Frequently Asked Questions

You bet. I love getting creative with quoting projects, so that pricing can meet both of our needs. More than that, I enjoy creating long term relationships with clients and a monthly retainer is a great way to do that.

To prepare the most accurate quote, I need:

-A copy of the script, even if it’s a draft. Send me whatever you have. Got nothing yet? Just give me a sense of the length you’re thinking it will be.
-Details about how the voiceover will be used – an internal video? A radio commercial? Social media paid placement? Please share as much information as you currently have.
-Do you want to direct me live, or have me self-direct?
-If for broadcast, how long are you wanting to run the ad?
-When are you hoping to do a live-session or when is your deadline for when you need the edited and mastered file?

Request a Quote here.

I typically deliver via WeTransfer, unless you have a specific preference, and can send MP3, WAV or AIFF.

Please contact me for a copy of my Non-Broadcast Rate Sheet. Commercial or For-Broadcast projects are highly individual, and custom-quoted. I use the GVAA Rate Guide as a basis for those quotes.

When I self-direct, I will start by sending you a sample read of a portion of your script based on a description you send me. You might ask for something that sounds professional yet friendly. Once you get that sample, you respond with additional direction like, “That sounds great for the energy, but can you speed it up a little?” Then I’ll send another read sample by email. Once I get an ‘ok’ by email, I’ll record the entire script, edit and finish it and send it to you within 24 hours.

For a live session, we schedule a time to connect wne another – by Skype, Source Connect, ISDN, cell phone, carrier pigeon, etc… Typically I record the script once so you can hear it in its entirety and get a sense of the timing. Then we may take it paragraph by paragraph with you making requests for how you want it read. That might sound like “Would you add a comma between industry and resources?” “Would you make the last sentence of the graph sound more definitive and matter-of-fact?” If you aren’t sure of how to direct the session, I’ll also be happy to make suggestions. Directing the session can seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but if you know you have a very specific sound or style you’re looking for, it’s the best way to get exactly what you want.

Then, I’ll do a rough cut on the session after we hang up. This means I’ll delete us talking in between me performing your script, so it’s easier for you to edit it together. Usually when a client requests a live session, I send the raw and unedited file to you immediately after I make the rough cut. It’s then up to you to edit the file, as necessary.

Absolutely! I’m happy to audition for your project. Email me a script and give me and idea of the sound you’re looking for. If you haven’t directed talent before or are unsure of how to describe what you want, you can check out my many work samples on YouTube or on one of my demos, and say “I like the sound you have on that Bitcoin explainer” for example.

Then, I’ll do a rough cut on the session after we hang up. This means I’ll delete us talking in between me performing your script, so it’s easier for you to edit it together. Usually when a client requests a live session, I send the raw and unedited file to you immediately after I make the rough cut. It’s then up to you to edit the file, as necessary.

Easy. Included in all of my quotes is a 10% word count budget toward a single re-record for your project. If you decide to change your script significantly, I charge 75% of the original cost to record it again.

In the unlikely event that happens, I include unlimited re-reads to get the sound you like. If we’ve recorded once already and the read isn’t quite what you’re looking for, then it would be best for us to get on the phone together and have you direct me live.

If we just can’t arrive at what you’re looking for, then there will be no charge. Honestly, though, that has never happened.

The read is the style, tone and energy of the voiceover. An example of direction for the read would be “I want the voiceover to sound conversational and friendly – like you’re talking to a neighbor.”

My microphone is a Townsend Labs Sphere L22. If you know about this mic, then you know it can emulate many of the top end and vintage mics. I have mine emulating a Coles ribbon mic, which brings out the very best in my particular mid-high female range. The cool thing is that if you’re an audio snob, or if particularly wanting a specific mic, I can emulate that sound über-convincingly. If this is all too technical, don’t worry about it. I’ve got a great microphone! My pre-amp is an Adobe Twin Duo. I record and edit using Adobe Audition on my Mac Mini.

Thankfully I’m not much into fashion. I converted mine and my husband’s walk-in closet into a sweet studio space. I have ATS Acoustic EcoPanels on three walls and a tile that hangs about 18” over my head. I’ve got two layers of carpet on the floor and four layers of velvet curtains over the doorway. I have internet hard-wired directly into my studio, for the best reliability.

If you’re hiring voice talent on freelance sites, you’re asked to tip voice talent as you check out, so maybe that’s where this perception comes from. Please do not feel obligated to tip professional voice talent. It is never expected! Referrals and future work are always the best way to show your gratitude to a freelance voice over artist.