Audiobooks with Ana

VOAtlanta's very own Lynn Norris & Jessica Merchant joined us in 2025 to talk through the ins and outs of organising a conference of this magnitude: what it entails and how it all worksThey talk us through what’s new. The Key note, Audiobooks, and everything VOATLANTA Details of this year's conference can be found here:https://www.voatlanta.me/voa2026/Homehttps://www.voatlanta.me/voa2026/AudiobookSpeakers We were also joined by Joel Froomkin and Sean Pratt who popped in tp share details of their Audiobook X-SessionsThis is episode 27-3 and was recorded in February 2025If you have any questions about this episode or would like more information on audiobook narration coaching, please get in touchHttps://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

In this episode we talk about what your headshots and website photographs say about you.Sean Pratt is a well respected coach and prolific audiobook narrator. He shared his career story: acting in film, TV and theatre and then his journey into fiction and then non-fiction audiobooks, narrating 50 books a yearSean teaches a curriculum of classes on audiobook narration that are 1:1 online. They cover narration, non fiction and the business and marketing of the industryHe encourages us to ask: what are you selling? Discusses promotional materials. References an Audiofile magazine marketing webinar on youtube with Sean and Michelle https://youtu.be/66rCZPv4CSI?si=a34yESbY3_U00PhtHe talks us through how to experiment and crowdsource your 3 words, Personality, Energy and Attitude, and how to use that in your search for workHow to come up with ideas for your photo shoot; and he mentions these artists websites: JRodney Turner, Lillian VO, Jennifer Jill Arraya, Gary FurlongSean talks about the difference between a Commercial Photographer and a Head Shot photographer. The importance of preparation and the visual representation of our brandHow do you transfer those thoughts into pictures? Awareness of self. Let Sean describe his vision in picturesThis episode 26-3 was recorded live in January 2025If you' d like more information about this episode or about audiobook narration coaching, get in touchHttps://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

A Prose and Convs. session with actor and coach, Steve Corona who produced his first audiobook in 2007 and then stepped away for a while. He says he wished he had come back to it sooner, but acting, the theatre and dialect coaching kept him busy.Linda Hughes, now a full time author of 4 years, with 27 books to her name, shares her story. Voiceover work in radio advertising. Seminar leader - life balance, team building, communication skills) and flying around the world.They talk us through the 37 characters in her book, Gold mountain and discuss their connection and collaboration.The Alaskan Gold rush inspired book is the second in the serieshttps://www.lindahughes.comhttps://www.coronaproductions.org/audiobooksEpisode 25 started off our 2025. This conversation was recorded on Clubhouse in January 2025If you'd like more information about this podcast or about audiobook narration coaching, get in [email protected]://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

Part of our Prose & Convs series, narrator Rosemary Cline brought along author, Kelly Brakenhoff to discuss their project.They talked about their meeting and working togetherRosemary shared her passion for narration and the other projects she is involved inKelly shared her books, her love of all things creative and her incredible experiences with Sign LanguageKelly Brakenhoffhttps://www.facebook.com/kellybrakenhoffauthor/Clifton Strengthshttps://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253715/34-cliftonstrengths-themes.aspx Kelly’s websitehttps://kellybrakenhoff.com/product/cassandra-sato-mystery-series-audiobook-bundle-books-1-4/Episode 24 recorded Dec 2024If you have any thoughts about the podcast or have any questions about audiobook narration or production, please get in touch:Https://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

Another of our Prose and Convs sessions Audio in Color is a nonprofit grant program helping independent romance authors fund and create their first self-published audiobook.We are joined by Andi Arndt and Nan Malone to talk about funding debut audiobooks and championing New Voices in Romance.They talked to us about how they met, about STEAMY Litand we are joined byNana Malone, Author, promoter, mentor and life lover Andi Arndt, Narrator, Coach, Owner of Narrator.lifeKatie Robinson (Lyric Audio) PRODUCTIONRonyelle Baker - application form, JUDGESAnn Rachelle Jones organised the FALL INTO ROMANCE auctionAlso Gabrielle Redmond (CPA) treasurer Amy Oliveira can speak to the grantee experienceAs a community we value diversity and we need to share the importance of championing it.TO BE WELCOMED IS TO BE SEENhttps://audioincolor.orgIf you have any questions about this podcast or about audiobook narration our production, please get in touchwww.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

