The Audiobook Narrator's Ultimate Checklist: My System for a Flawless Production
- Tom Dheere
- Mar 12, 2012
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 23
I’m fortunate enough to have already narrated five audio books this year with at least one more in the pipeline, and each one has been a challenging and fulfilling experience. As a result, I’ve compiled a streamlined checklist to make sure every project runs smoothly, from the first read-through to the final delivery.
This isn’t just a random list—it’s my proven system for managing all the details, so nothing falls through the cracks. If you’re a narrator looking to level up your workflow, this one’s for you.
Audiobook Pre-Production & Prep Work: Don't Hit Record Without This
Before you even think about turning on your microphone, a solid pre-production phase is crucial. This is where you lay the groundwork for a stress-free project.
Establish a deadline and a clear communication plan with the client.
Get the finalized, digital script (PDF is great, but a collaborative Google Doc is even better!). Make sure it's the final, final version.
Read ahead. Always read at least a few chapters before your first recording session to get a feel for the tone and pace.
Create a pronunciation guide. Use a spreadsheet to track character names, tricky places, or technical terms.
Establish characterizations. For fiction, lock down the voice, gender, and accent for each character.
Clarify client preferences. Find out if the client wants footnotes, forewords, or introductions read as part of the narration.
Audiobook Production & Post-Production: Keep Your Workflow Tidy
Once you're in the booth, staying organized is key to a smooth recording and editing process.
Determine your file format and audio settings. Confirm you're meeting all the required specs (e.g., sample rate, bit depth). For most clients, this means adhering to ACX standards.
Get the Intro and Outro scripts in advance and clarify if you’ll be recording any credits.
Track your progress. I use my audiobook production spreadsheet to log the page range for every chapter and section, so I always know where I am.
The Retake & Quality Control (QC) Process: Your Safety Net
Mistakes happen. A great retake process is your safety net, ensuring the final product is perfect without unnecessary back-and-forth.
Clarify the QC process. Confirm that the client will do their QC after the files have been edited and mastered, not before.
Match your notes. Make sure the QC sheet's timestamps or page and line numbers match your master script exactly.
Set expectations for retakes. Find out if the client wants the retakes as separate files or if they prefer you to edit them in yourself.
I’ve found that using these steps keeps my projects on time and my clients happy. You’ll find that a little bit of prep goes a long, long way.
I have also created an audio book production spreadsheet to track every chapter & section of the audiobook so I never miss a thing.
Want To Learn More?
Click on the image below to stream the How-To Video, "Your Audiobook Workflow"
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK
People are bastards. Bastard-coated bastards with bastard filling. Jon C. McGinley from Scrubs
STUFF
We lost a good man a few days ago. Bart Rolfes died of sarcoma on March 8. He was a Production major at Montclair State while I was getting my acting degree. We worked on a bunch of shows together and he was a blast. Always joking, always in a good mood, always making those rough nights a little less rough. He will be missed.
From Tom Dheere’s apartment, this is Tom Dheere…
As the VO Strategist, Tom's provided voiceover business & marketing coaching since 2011.
He's also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of.
When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.
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