vocal prowess and bringing fictional worlds to life.

If you are interested in learning how to get into voice over for video games, animation, and more- Our whole purpose at The Voice Shop is to help establish and develop the skills you will need to succeed. We've stacked our voiceover teaching roster with the most seasoned and industry-savvy voice over actors. We recommend starting with "Intro to Animation" for beginners. If you get value out of that class, which we know you will, you can continue through our courses with Intermediate and Advanced Animation classes taught by Steve Tardio.

Top 5 Female Voice Actors of the Last Decade

Over the past decade, voice acting has witnessed a tremendous surge in recognition and appreciation for the talented individuals who bring animated characters to life. Female voice actors, in particular, have made significant contributions to the industry, captivating audiences with their incredible vocal range and versatility. This article aims to celebrate the most popular female voice actors of the last ten years, shedding light on their remarkable performances and impact on the animation world.

1 - Tara Strong

Tara Strong is undoubtedly one of the decade's most renowned and respected female voice actors. With a career spanning over three decades, she has lent her voice to iconic characters such as Bubbles in "The Powerpuff Girls," Twilight Sparkle in "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic," and Harley Quinn in various animated projects. Strong's ability to infuse her characters with depth and emotion has endeared her to fans worldwide.

 Female voice actor Tara Strong breaks down her most famous character voices.

 2 - Grey Griffin

Grey Griffin, formerly known as Grey DeLisle, has an extensive voice acting career that has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. Her incredible range has allowed her to portray characters in various genres, from the sweet and innocent Daphne Blake in "Scooby-Doo" to the dark and enigmatic Azula in "Avatar: The Last Airbender." Griffin's exceptional vocal talent, combined with her ability to capture the essence of each character, has solidified her place among the top female voice actors.

3 - Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson's talent as a voice actor has flourished over the past decade, making her a prominent figure in the industry. Best known for her portrayal of Ellie in the critically acclaimed video game "The Last of Us," Johnson's performance resonated with players on a deeply emotional level. Her ability to convey complex emotions and deliver nuanced performances has made her one of the most influential and respected female voice actors of recent times.

 Ashley Johson with a sample of character voices from her voice acting career.

4 - Kristen Schaal

Kristen Schaal's distinctive voice and comedic timing have made her a fan favorite in animation. Known for her roles as Mabel Pines in "Gravity Falls" and Louise Belcher in "Bob's Burgers," Schaal's ability to inject humor and charm into her characters has garnered widespread acclaim. Her energetic and charismatic performances have solidified her highly sought-after voice actor status.

5 - Auli'i Cravalho

Auli'i Cravalho burst onto the voice acting scene with her breakout role as Moana in Disney's animated film of the same name. Cravalho's soulful singing and genuine portrayal of the strong-willed and adventurous princess captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Her performance earned her critical acclaim, and she became a rising star in the voice-acting industry.

The last ten years have witnessed a remarkable evolution in female voice acting. Tara Strong, Grey Griffin, Ashley Johnson, Kristen Schaal, and Auli'i Cravalho are just a few examples of the recent extraordinary talent and versatility of female voice actors. Their captivating performances and ability to breathe life into animated characters have left an indelible mark on the industry. As we celebrate their achievements, it is clear that female voice actors have made an undeniable impact, enriching our animated experiences and inspiring future generations of aspiring voice actors. 

Male vs. Female Voice Overs: Differences and Unique Strengths

By Nate Myers

When it comes to voiceovers, male and female voices have distinct qualities that can significantly impact the effectiveness and reception of the message. In this article, we will delve into the differences between male and female voices in voice-over work and explore their respective strengths.

The Male Voice

The male voice is characterized by a lower pitch and a fuller, resonant tone compared to its female counterpart. This lower pitch can convey a sense of authority, power, and stability. Due to its deeper and richer quality, the male voice is often well-suited for roles requiring a commanding presence or serious delivery.

Male voice-over actor Eric Hollaway features a profoundly deep voice. 