Join Your Publishing BFF our Editor in residence, Dayna talks with us about life and the why of editingTheir job as a Feature writer for local newspapers for 14 years - copy editingInterviewing families and centenarians. Their lives and their stories. Burn out - retraining in Fiction editing and starting Your Publishing BFFTheir work, authors and their lives. The importance of hearing people’s stories and of representation.Book reading - romance & children’s books   Book writing - inclusive, representationThe different types of editing: ARC and plot threads Line and Copy editing Proof reading Character work and their story throughout the bookHow to find someone you trust: referrals from other authors & asking for samplesACE’s and EFA (editor membership)CIEP Chartered Institute for Editing and ProofReading - Ranked membershipDayna is Chair of CRW Contemporary Romance Writers and their Online Accessible ConferenceWriting Contests: Stiletto awards with narrators!!Also on committee for Northern Hearts (Toronto) writing conference NHCDayna gives us a take on independent author conferences. How the different angles of approach allow narrators to understand viewpoints. Formats/schedules can give you new perspective and an openness to the industryUnderstanding how authors tick allows us to be empathic and more in tuneRe-writing your Demo script. Abridging. Dayna also LOVES working on website copy! So ,reach out!https://www.yourpublishingbff.comThis was recorded June 2024If you have any questions about this podcast or would like more information on Audiobook Production or Narration ...Https://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

Join us as we chat with Tim Pabon. Born in Madrid, Spain he talks to us about his life on the East Coast of America. He talks us through his MFA Programme, life as an actor … his theatre company and becoming a steward of your own stories.His introduction and commitment to audiobooks. His work as an acting coach and working with Andi Arndt on 3rd person narration at Narrator.Lifewww.TimAPabon.com

Trigger Warnings: Mentions of Cancer, therapy and recoveryJoin us to talk to BRAD SHAW, the owner of WONDERLAND VOBrad shared his career highlights and inspiration for WONDERLAND VO ⁠www.wonderlandvo.com⁠⁠In December 2023, Brad launched a charity audiobook as a podcast, sharing "Alice Through The Looking Glass" one chapter at a time. Every donation to Cancer Research UK gets us one step closer to our goal.  CRUK to help save lives. Alice in Wonderland (175 voices) ⁠www.bradshawvoice.com⁠Alice through the Looking Glass ⁠www.wonderlandvo.com⁠#WonderlandChallenge2 #DonateForACauseIf you have any questions about this podcast or about AUDIOBOOK production, narration or the industry, get in touch with Https://www.anaclements.co.uk/coachingThank you

Join us to chat with Steven Jay Cohen owner of the Cooperative Publishing model, audiobook producer and packager, Spoken Realms LLC, connecting storytellers from around the world to a modern production and distribution system with global reach. https://spokenrealms.comSteven shares his story as theatre tech while at college to engineering NPR Selected Shorts. He has a broad knowledge of the industry, writing, staging and producing off-off-broadway. An MA in Education, his incredible blog postsThe importance of knowing your ImprintsAcquiring the distribution contract with Audible, programming, creating the system which became Spoken RealmsHe talks to us about how Public Domain worksHis Podcast: Yet another dating app YADAWe discuss his blog post, (my most suggested link) ⁠https://stevenjaycohen.tumblr.com/post/622987297644740608/proper-mic-positioning-in-11-steps-or-less⁠His favorite emojiDistribution - Exclusive vs non-exclusiveAnd his most requested piece of advice ...https://stevenjaycohen.comRecorded April 2024If you'd like any more information about this podcast or audiobook narration, production or coaching, please get in touchhttps://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

The prolific Joe Solari joins us to discuss the upcoming 2024 Author Nation and share his insights into the industry and a creative career. He shares his sense for where the business is headed and information & thoughts relevant to all creativesJoe talks about how you can build a brand around your talent - the cumulative advantage: brand trust, is slow. How to attract and be a good business partner. What’s the promise to the audience?Joe does direct sales for his books and audio through his website and discusses the benefits to be had. He speaks to narration and storytelling - As narrators we play at the edge of the subconscious"Your website is the source of truth for what you are and what you stand for"He talks about fans and signed editions - amazon can’t do that!Your super-fans and patience, commitment and consistency!You can find more about Joe at:https://joesolari.com/https://www.authornation.live/?r_done=1https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorNationLiveThis episode 18-2 was recorded live on Clubhouse in 2024If you'd like more information about this episode or about audiobook narration coaching, get in touchHttps://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

Today we chat with Helen Lloyd about her life and career. She shares highlights and regales us with her stories.We covered her journey through theatre and television to Audiobook Narration. She mentioned her London Book Fair experience and her new production company, Raconteurs https://raconteurs.co.uk We covered her recent MA in Creative Writing and returning to University and I asked whether her MA changed the way she narrates.Join us for a wonderful episode of stories, previously recorded in February 2024.You can find Helen Lloyd at https://helenlloydaudio.comIf you'd like to find out more about audiobook narration, production, or have any questions you would like answered, please get in touch Https://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

