Nonfiction Audiobook Narration
(right-click to download samples)
aj@ajdukette.com
917-740-8699
If you’re an author looking to bring your nonfiction book to life, you’ve come to the right place! I’m a full-time voice actor specializing in nonfiction audiobook narration, with more than a dozen published titles across a variety of genres. Some of my latest work includes narration for the following:
Rethink Yourself – Change Your Thinking (Not Yourself) to Build Your Self-Esteem
The Honest Harvest: How Pastors Build Wealth with Integrity
I don’t just narrate—I fully produce and deliver polished audio that always meets ACX and Audible’s strict technical standards. Working with me means one-stop shopping: narration, proofing, editing, and mastering are all handled professionally from start to finish.
My goal is to make the process seamless and stress-free, while creating an audiobook that does your book justice. You’ll walk away with a finished product you can be proud of—and an asset that can open up a whole new revenue stream for your work.
Let’s connect about your book, and I’ll create a custom sample so you can hear how it might sound as an audiobook!
HIRING AN AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR FAQ
What does it cost to hire an audiobook narrator?
The cost of hiring an audiobook narrator usually depends on the finished length of your audiobook. Most professional narrators charge a per finished hour (PFH) rate, which means you pay based on the final runtime of the audiobook—not on studio hours. A typical PFH rate can range anywhere from $150 to $400+ per finished hour, depending on the narrator’s experience, audio quality, and whether editing, mastering, and proofing are included.
For example, a 70,000-word book (around 7–8 finished hours) might cost between $1,000 and $3,000 to produce at a professional level. Some authors choose royalty share or hybrid models through platforms like ACX, but hiring directly often gives you more control, higher quality, and faster turnaround.
How do I find a professional audiobook narrator for my book?
There are a few different ways to find audiobook narrators:
Platforms like ACX or Findaway Voices – These connect authors with narrators, but competition is high and quality can vary.
Talent agencies or audiobook production houses – Often pricier, but they handle the logistics.
Hiring a narrator directly – This is often the most cost-effective way to get personal service, direct communication, and a narrator who’s fully invested in your project.
When searching, listen to voice samples in your genre (fiction, nonfiction, memoir, self-help, etc.), check for audio quality, and make sure the narrator is comfortable handling the tone and pacing your book requires.
What should I look for when choosing an audiobook narrator?
Choosing the right narrator can make or break your audiobook’s success. Here’s what matters most:
Voice & Style Fit – Does the narrator’s tone match your genre and audience?
Acting Ability – A good narrator doesn’t just read—they perform, bringing characters and ideas to life.
Audio Quality – Clear, professionally mastered audio is a must for ACX/Audible approval.
Professionalism – Reliability, communication, and ability to meet deadlines are just as important as the voice itself.
A strong narrator should make your book sound engaging, polished, and easy to listen to. Think of them as the bridge between your writing and your audience.
How long does it take to record and produce an audiobook?
Turnaround time depends on the length of your book and the narrator’s production process. A good rule of thumb:
Word Count to Finished Hours: About 9,300 words = 1 finished hour of audio.
Recording & Editing: On average, it takes 6–8 hours of work to create 1 finished hour of audio (recording, proofing, editing, mastering).
Total Timeline: Most indie books (6–10 finished hours) can be completed in 2–4 weeks, including revisions. Add an extra 1–2 weeks if you’re publishing through ACX/Audible, since they require an additional approval process.
If you’re planning a book launch, it’s best to reach out to a narrator early, so production fits smoothly into your publishing schedule.
How do royalty share vs. per-finished-hour audiobook deals work?
With a per-finished-hour (PFH) deal, you pay the narrator a flat rate based on the final length of your audiobook. For example, a 7-hour audiobook at $200 PFH would cost $1,400. You keep full ownership and all royalties.
A royalty share deal means the narrator works for free upfront but receives a percentage of royalties for every sale. This can be attractive if you’re on a tight budget, but experienced narrators usually prefer PFH since it guarantees fair compensation. Some authors use royalty share plus, a hybrid where you pay a reduced PFH plus shared royalties.
Do I need to hire an audiobook producer or can the narrator handle everything?
Many professional narrators, myself included, handle the entire production process—recording, proofing, editing, and mastering—so you don’t need to hire separate people for each step. This makes the process smoother, faster, and often more affordable.
If you hire a narrator without production experience, you may need to bring in a producer or editor to ensure your files meet Audible/ACX requirements. Hiring a narrator who can also produce saves you time and guarantees consistency across the whole project.
How do I make sure my audiobook meets Audible/ACX requirements?
Audible (through ACX) has strict technical standards for things like file formatting, noise floor, RMS levels, and peak volume. If your files don’t pass, your audiobook can be delayed or rejected.
The simplest way to ensure compliance is to hire a narrator/producer who is experienced with ACX requirements and delivers ready-to-upload audio. That way, you don’t have to worry about technical details—I make sure everything is polished and approved.
What’s the difference between hiring a narrator directly vs. through ACX or Findaway Voices?
Platforms like ACX and Findaway Voices connect authors with narrators, which can be helpful if you’re just starting out. However, hiring through a platform often means higher competition, less control over who applies, and additional platform fees.
When you hire a narrator directly, you get:
Direct communication throughout the project.
Flexible pricing and faster turnaround.
A more personal working relationship.
For many indie authors, direct hiring is the most efficient and stress-free option.
Can I listen to samples before hiring an audiobook narrator?
Yes—you absolutely should. Most narrators provide samples of previous work and will often record a custom audition using your text so you can hear how your book would sound.
Listening to samples helps you evaluate the narrator’s tone, pacing, and fit for your genre. It’s the best way to make sure their voice matches the style and emotion you want for your audiobook.
How can a good narrator help my audiobook sell more copies?
An engaging narrator can transform your book from text on a page into a captivating listening experience. Listeners are far more likely to recommend, review, and buy more audiobooks from an author if the narration feels professional and enjoyable.
A good narrator also reduces returns (which can hurt your sales ranking) by delivering clear, consistent audio that meets listener expectations. In short, the right voice doesn’t just bring your words to life—it helps build your reputation and increase sales over time.
Ready to bring your book to life? Hiring the right narrator doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ll guide you through each step of the process, from narration to final production, so you end up with a polished audiobook you can be proud of.
If you’d like to hear how your words might sound as an audiobook, let’s connect. I’d be happy to record a custom sample and give you a clear idea of cost and timeline for your project.
