Dear Reader,

You might be wondering, Why did you write this book? We’re glad you asked!

This book has been literally years in the making. We always hoped (and expected) that someday our experiences might add up to more than just running a business. Voice Acting For Dummies is the culmination of our education, practical experience and industry expertise…basically everything we’ve learned about how you can use the human voice to communicate a message well, with purpose and capturing the spoken word in digital form.

With step-by-step explanations, screen shots, and an abundance of examples, this guide clues you in on recording, producing voice-overs and promoting yourself as a voice actor with info on:

• Creating your first demo, a short audio recording used to promote yourself and demonstrate the types of voices you can perform
• Finding your signature voice, whether you are young or old, have an accent or not, and how to leverage your previous life experiences into recording compelling, believable voice-overs that clients will love
• Getting the bare necessities (if you don’t already have them), including a microphone, recording software, and an audio card
• Audio editing software such as Audacity, Cakewalk for PCs, GarageBand for Macs and if you’re a professional, you’ll learn new tips on using ProTools
• Interpreting scripts, self-direction and delivering believable performances
• Recording, including understanding file formats such as MP3 and WAV, capturing or minimizing ambient noise, and more
• Editing with GarageBand or Audacity, adding bed music and sound effects for a signature finishing touch

You want your voice to be heard. Voice Acting for Dummies® helps you get started at Voices.com, set-up a profile, audition for jobs and make money with info on how to:

• Create and edit a profile that’s sure to catch the eyes and ears of prospective clients
• Upload sample recordings of your voice and get them listed in the search engine
• Receive and review job postings for voice-over work from clients such as advertising agencies, production companies and corporate marketing departments, in addition to individuals and businesses seeking voices for their projects.
• Audition online by properly submitting a proposal, demo and quote
• Get paid for work
• Communicate with clients through email
• Promote your services as a voice actor using search engines such as Google and on social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, as well as other online forums

Of course, if you are looking to hire a voice actor, this guide shows you how to do that, too! Complete with a companion podcast—a free weekly audio commentary that will keep you up to speed on the industry—this guide helps you get your message heard, loud and clear.

We hope you enjoy Voice Acting For Dummies and that it brings about for you the tools, advice and practical help you need to explore your voice and perhaps, even pursue voice acting as a career.

With warm regards,

Stephanie and David Ciccarelli

Authors of Voice Acting For Dummies and Founders of Voices.com