Male voices are often sought after for projects that require an authoritative or commanding tone. These may include commercials for luxury products, automotive advertisements, video games featuring powerful characters, or educational content where a sense of credibility is essential. The resonant quality of male voices can also make them suitable for radio broadcasting or podcasting, where their deep and engaging tone can captivate listeners.

Male Voice Strengths:

1. Authority and Command: The timbre of a male voice often exudes authority, making it suitable for advertisements or instructional videos where that authority is needed. This can include narrating documentaries, providing voice-overs for corporate or instructional videos, or even voicing the trailers for movies or TV shows. The inherent strength of the male voice can captivate and engage the audience, ultimately establishing credibility and trust.

2. Warmth and Trust: Despite their stereotypical strength, male voices can also convey warmth, sincerity, and trustworthiness. When seeking a friendly and reliable presence, a male voice's deep yet reassuring tone can be highly effective. This quality is particularly advantageous for voicing characters in animated films or commercials where a trustworthy, fatherly figure or a relatable friend is required.

The Female Voice

In contrast to the male voice, the female voice tends to have a higher pitch and clearer enunciation. This higher pitch can imbue the voice with a sense of clarity and precision. Female voices also possess a wider emotional range, making them versatile for expressing various nuances and connecting with audiences on an emotional level.

Female voices find their strength in many projects where emotional depth, relatability, and engagement are key. They are commonly employed in commercials for beauty or personal care products, children's animations, video games featuring diverse characters, and audiobooks that require expressive narration.

The clear enunciation and higher pitch of female voices also make them suitable for instructional videos, explainer videos, or any content requiring precise information delivery. The voices of the AI's Siri and Cortana are both female for this reason. While different versions of Siri have been released since, including male and female voices from various languages and accents, the first Siri was female. In fact- Susan Bennett, the original voice of Siri, was featured on a vodcast that we produced and mastered called The Voice Choice. Watch the full episode here:

Female Voice Strengths:

1. Emotional Range: Female voices often exhibit a broader emotional range, allowing them to express empathy, compassion, enthusiasm, and vulnerability with ease. This flexibility makes female voices well-suited for roles that require emotional depth, such as narrating audiobooks, voicing characters in animated films or video games, or providing voice-overs for commercials that aim to evoke specific emotions in the audience.

2. Engaging and Relatable: Female voices' higher pitch and clarity can be engaging and relatable, capturing the audience's attention effectively. Female voices often possess a friendly and inviting quality, allowing them to establish a personal connection with the listener. This makes them particularly suitable for commercials, e-learning modules, or any project where a relatable, nurturing, or persuasive tone is desired.

Conclusion: In the realm of voice-over work, male and female voices possess unique characteristics that can significantly impact the final delivery in a powerful way. Choosing the right voice for your product or company can be daunting. For this reason, Creative Media Design (CMD) is here to help! Contact us: info@cmdnyc.com

The Voice Actor – An Unsung Hero

“Put a face to the name.” This a common phrase, but, in practice, is usually skipped for the voice actor. A voice actor lends their voice to a character or product and remains faceless, even nameless, to the media consumer.

If you’re like me, you grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons. The voices of Ash Ketchum in Pokémon, Bruce Wayne in Batman, SpongeBob, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Arthur, Zuko, Aang, Katara, and Sokka from Avatar: The Last Airbender. All incredibly iconic characters, but I know them as the character. Not the voice actor.

Recently, ComiCon and other conventions have begun bringing in voice actors as primary guests and speakers, which has been a huge hit. These people have dedicated their career, passion, and professional ability to a character that thousands, even millions of fans, have loved. Now they get to experience that passion together with fans and celebrate the journeys their character went on.

Watch (and hear) video game voice-over artist Stephanie Southerland on The Voice Choice.

But not all voice actors are starring in conventions. Many live as unsung heroes. Someone who brought life to a character or commercial, never to be heard of by the general public. So how does voice acting continue to be a profession and art, despite not having the ‘star factor’ that traditional acting seems to carry with it?

