Here's my simple process for getting your project recorded
expertly, efficiently, and within budget!
#1 Get a Custom Audition on your Script
The easiest way to know if I’m a good fit for your project is to request a custom audition on your script. Send an email with a portion of your script to Erica@EricaBrookhyser.com. Also provide me with a description of your project, including the kind of voice you’re looking for (e.g. caring, authoritative, wry, etc.), the purpose, target audience, or the overall effect you’re going for with the project. #2 Agree on a Budget
If you liked what you heard in the audition sample and would like to work together, the next step is to discuss your voiceover budget and come up with a quote together. Every voiceover project is priced differently based on different factors. For example, if your project is a commercial, I will ask you about usage, market size, broadcasting outlets, and length of run. If you have an eLearning project, I’ll ask you for the script’s word count, as well as how many individual files you will need to have named. Other projects are based on length, use, audience size, and other factors. Once I've delivered the final audio recordings, I will send an invoice via email. I accept payment through credit card, ACH, wire transfer, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle. And for my international clients, I will provide you with my Wise account information. #3 Discuss Timeline
Mapping out a timeline helps me know how I can make sure you meet your deadlines. For shorter projects of less than 10 minutes, I will typically deliver audio within 24 hours. For longer projects, I may need a few days. For audiobooks, it takes me a few weeks to complete the recording and editing process. In addition to initial audio file delivery, I’ll be sure to factor in time for audio review and script revisions. #4 Clarify Audio File Specifications
Your audio files are all recorded as 48k/24-bit wav files during my recording session. This is the highest level of audio quality detectable by the human ear, and the standard for broadcast-quality audio used for radio, film, and television. Depending on the needs of your project, I can provide you with 48k/24-bit wav files, or another file type that better meets the needs of your project. If you're not sure what kind of audio quality you need, feel free to ask me. Video ends to need the highest-quality audio (48k/24-bit wav files or similar) , so that music and other sound effects can be added without the voiceover quality suffering. eLearning projects often require mp3 files - a form of compressed audio that doesn’t overload the streaming of graphic-rich online training. Audiobooks also rely on mp3s for compatibility with audiobook apps such as Audible. Telephony and IVR often depend on legacy systems that aren’t suited to handle high-quality audio files. Your phone messaging service provider will know the kind of file (e.g. mp3, AIFF, wav) and the audio quality (e.g. 8k/8-bit) that your system uses. #5 Decide on Your Feedback Process
Working with a voice actor for your project should be as hands-on or hands-off as you want it to be. There are two main ways to give feedback for your voiceover: live-directed sessions or recorded sample feedback.
#6 Proof your Audio
After receiving your audio files, check them thoroughly for any mistakes I may have made in reading your script. I always proof my work, but occasionally I miss something. All corrections are recorded free of charge. #7 Script revisions Maybe your team has decided after hearing the voiceover that they'd like to change a few words - not a problem! I include one round of minor script revisions with every quote. I define minor revisions as up to 10 words in a 30-second script, or 1-2 sentences per recorded minute. I can deliver your revised audio “pick-ups” as short audio snippets for you to add into your project, or I can insert the revisions into the original audio and send you a new version of the original file. #8 Enjoy your Finished Project! The voiceover recording is often one of the last steps in a very long project development cycle. I am always thrilled when project makes it over the finish line. If you're proud of your work and would like me to spread the word about your services, feel free to send me a copy, so I can hype it on social media or here on my website. |