Behind the Scenes: Recording Audiobooks in My Home Studio
Audiobook narration is a discipline all its own. Unlike commercials or video games — where performances are delivered in brief, punchy bursts — audiobooks demand endurance. You’re not just voicing a character or reading a script. You’re telling an entire story, often over several days, with hours of sustained vocal performance. And that brings a whole different set of challenges and rewards.
Planning Is Everything
A successful audiobook project starts long before I hit record. Preparation is key. That means reading the book in advance, identifying characters, understanding tone, and making key decisions about vocal delivery.
Is it fiction or non-fiction? Is the narrator a character themselves — and if so, what do we know about them? If it’s third-person narration, is there an emotional lens or should I stay neutral? For fiction, I map out the cast: How many characters are there? How will I differentiate their voices just enough to keep them distinct, without becoming distracting?
Children’s books, for example, may call for more playful energy and exaggerated characters. A piece of literary fiction might demand subtle shifts in rhythm and tone. And non-fiction narration — like history or self-help — requires me to adopt a voice of calm, credible authority.
The more of this work I do up front, the easier the rest of the process becomes.
Recording: A Test of Stamina and Strategy
Narrating a full-length audiobook — say, around 70,000 words — means producing around 7–8 hours of finished audio. That might not sound like much until you realise those 7–8 hours often take 20+ hours to record and edit.
This is why pacing is essential. I plan sessions carefully to maintain vocal consistency and avoid fatigue. I’ll often alternate recording and editing days to protect my voice and preserve energy across the week.
Being efficient in the booth also helps massively with post-production. If I have to keep stopping or re-recording, it adds hours to the job. That’s time (and energy) I’d rather spend elsewhere.
Editing Comes Next (and It Can Be Brutal)
In audiobook work, narrators are usually paid per finished hour — not per hour worked. So if it takes you 20 hours to produce 5 finished hours, the maths quickly becomes unforgiving.
That’s why recording clean audio is only half the job. Editing efficiently is just as important. Tight workflows and good habits (like marking pickups clearly and avoiding background noise) can save hours of post-production.
It’s a labour-intensive process — and one you have to be prepared for before diving in.
Vocal Health: Looking After Your Instrument
Sustained voice work demands care. I manage hydration, avoid foods and drinks that dry the mouth (like caffeine or chocolate), and take regular breaks. Mouth noise, vocal fatigue and posture all affect the quality of the audio — and how long it takes to edit.
Knowing your limits is key. Narration is a marathon, not a sprint. Respecting your body makes the process smoother and more sustainable.
My Home Studio Setup
My studio is Source Connect Certified and fully equipped for professional audiobook production. That includes:
• A broadcast-quality Sontronics Aria microphone.
• Focusrite Clarett 2Pre audio interface.
• Over-ear headphones for accurate monitoring.
• A Mac setup running ProTools and iZotope RX for editing and mastering.
• Acoustic panelling for sound isolation and clarity.
When I started, it was more basic. But over time, I’ve built a space that suits the dynamic, physical nature of my performance style, giving me the room to move and express without sacrificing sound quality.
Choosing the Right Projects
Rates for audiobook narration aren’t always as strong as in other sectors — especially once you factor in editing time. That’s why I choose projects carefully. Shorter children’s books are often more manageable, and the creative freedom can be enormous fun.
Sometimes, the right project offers less money but more joy — or vice versa. Either way, it’s important to be realistic about what you’re committing to and what it will take to deliver.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Reading Aloud
Narrating an audiobook is not just about having a good voice. It’s about storytelling, preparation, vocal discipline, and technical know-how. When done right, it’s incredibly rewarding — you bring a whole world to life using nothing but your voice.
With the right setup, the right process, and the right mindset, it’s absolutely possible to create stunning audiobook productions from a home studio. And if you're an author or publisher looking for a reliable, multilingual audiobook voice actor with a broadcast-ready setup — well, you know where to find me.