Stardom’s greatest necessity may often seem to be looks or physical appearance. It’s hard to imagine movies like The Terminator without also picturing Arnold Schwarzenegger. Voice acting, however, allows a talented person to bring several, even dozens of characters to life because the voice actor isn’t limited by their physical appearance. So, while Hollywood stars play an appearance and visually heavy brand game, the Voice Actor is not held down creatively in the same way.

Listen to the voice talent of Bill Ratner, who provides voice work for Hollywood movies, animations, and video games.

The art of voice-over has endured every technological innovation of the last one hundred years. It remains to this day, the primary tool leveraged by companies to breathe life into their marketing campaigns. Despite AI voices, subtitles, and other technology advancements, companies still choose a real human to bridge the gap between product and customer. To bridge the gap between concept and character. The gap between idea and hero.

We’ve already dubbed the Voice Actor the unsung hero. But there is no better way to describe it. Do you think we would connect and remember Geico insurance without Martin, the lizard? Hardly. Insurance, while important, is often bland to market. The voice actor of the Geico lizard bridged that gap and gave us a human connection. The power there cannot be understated.

That famous voice at your command. Watch the story of Susan Bennett, the original voice of Siri.

So, while the Voice Actor is often the “unsung hero,” we hope the mystery and clouds continue to be peeled back. We hope the trend of propping up voiceover artists continues!

If you’re like us, you might be interested in The Voice Choice Vodcast, a podcast dedicated to this very thing! Their slogan is “The Vodcast about the people you hear that you never see.”

Check it out: https://thevoicechoice.tv/

Voice Over Booths, Why and How to Get One

By: Nate Myers

One of the primary draws to voice over work is having complete control of your schedule and generating income using your creative and natural talents. While this is generally true of all voice-over work, there are many times you will have to travel a short or even long distance to a professional recording studio to record your takes. This can be costly if not subsidized by your client!

However, this is the only choice for many voice-over artists, regardless of cost. The lack of a suitable recording environment applies in so many situations like those living in an apartment, a home with children, having a roommate, thin walls, or a location next to train tracks. The world is a noisy place!

You may look into soundproofing your room or workspace. But this can be costly, time-consuming, and aesthetically tricky. If you don’t hang your soundproof panels level or plan out your space, it can be easy to end up with something you don’t like. Oh, and forget about moving! You’ll have set it up all over again!

Wait, so are you saying that voice over isn’t worth it? It is too hard?

No!

Conversely, it is possible to get decent recordings in other affordable ways. There is a perfect middle ground. That’s right! Professional level sound reduction, isolation from the outside world, and completely echo-free audio:

Enter the Voice Over Sound Booth!

  A voice-over sound booth can be set up in almost any room.

The voice-over booth is an extremely flexible choice to completely isolate yourself and your recordings from the outside world. A VO booth offers all the pros of a professional recording studio while experiencing none of the cons:

1.    Flexible Assembly and Dis-assembly

2.    Sound Reduction

3.    Echo-free recording

4.    Booth Lighting

Let’s dive into each of these points and discuss how our partner VoiceSuite provides each benefit to our customers!

Flexible Assembly and Dis-assembly

VoiceSuite sound booths are designed to make them extremely easy to assemble. Each soundproof wall is detached from the others to ship economically. Easier shipping means it is easier for you to move around.

Where do you want your booth? This corner? No, this one? Don’t worry about making a permanent decision and altering the structure of your home. Just set it up wherever suits you best!

Sound Reduction

Each VoiceSuite sound booth provides 25-30db of sound reduction. This is for sound coming in (that would corrupt your recording) and for sound going out (which is very convenient for the renters among us). You also can add a double-wall system which adds about 25% more sound deadening. Incredible!

The sound reduction is achieved through the booth design and materials that accommodate professional recordings.

