How it works

A step-by-step guide for every type of creator

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Narrators & Studios

Use your voice to bring stories to life and generate income. Thousands of authors are looking to work with independent or studio narrators on ACX.

Access your Creator Toolkit

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Step 1

Create a profile and start auditioning

Showcase your talent in your profile Whether you’re an individual narrator or a studio, your profile is how authors will find you. Include your background and experience and add vocal samples that showcase your range (like if you specialize in dialects or excel in certain genres). The more details you include in your profile, the more you’ll stand out.

Start auditioning Search for projects and when you find something that seems like a good fit, record and submit an audition. The authors will provide notes about what they’re looking for in the audition recording. Make sure the production quality is top-notch because you want it to reflect what you can do for their audio project. Take advantage of all of ACX’s useful resources to help you learn how to produce the best possible audition.

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Step 2

Collaborate to create

Work on your terms Once you and the author decide to team up, you’ll negotiate the timeline and pay structure. It’s entirely up to you and the author to arrive at a fair price and schedule. When that’s set, it’s time to start recording.

Make it come to life Put your talents to work. In addition to the initial notes your author provides, you’ll have check-ins along the way to ensure they like what they hear. As the narrator, you’re responsible for the finished audio product, from recording to mastering—and we have tons of resources to help you make it perfect.

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Step 3

Finalize and find your next project

Make sure it’s perfect When your recording is complete and approved by the author, you’ll submit it to our Quality Assurance (QA) engineers for review. After you’ve addressed any issues they find and get their approval, it’s time to put your story out into the world.

Get paid, then get your next project Once finalized, your story will be distributed via Amazon, Audible, and iTunes—the world’s most popular listening destinations. If you chose to be paid per finished hour, you’ll get paid now. If you chose royalty share, you'll get paid monthly for any sales of your audiobook. Even if your pay structure isn’t dependent on royalties, spread the word when your title is released. It’s a great way to show other authors what you can do and get connected to your next project.

The more you know

We’ve got tons of videos and articles to help you get started.

Video resources

  • performance video image

    Pick up valuable tips to take your audiobook performance to the next level as you watch veteran narrators professionally coach emerging audiobook talent in this popular video series.

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  • Get all the production how-to’s card image

    This production playlist covers everything you’ll need to get started plus how to take it to the next level. Learn how to set up your studio space with time-saving production tools, get gear reviews, and see Q&A with our QA experts.

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  • The power of audio card image

    What’s possible in audio with these imaginative ACX creators that take their productions beyond the book using creative performance techniques, soundscaping, original scores, and more. Get inspired to start your own audio odyssey.

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Helpful articles

Ready to get started?

Sign up for ACX to get the support you need to create and sell your audio project.