In our very first Prose & Convs episodes we meet author, Steven Guglich and narrator, Sean Pratt who worked together on converting Steven's Piercing the Veil into an AudiobookSteven shared his story: how and when he began writing and the start of this journey with Sean into audioThe pair discussed the process of production, and their journey together into a Kickstarter: what that meant and how it worked, the research required and the result.Steve shared the fortuitous name changes that occurred thanks to Sean's (mis) pronunciations and how sales worked out in the different formats, and distribution.This Principal of the Year talked about the importance of maintaining a creative passion without it interfering with family life and impacting work.Piercing the Veil is the first book in the Veil Sagahttps://stevenguglich.comThis is the first in the intermittent Prose and Convs sessions where we talk to authors about the narrator they chose to work with to convert their written work into an audiobook audiobook please get in touch

Hannibal Hills came to talk all things Get Sleuthy https://getsleuthy.com/⁠ and we managed to hear about his celebrant life as a non-religious wedding officiator, his book ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Celebrant-Handbook-Officiate-Professional/dp/0692634738⁠His story of drama at Southampton, Theatre Director, anthropology, Banking, Switzerland, Spain, Scotland and now in the USA.Audiobook narration - https://hannibalhills.com/Production House - RoyalWave Media -  https://royalwavemedia.com/GET Sleuthy!  https://getsleuthy.com/ filters your searches on Amazon to find you a list of books that have not yet been produced as an audiobook. This gives you the book details and your own personal list of books with info about reach outs.He talks to us about how to spot the good sellers, the genres and the RS+ sellersFor coaching you can contact Hannibal through any of his websitesThis conversation was recorded February 2024If you enjoyed this and would like any more information about Audiobook narration or production, please get in touchHttps://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

Join me as we meet ErinMoon and ask her where it all began. She speaks of her love of theatre, stories of the Colorado Shakespeare company, and her late husband Stafford. We cover her move to New York producing and proofing with Recorded Books. Her thoughts about how the read along, listen along helped with her cold reading skills. How she got into narration and how Gabra Zackman introduced her to Audible and she was able to go full time.Her favourite emoji? heart and heart faceShe mentions her romance pseudonym and how she deals with her industry presence.Her coaching and the resources she offers and the organic reach she has. She loves to teach script specificity and the nuance in the narrativeJoin me in this wonderful conversation!Trigger warnings: mentions of widowhood and cancerWebsite Link: https://www.erinmoonactor.comBlog Post link: https://msmoonyogiactor.blogspot.comCoaching Link: https://www.erinmoonactor.com/coaching/Yoga Link: https://www.moonyogatherapeutics.comIf you have any questions about Audiobooks or would like more information on production or narration, please get in touchwww.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

VA for VOVoice Adjacent match-making! Lynn Norris, Brigid Reale and Miranda kindly joined us in this episode to talk about VA for VOThe Ultimate Solopreneur's Outsourcing ResourceWe connect creative solopreneurs, like voice actors, podcasters, and on-camera talent, with industry-savvy outsourcing allies, who get your world and can handle the tasks you shouldn’t be doing - whether you need help once or every week. And we educate them too. https://www.vaforvo.comBRIGID REALELook up hard-working voice over entrepreneurs in the dictionary, and you’ll likely find a description of Brigid Reale. For more than a decade, this Emmy award-winning voice actor and founder of Reale Voices has cultivated her career from mere aspiration to thriving voiceover business. She has lent her talents to some of the top brands across the globe. If there is one thing Brigid has learned in her short tenure in the industry, it is that building genuine, trustworthy relationships through authenticity is the secret sauce for a successful career in voice over. As both a voiceover artist and coach, she regularly shares her knowledge with the VO community, from veterans to beginners, helping them understand and navigate the creative world of business and marketing. Naturally, this led Brigid to partner with Lynn to create a new educational and opportunity platform for voice actors who want to add streams of income to their small businesses by being a voiceover adjacent resource provider. Brigid can’t wait to se how our members grow!LYNN NORRIS Lynn Norris is a full-time working SOVAS award-winning voice actor, who has been the CEO/COO/Chief cook and bottle washer of her own voice over business for more than 5 years. After a long career outside of voiceover in the fintech space, where it was her primary responsibility to explain business requirements to software developers and development features and limitations to business stakeholders, Lynn believes strongly in “teaching you to fish”. In addition to voicing for clients, Lynn also provides voiceover adjacent services to other voice actors as a copywriter and audio editor. And she’s becoming a regular presenter for voice over workout groups, organizations and conferences, teaching business skills and writing to other voiceover artists. So it was an easy decision to partner with Brigid to create VA For VO – an education and resource community within the VO industry. Lynn’s very excited to help aspiring voiceover adjacent resource providers learn skills and connect with other VO professionals to grow that part of their entrepreneurial pursuits.#Outsourcing #Admin #VO #AudiobooksIf you have any further questions or would like information about audiobook production or narration, do get in touchwww.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