Echo-Free Recording

While sound reduction is essential to a professional recording space, it isn’t everything. If you’re recording in an echoic environment, the sound will carry over into your recordings and will be impossible to edit out. Let’s not go down that path, eh? VoiceSuite booths are entirely covered on the inside with acoustic pyramid foam that dissipates and absorbs sound waves—leaving your voice bouncing into nothing but the microphone itself.

Voice-over sound booths can be customized with windows, skylights, lighting, and more.

Booth Lighting

VoiceSuite sound booths allow natural and artificial light into your recording booth. A window or multiple windows can be added to your booth to prevent it from feeling claustrophobic. For the night owls, artificial lighting is also supplied inside.

As you can see, VoiceSuite sound booths are incredibly functional in design. They check all the right boxes and provide an ideal solution for any musician, vocalist, or voice-over artist. But it doesn’t stop there. Functionality is the bare minimum for a company like VoiceSuite.

VoiceSuite also offers an incredible number of options for personalization and beautification. These include:

·         Additional windows

·         Sound floors

·         Carpet floors

·         Pine French doors with glass panels

·         Door color options

·         Glass ceilings

·         Optional collapsible desk inside the booth

·         Acoustic foam upgrades

·         Additional foam colors

·         Ventilation systems (quiet, AC Infinity Fan)

·         and more - Just ask!

Because of all these things AND the reasonable price point, it’s our pleasure to endorse Keith Dwyer and his VoiceSuite sound booths.

To get a free upgrade to the 3-inch acoustic interior foam, use the code VOICESHOP at checkout: https://voicesuite.net/

Voice Over Demo Reel, What's The Deal?

By: Nate Myers

For an aspiring Voice Over Artist, the demo reel is an absolutely essential tool that is often overlooked. Welcome to Demo Reel 101.

·         Perhaps you have heard it mentioned a couple of times but are not sure what it actually is.

·         Maybe you know what it is but don't know where to start.

·         Maybe you're almost there but need some polishing touches to really sell yourself.

If any of these statements sound familiar, this article is written for you!

What is a Voice Over Demo Reel?

Think of a demo reel as a highlight montage of your voice: your greatest moments, and most spectacular performances, all combined together. Essentially a demo reel is this compilation of your finest work.

Traditionally (and still sometimes today), a purely audio demo reel was common practice. If you've ever seen a clip or watched episodes of The Voice, it is a popular TV show where judges turn their backs and listen to a singer. Without their eyes, they judge the voice on its intrinsic qualities alone—no visual bias. An audio demo reel helps you fit in that same mold. In all cases, but especially in a 100% audio format, professional production is essential to set you apart (more on that later).

Ideally, you would have a demo reel in video and audio form. These days, video translates easily to TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube shorts, etc. A demo reel is a killer way to put yourself on social media. If you can build a following or stand out from the crowd, why wouldn't you want that?

 Voice over demo examples found on the Voice Shop's sister company, Creative Media Design:

https://www.cmdnyc.com/voice-over-talent-casting

Why Record a Demo Reel?
Obviously, this isn't an article about social media prowess. So, what is the true value of a demo reel? Professionally it serves as your resume to casting agencies, websites, and direct applications. Obviously, a written resume for voice over is nice, but when it comes to art (music, singing, voice-over), it is something better experienced with your senses. A demo reel bridges that gap and allows potential opportunities to gauge your abilities and get a true sense of your voice. Let your potential employers get a true taste of your voice. Because it exists as digital media, clients can listen to it directly online. In a world that is becoming more remote than ever, live auditions are on their way out. Demos are the way to go.

How Do I Get Started on My Demo Reel?

First, identify your target audience. You may say, "Wait, this sounds like marketing!" And you would be correct. A Demo Reel is an independent contractor's marketing content. You are marketing yourself.

In identifying your target audience, it is helpful to think of this in terms of desired work. Do you want to go into Podcast Hosting? Animation? Audiobooks? Commercial Advertising? Each of these requires a different skill set. You would hate to send a clever, animated voice to someone looking to cast a serious voice for a biography. Know your audience and cater the content of your demo reel to that audience.

