What It's Like To Be... cover image

What It's Like To Be...

An Audiobook Narrator

Jan 28, 2025
Sean Pratt, an experienced audiobook narrator with over 1,200 titles to his name, shares fascinating insights into the art of storytelling. He discusses the unique challenges of perfecting accents and character voices, while illustrating the emotional nuances required for captivating performances. Sean also highlights the impact of AI on narration and the personal struggles narrators face with ambient noise. His tips for aspiring narrators cover the importance of preparation and the often-overlooked logistical hurdles in this creative profession.
38:04

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Audiobook narrators must consult diverse resources and often reach out to authors to accurately pronounce challenging names and terms.
  • Before recording, narrators analyze character dynamics and context thoroughly to choose distinct voices, adapting creatively based on genre requirements.

Deep dives

The Importance of Correct Pronunciation

Audiobook narrators must accurately pronounce names and terms to maintain credibility. Sean Pratt, an experienced narrator, emphasizes that he often consults authors directly for challenging pronunciations by sending them a voice memo request for clarity. For names in non-English languages, he utilizes resources like Forvo.com to hear native pronunciations, ensuring he captures the correct sounds. Given the complexity and variety in names, he sometimes hires researchers to assist with this labor-intensive task.

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