The Professional Voiceover Handbook is a comprehensive guidebook designed to help readers go from beginner to professional voice actor. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I have been a professional voice over artist since the 1970s, and since I am getting ready to retire, I thought I would put all my knowledge I have accumulated over the years into a comprehensive, fact-filled book to help people new to the industry hit the ground running. I have already created many video based training courses on voiceovermasterclass.com, and they have been well received by people, but the courses were all about types of voice work, or separate niche’s of the voice industry. This book really includes all the information from voice acting, character work, narration, as well as straight voice over work such as for commercials and so on. It shows how anybody who is prepared to work hard, and enjoys using their voice to set up their own business in their own home studio.

What is a common misconception you feel people have about being a voice actor?

Many people feel that voice over work is barking out commercial scripts all day, but nothing can be further from the truth. You can if you want to, specialise in recording just commercials, but for most of us it’s a very small part of general day of a voice artist. You are more likely to work on corporate or training scripts, or tourism duration, which can be very interesting, as well as audio books, so you actually get paid for recording and putting your personality on a factual or fiction book. Every day is different!

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?

I want people to know that the voice is a very important instrument, and it can be incredibly flexible once they understand the exercises you can do to show what it can perform. This is not just in the depth or range of the human voice, but also in accents and character voices, and getting into the world of voice over can be extremely enjoyable and very lucrative as well. This book is a one stop information volume with plenty of facts and minimal waffle!

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