If you are just getting started, you may not know which part of the industry you want to work within. This is perfectly normal! We can help with that. The Voice Shop offers classes for all aspects of the voice-over industry. Seasoned voice coaches teach these classes. To find out more on upcoming voice classes in animation, commercial voice over, and more, check out our Class Schedule: http://www.voiceshopcoaching.com/class-schedule

Recording Your Demo Reel

The recording method you use for your demo reel will determine the end quality of your work. Remember, this is your voice-over resume. Get this part right. Many aspiring voice artists will not have the home studio necessary to produce high-integrity audio or video demos. It is helpful to enlist some professionals. Surprise! The Voice Shop can help with that as well. We offer professional recording, producing, and mastering services to all our students. This service often flies under the radar but can be the singular distinguishing detail that sets you above the competition. We can help record, add background tracks, edit the takes to include only your best work, etc. We also have connections if you need a studio for recording. Visit this page to learn more about our Demo Reel services and hear a couple of examples of demos we've helped create in the past: https://www.cmdnyc.com/audio-post-mixing

And that's it! The Voice Shop is here to help you learn about the industry, your voice, your unique voice, and its character, and also to help you sell all those great things to your future employers. So what are you waiting for?

THE Audiobook Narration Super Star Tanya Eby

By Keith Brunson

Tanya Eby is an audiobook narrator all-star. She became an Audie-award-winning narrator and the recipient of USA Today's Bestselling Writer contestant on NAILED IT. So, Tanya is one to learn from if you're interested in an audiobook career. Last month, she narrated her 1000th book. "Not too many people achieve this milestone."

Her beginnings were rooted in writing and art. Voiceover was not in her sights as a future, but she worked on it passively because, "It was a struggle to make it a career," she says. But ten years ago, after spending a decade voicing, Tanya went all in and developed a niche in voiceover that would change everything.

Audiobook narrator Tanya Eby recently celebrated voicing 1,000 audiobooks.

Audiobooks are where Tanya feels the most at home. She'll voice categories from true crime to fiction, even poetry, but romance novels have become her calling card. "It needs to have a happy ending, and the romance has to be Key to the story," she says. And although hard to believe, Tanya does not consider herself "an A-lister," citing narrators like Julia Whelan and Luke Daniels. "Those guys are the very best… I'm a workhorse," she elaborates. Her productivity is impressive. She delivers one and a half books a week, with a normal year encompassing around (70) books. For the uninitiated, that is a LOT of audiobook work. "You become the voice of the author," Tanya comments, "and in doing so, you pretend you're telling the story to a friend, and that'll create an "intimate" performance."

When voicing, Tanya explains she'll become emotionally involved with the subject manner. "You have to have a disposition of being task-driven and heavily focused so you can affect the listener," she says. Her workload is highly regimented. "I work from 9 am to 2:30 pm because the voice itself can't handle so much endurance." But to deliver a performance in any genre, Tanya searches for content that speaks to her personally. "And it doesn't Have to be about romance." That is demonstrated in this non-fiction book about John "Sonny" Franzese, the mafia boss who once was an underboss of the Columbo crime family written by J.S. Peddie. "I'm proud of this one."

As the voice for name authors like Dean Koontz and Susan Malory, Tanya speaks of her voice acting subtext, which takes place as she voices. "You have to get dialed into the story, and there is a sensation of just getting into the flow, which becomes a performance," she tells me. "Getting in the zone is how you make those words come to life."

Working with publishers and indie authors, Tanya cites getting involved with the Audio Publishers Association https://www.audiopub.org  as a key to getting to the publishers that look for great narrators. "It's its own unique community, and when you're in, your IN."

Networking with other narrators is also a road in. "Here in Grand Rapids, several of us communicate together and share ideas, and that networking really pays off," she says, "and there are a lot of subtleties that make your narration work." Tanya, this week begins work on book number 1001. And her style varies from book to book. But one thing that does not change is her attitude toward this field. "It's a dream job, and that's for sure."