Reddit reviews Voiceovers: Everything You Need to Know About How to Make Money With Your Voice

Alright, I haven't booked any voice over gigs yet, but I know a couple of people in this industry...
Step one: First thing you need to do is get some good acting and voice training. Learning to project one's voice and change it; learning how to take direction and how to read for a part, these are key elements of the profession. It is best to learn to your find your range, and learn to be creative too--how does your "angry old Martian prospector" character sound next to your "Guy getting a cashiers check at the bank on a Tuesday morning?" Listen to the radio commercials and VO's on tv and movies as well. Record yourself. Oh shit, do I really sound like that? Check this out: How to Develop A Manly Voice | Art of Manliness: http://youtu.be/z4SW_xMueXU.

Why do we love the likes of Morgan Freeman or Keith David?

Step two: there are some helpful books out there, but this one in particular was recommended to me by a voice acting agency rep at a workshop. Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1932907904?pc_redir=1405446101&robot_redir=1

Step three involves making a demo which I understand to be an expensive, meticulous process--though a necessary one you really want to get represented through an agency. Expect to invest at least 450$ into this endeavor--though likely more. You cannot get away with just speaking into smartphone voice recorder app in your hall closet, reading a fake mattress ad your "creative neighbor" Weasel (fuckin' Weasel) thought up. No. A good demo consists of you reading a bunch of professionally written copies, recorded on studio equipment. You have to exhibit the quality and character of your voice on that professional and convincing level. Anything sub par is cause for someone at an agency to skip over your demo and listen to another actor's. You cannot expect to snag those big, professional, auditions for radio, tv, movies, and new media stuff without an agent. They get your demo to the people who are casting for the voice in the toothpaste ad, or that pilot for a kid's show. Remember these are the jobs that can pay really well, but are difficult to book on your own.


Be aware: voice acting and voice over is a very difficult industry to break into, but once you're in--implying you hustle and audition for everything you can book--more consistent gigs will follow over time as you mature as an artist, grow your demo reel, and build your resume. Good luck, hope this helps!

*edit: words and clarity

Can't talk much right now, but I would recommend reading this:

http://www.amazon.com/Voiceovers-Everything-About-Money-Voice/dp/1932907904/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415249434&sr=8-1&keywords=terri+apple

Checking out equipment here:

http://www.voiceactingmastery.com/toolbox

Looking up rates here:

http://support.voice123.com/hc/en-us/articles/200779764-How-Much-Does-it-Cost-to-hire-Voice123-Voiceover-Talents-for-Non-Union-Work-Online-

And checking out this site:

http://www.voiceoverxtra.com/

Voice acting is something you don't really get lucky at so much as something you constantly work at. Let everyone you know you are a voice actor after you have a couple voice demos (commercial, long form narration and character if you can do characters), a website and business cards ready. Contact as many casting directors and advertising agencies and what-not as you can.

As long as you can read conversationally and convincingly, then you can make money as a voice actor. Also, maybe trying out reading audio books on acx.com is a good idea. I am currently producing three books on it now.