How to Audition for an Audiobook Like a Professional
Auditioning for audiobooks can feel like a mysterious and unpredictable process. Many narrators wonder: What works? What doesn’t? What do publishers and authors really want to hear?
In this post, I’ll share my experience auditioning for audiobook projects, what I’ve learned from authors and producers, and the techniques that helped me book work.
The Uncertainty of Auditioning
Auditioning for audiobooks often feels like a game with no clear rules. You don’t always know what’s right, what’s taboo, or what will resonate. That uncertainty can be frustrating, but it’s also part of the process.
What helped me was looking at my own bookings and talking directly with authors I’d worked with. Their feedback gave me clarity about what stood out in my auditions and why they chose me.
Learning from Case Studies
I’ll use two projects I narrated this year as touchstones: The Strange Case of Jane O and Caught Stealing.
By looking at how I approached the first few pages of each, you can get a sense of the thought process behind a strong audition. It’s not just about reading well—it’s about interpreting the text, matching the tone, and connecting with the story in a way that feels authentic.
What You Can Control
A big caveat: much of the auditioning process is out of your control. Audiobook casting is subjective. It’s an artistic collaboration between performer and author, and success depends on whether there’s synchronicity in how you both see the book.
But here’s the good news: you can control your preparation, your consistency, and the professionalism you bring to every read. Over time, those things make a real difference.
Key Takeaways
Embrace subjectivity. Not every audition is about you “failing”—sometimes it’s just not the right fit.
Focus on interpretation. How you bring the words to life matters more than a “perfect” read.
Learn from feedback. When possible, ask authors or producers why they chose you—it can be eye-opening.
Stay consistent. The more auditions you submit, the better your odds and the more confident you’ll become.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, audiobook auditions are about more than just having a good voice—they’re about preparation, interpretation, and connection. By treating each audition as a chance to bring a story to life, you can stand out in a competitive field.
Stay consistent, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy the process of storytelling.