Join us to talk to Don Baarns about his career, his life in music and the things that bring him joy.More than just a “tech guy”, Don started his adult life as a music recording engineer and a performing musician in Los Angeles. With decades of recording, production AND performance experience, he has a unique perspective on audio tech.His coaching, video sessions and tools were developed and refined with thousands of hours of private sessions with clients, ranging from absolute beginners to expert level students. Put all that experience to work for YOU!Https://redbaarnsaudio.comhttps://VOJumpstart.comRed Baarns Audio YouTube Channel Interview with Ana Clements January 2024 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuXpbx99-P0If you have any further questions, about audiobook narration or production, please get in touch,Ana Https://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

In this episode we get to know narrator, Hillary Huber. We discuss knitting, awards and birthday teas with Bette DavisHillary has recorded over 800 audiobooks spanning many genres but thrillers are her favorite.  She is a multiple Audie Award finalist, multiple Earphone Award winner, Voice Arts Awards winner and one of Audiofile Magazine's best voices.  Hillary has a BA in English Literature and is a voracious reader and listener.  Likes: yoga, hip hop dancing, baking sourdough, bourbon. Dislikes: liver. Raised in conservative Connecticut and hippy Hawaii, Hillary now splits her time between Santa Monica and New York.  Her super power is reciting the alphabet backwards. www.HillaryHuber.comFor more information or advice on narrating or producing audiobooks ... get in touch!www.anaclements.co.uk

Khai Dattoli is an audiobook casting director at Podium Audio. Playwright, german bilingual, actress, murder mystery company owner and organizer, Khai Dattoli enchants us with her story of her introduction to the world of audiobooks at Deyan Audio and now, established in her career, her move to Podium audio.Find out what it takes to prepare and cast a book into audio.Take a listen For further Information:https://podiumaudio.com/about-podium-audio/If you'd like to know more about the podcast or about working with me, please get in [email protected]

A wonderful conversation with Adam Fritz CEO of Pozotron a software program that allows audio book narrators and editors to analyse their audio, using text recognition, analyse their script and proof the text. Let's find out what it can do!If you'd like to reach out to the Pozotron team, they are available at: [email protected] Pozotron referral link mentioned in the conversation, which gets you 7 free hours of audio credit, to sample the software and a one month free trial of the softwarehttps://www.pozotron.com/[email protected] always, if you have any comments on the podcast or would like to reach out, I am available at www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

In this episode I chat with Val Kelly about MAVO, the Mid Atlantic VoiceOver Conference. In addition to being a bilingual, French/English Voice Actress, Val is the Owner/President/CEO/Executive Producer of Mid-Atlantic Voiceover, LLC. Val is in charge of running all aspects of the company and is the Executive Producer/Director for the Mid-Atlantic Voiceover "Get Inspired" Conference. For more information about the MAVO2024 "Get Inspired" conference coming up on November 8-10, 2024 visit the MAVO website https://www.midatlanticvo.com/Val's own website https://www.valkellyvoiceover.com/If you have any thoughts or questions about this podcast or about audiobooks, get in touch https://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

Join me and the SAG AFTRA National director of Audiobooks as she fills us in on the latest news, updates us on contracts and possibilities for working  within the union and shares her journey and her insights into the fabulous world of audiobooksJane Love’s 34-years of experience illuminates the critical role of union membership for U.S. creatives, and the intricacies of negotiating fair contracts. We spoke of the complexities behind becoming a signatory and the impactful expansions in health benefits and pension opportunities for narrators. Stick around for more insights on union advocacy, the essentiality of human performance in the age of AI, and solidarity in the struggle for fair pay within the global market. Get ready to raise your voice and protect your rights, Audiobooks with Ana.RESOURCES:https://www.sagaftra.org/contracts-industry-resources/audiobooksIf you need further information or would like to work with me, please get in touchwww.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

