Choosing a Narrator

Audiobooks are the up and coming format. No longer does a listener have to borrow audio disks from the limited collection most libraries have or purchase the expensive CDs themselves. Like so much else, it's gone digital. And as in ebooks, Amazon has a big slice of the market with their Amazon Audible. They make it easy for both writers and producers

After filling out the form to list the already published book for production, the writer will need to choose a narrator. I usually put in the filters of what I'm looking for and then listen to the samples of some of the narrators that apply on Audible. However, for the last couple of books, narrators have contacted me from the initial listing. This didn't happen often at first, but it has made it quicker and easier to find my producer. They will be responsible for all the technical end of things as they read and record the book. You will need to furnish the manuscript, upload the cover design, and review the chapters for errors.

My dilemma in choosing the narrator has more to do with the accent and gender. Is it better to have someone with the accent of the book's setting or one with a more general accent? Heretofore, I've gone with ones with the accent the main characters in my books would have. Most of those have been Southern, although two were set in Pennsylvania. However, I'm beginning to wonder if readers don't prefer less of an accent. I haven't been specific as to gender unless there is only one main character. What do you think? What type of voice is best?

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