The Sound of My Words
At dinner recently, a friend said he saw my Instagram post that included a quick clip of the audiobook version of my debut mystery, Parallel Secrets. He had just read that same passage in the physical book. I asked whether it sounded like he pictured it while he read. He said, “Absolutely. She nailed it.”
Kudos to the narrator of Parallel Secrets, Susanna Burney.
My characters lived in my mind for months at a time, so I know how they look, sound, act, and think. I feel a bit possessive of my peeps, so it was, let’s say, interesting to have someone else interpret how they sound to the world.
I used ACX (Amazon-Audible) to produce the audio version. The process was simple. It was easy to find a clear answer to every question I had, including financials. There are three payment options: pay the narrator/producer a pre-agreed-upon rate for each completed hour, split royalties 50-50 (ACX takes 60% of each sale, so I would get 20% per audiobook), or some combination of those two. I decided to use the per-completed-hour option.
I uploaded two pages that included different characters and moods. Twelve people responded with sample readings within two days. Two I liked very much. I sent them a few notes and asked that they audition again. I chose Susanna because her changes were exactly responsive to my observations. We formalized our agreement on ACX.
Because I want my concept of my characters to live on in the world of audio, I sent her a fairly detailed description of how I envisioned the main ones. Here’s a sampling, edited to remove spoilers:
Vicky is 36, a former TV reporter, now manager, so her diction and delivery are clear and strong. She is normally upbeat (at least outwardly) and cheerful, and her speaking style is often brisk and matter of fact. I know you know this, but I dip in and out of her internal thoughts while she’s talking, so it’s important to use your voice to differentiate between her thoughts and her dialogue. She grew up in California.
Pete’s 40, from Colorado, a low-key sweetheart who’s competent and self-assured, with sexy undertones. You’ll find out that he used to sell furniture and can be very persuasive. Good strong voice.
Don the volunteer firefighter—Missouri born and bred. In his late 70s, so a bit of old-man creak in his drawl. He puts on the sweet old guy act but has a darker side.
Sam—diner owner—she is 21 or so, raised in Chicago, guarded, a bit secretive, wise beyond her years.
Liz Ann, middle-aged head librarian. I hope you have fun with her. She’s from Savannah GA but talks very fast.
Once Susanna had fifteen minutes recorded and uploaded, ACX notified me. The 15-minute check-in is to make sure everything’s on track. I made a few comments, and she launched into the rest of the book. We kept in touch about her progress. When she finished, I listened to the entire book while reading it and making notes in a spreadsheet. The recording is broken up by chapters on ACX, so it’s a manageable process. I then sent her a list of changes to make. I included the chapter, page, time in the audio, what I wrote and how she spoke it, along with minor explanations (ex: please put more emphasis on X and less on Y). She made those changes, and I approved the book.
And a bonus: It turns out we live within an hour of each other, so we got together for coffee. It’s fun to talk with someone who’s read my book so carefully, and who talks about the characters like they’re as real to her as they are to me.
Parallel Secrets, the audiobook, is now available on Amazon, Audible, and Apple Books. Susanna and I hope you enjoy it!