The many voices of Joel Froomkin! Joel shares his journey through voice and theatre. A fascinating insight into his story and the events that have shaped him and made him the talent that he is. He guides us through his acting training and experience, directing, coaching and narrating, right through to his classes and cruises. Get ready to choose your niche and book your class as we find out more about the king of “acting for audio”https://www.joelfroomkinaudio.com/https://www.audiobooksatsea.com/https://actingforaudio.com/about the podcast or audiobook narration, please get in touch at:https://www.anaclements.co.uk/

Let's get to know Dan Friedman as he shares his journey, from his early days as a radio engineer to his rise as a reputed name in the voiceover world. Dan will be sharing insights from his compelling new book, delving into techniques and tips for audio artists. We'll also discuss Dan's transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how his pursuit of music and teaching impacted his life. Lastly, Dan shares his thoughts on family, future, and his journey toward success. So sit back and join us as we explore the art of voiceover with Dan Friedman.Also … his first book quickly became an Industry standard and now his 2nd book is out!Dan Friedman's Website: https://sound4vo.com/SOUND ADVICE Book https://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/BookDetails/292116-sound-adviceZEN & the art of Voiceover Book https://store.bookbaby.com/book/zen-and-the-art-of-voiceoverIf you have any questions about the podcast or would like to get in touch with me, please do! https://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching/

Join me as I chat with Anna Alcasas Collins about taking over the running of VOAtlanta and the excitement of coordinating a conference with so many speakers and so much going on!Voiceover Atlanta, commonly known as VO Atlanta is the voice acting and voice over industry’s largest annual conference. This conversation was recorded just before the 2023 annual event.Anna is CEO of Anna Collins Events and has enjoyed taking the conference to new heights, adding the special, personalized touches that Anna Collins Events attendees have come to expect.https://www.annacollinsevents.com/https://www.voatlanta.me/If you have any questions about this podcast or would like to get in touch about audiobook narration, production or coaching, please dohttps://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching/

In this episode we chat with the incredible Nic Redman. Nic shared lots of stories about her career from musical theatre, through stand up, to her love of learning and all she brings to the voice industry - including her classes, groups, retreats, podcasts and her new book "On The Mic". Her love of new things and her discovery on our behalf allows us to empower ourselves and frees us up to do better every day.Take a listen! https://nicolaredman.com/on-the-mic-book/The Voice Coach PodcastThe Voice Deck CardsThe VoiceOver Career PlannerVoice and Accent HubIf you enjoyed this episode and have any questions, or would like to chat about audiobook narration or production, get in touch Https://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

In this episode we chatted with the wonderful Hillary Huber to find out about the coaching side of her audiobook career and discuss the upcoming voice conference that she would be attending. Hillary shared her journey transitioning from commercial voiceovers to audiobooks. We discussed the immense growth in the audiobook industry, the importance of demos and the incredible networking opportunities at voiceover conferences like VO Atlanta.We were joined by Lynn and Jessica to talk more about VO Atlanta, and also touched on the importance of having a solid marketing strategy, the effectiveness of business cards, and the promising future of digital networking. Tune in for valuable insights from these seasoned experts, and the chance to learn from the best in the business.https://www.hillaryhuber.com/https://www.voatlanta.me/If you have any questions about this podcast or about audiobook narration, or production, please get in touch⁠https://www.anaclements.co.uk/coaching

Welcome to Audiobooks with Ana. In our inaugural episode, voiceover titan Johnny Heller dispels myths on audiobook narration, shares a hearty laugh about beard mishaps, and touched on the magical spontaneity of workshops versus routine coaching. Dive into a treasure trove of insider advice, as Johnny talks about balancing personal narration styles with proven acting techniques.Be inspired by the camaraderie of our narrator community and Johnny’s tales from a career that’s as rewarding as it is instructive.Don't miss this inside look at professional growth and the vibrant life of audiobook narration, on Audiobooks with Ana.Tune in, subscribe, and let's narrate our journey together.https://johnnyheller.com/If you enjoyed this episode and have any questions, or would like to chat about audiobook narration or production, get in touch https://www.anaclements.co.uk/

Welcome to the debut episode of Audiobooks with Ana! I'm Ana Clements, your host, and in this series, we'll be delving into the world of audiobooks and speaking to industry experts. This first season was recorded in 2023 in the audiobook group on Clubhouse, and we've handpicked some compelling conversations to share with you. Join us as we uncover the inner workings of the audiobook industry and discover new insights together. Thank you for listening. If you have any questions about this podcast or about audiobook narration, please get in touch ⁠https://www.anaclements.co.uk/⁠