KQED's Forum Forum From the Archives: The Art of Audiobooks with Julia Whelan
Dec 22, 2025
Julia Whelan, an acclaimed audiobook narrator known as "the Adele of audiobooks," shares her journey and insights from narrating over 700 titles. She discusses her meticulous preparation process, including character charts and pronunciation lists. Julia emphasizes the impact of AI on the industry and advocates for narrators' rights amidst pay inequities. She also highlights the unique connection audiobooks create for listeners, particularly those with challenges like dyslexia, and reflects on the irreplaceable nature of human storytelling.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Prepare A Character Map Before Recording
- Prep each book by reading a near-final manuscript and cataloging pronunciation and character notes.
- Build a prioritized cast list so you can differentiate main conversational characters first.
Adjust Cadence For Today's Listeners
- Use a reading cadence suited to modern listeners but be mindful listeners may speed up playback.
- Recommend comfortable speeds while noting excessive speed reduces performance nuance.
Vocal And Mouth Care Before Sessions
- Avoid dairy and alcohol before recording and hydrate constantly during sessions.
- Use green apples (or apples) to clear mouth noise and protect throat health.