I’ve been thinking a lot about why Audiobook Narrators don’t land auditions.

This is a question I get asked a lot.

"What makes you hit pause and pass on an audition?"

Listen. Every audiobook is unique, which means every audition is different. Audiobook producers are looking for a distinct set of qualities in every recording they cast.

But there are 3 things that make me hit pause on auditions and move on.

#1. Introductions

I am not a fan of slating your name at the start of your audition. If you calculate the amount of time a casting director could spend listening to slates, it’d add up to days over a full year. Let's not even do that math over the course of a full career. Now everyone has a different opinion of slates, so pay attention to the instructions in each casting breakdown.

What’s worse than slates? Introductions. My recommendation is to not preface to your auditions. These long-winded introductions distract from your work. Plus, casting directors don't often want to pass these lengthy intros along to authors. If you do have something to say, include it in a written note to your casting director.

#2. Casting Mismatch

The second thing that makes me hit pause on any audition is feeling like a narrator is wrong for the role. This often doesn't equal not talented. It means this actor is not right to portray this story.

For any role you audition for, first consider “Hmmm am I right for this?”

If you do match up on paper with the role, you might still be a casting mismatch because your sound, energy, presence, or personality aren’t aligned with what the author or producer envisions.

#3. A Lack of Vulnerability

Last but certainly not least, the quality that most loses actors auditions, in my opinion, is a lack of vulnerability. You have to exist wholly within the story you’re portraying. We want to avoid overdone performances that take the listener out of the experience. Listeners want to be lost in the experience of the story you’re telling.

Before you get in front of the mic, shed those nerves and insecurities and tune deeply into the text and its characters.

I hope this insight provides you with guardrails that keep you on track for landing auditions.

If you’re ready to take the next step in growing your audiobook career, check out our upcoming courses: