How Audiobook Narration Pays Me While I Sleep!

Single Mom To Paid Narrator

Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Nikki, a single mom from Philadelphia that took a chance and auditioned for an audiobook and nailed my first audition! Not only did I get and audiobook narration contract on my first try with no experience, but it led to six contracts, and counting.

Now I get paid from Audible every month, for books I’ve recorded years ago!

What Is Audiobook Narration?

Audiobook narration is the art of reading books out loud for listeners to enjoy. Yes, these are the voices you hear on Audible.

Narrators, often referred to as voiceover artists, bring stories to life with their voices in various genres, including:

• Fiction
• Nonfiction
• Self-help
• Fantasy
• And more

Voiceover jobs are great for people who love to read, enjoy storytelling, or simply want to earn money using just their voice.

One of the biggest perks? You don’t need a special degree, expensive studio, or fancy background in voice acting to get started. With a clear voice, some basic equipment, and the right platform (like ACX, Amazon’s audiobook marketplace), you can start landing paid gigs from home.

And here’s the best part: many contracts pay ongoing royalties. With a royalty share deal, you can earn 20% of every sale for up to seven years. That means the audiobook you record today could keep paying you month after month, year after year—hello, passive income!

Earning Passive Income

So how does audiobook narration go from a fun gig to a long-term income stream? Royalties. That 20% royalty I mentioned? It adds up.

I recorded my first book in 2020 and I’m still getting paid from it every month. That’s the beauty of passive income. You put in the work once, and you keep getting paid long after you’ve moved on to new projects.

My most recent book was released months ago, and I literally forgot it was even live. Then—bam! I saw sales and royalties coming in. That’s when it hit me: I’m truly earning while I sleep. And I want that for you too.

Is Audiobook Narration Right for You?

Let’s break it down. Audiobook narration might be perfect for you if:

• You want to work from home with a flexible schedule
• You enjoy reading and storytelling
• You have a clear speaking voice or are willing to work on it
• You’re looking for a low-cost side hustle with passive income potential

Even if you’ve never done anything like this before, you don’t need experience to get started. You just need a willingness to learn and a little bit of hustle.

Who Should Avoid This Side Hustle?

I have to keep it real with you—this side hustle isn’t for everyone. If you struggle with procrastination or aren’t willing to follow directions, this might not be your lane. If you think you can slide by with recording on your phone and submitting low-quality audio, good luck finding someone to hire you.

Also, don’t expect overnight success. Not everyone lands a contract on their first audition like I did. Some people audition 10 or 20 times before getting a “yes”. So be patient, persistent, and keep working on your craft.

Must-Have Audiobook Narration Equipment

Let’s talk equipment. You do NOT need to break the bank. My first mic was a gift. But here’s what I recommend if you’re starting fresh:

• Microphone: Your #1 investment. It’s worth every penny.
• Headphones: Helps catch background noise and fine-tune your recordings.
• Recording space: A quiet room with soft surfaces (blankets and pillows work!)
• Editing software: Free programs like Audacity are beginner-friendly and get the job done.

I’ve put together a full list of budget-friendly gear on my Amazon Storefront. You don’t need a studio—just some dedication and the right tools.

Myths About Narration

There are so many misconceptions that hold people back from trying this hustle. Let’s bust a few:

• Myth: You need a special voice. Truth: No, you don’t. You just need to read clearly and expressively.
• Myth: You need a professional studio. Truth: Nope. A quiet corner at home can be just as effective.
• Myth: You need to spend a ton to get started. Truth: Basic gear is enough to begin earning gigs.

Stop waiting for perfect conditions. Done is better than perfect. Just get started!

How to Become a Successful Narrator

Once you get your first contract, don’t stop there. Use it as a stepping stone. Make these additional power moves:

• Ask for reviews
• Improve your audio editing skills
• Refine your reading style.

The more you narrate, the more confident and skilled you’ll become—and the more likely you’ll land future gigs.

Also, don’t ghost on opportunities. Respond quickly to audition invites, stay professional, and meet deadlines. These things matter when authors are deciding who to trust with their work.

Resources to Boost Your Voiceover Journey

Feeling like you need a roadmap? I’ve got you. I created The Audiobook Blueprint—my signature course that breaks everything down step-by-step. From setting up your recording space to understanding contracts and scoring your first gig—it’s all in there.

When you join, you get lifetime access and two live coaching calls with me, so I can help you navigate your journey personally. Payment plans are available. So feel feel free to join my audiobook narration course here or in my free class!

What’s Next for You?

You’ve got options. If you’re still deciding, go take the free class to dip your toes in. If you’re ready to get serious and turn this into a real income stream, grab The Audiobook Blueprint and let’s get to work.

Already know you want to go all in and start earning? You can skip the free class and grab the Audiobook Blueprint here: Click here to enroll now.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

If you take anything from this post, let it be this: you don’t need 10 side hustles. You just need one good one that pays you over and over again. Audiobook narration did that for me, and it can do it for you too. You’ve got the voice, the drive, and now the roadmap.

I’d love to hear from you! Are you curious about audiobook narration? Have you already started auditioning? Drop a comment, let’s chat—and don’t forget to share if you found this post helpful!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need professional voice training to start audiobook narration?

Not at all! While voice training can help refine your skills, it’s not a requirement. If you can read clearly and add personality to your narration, you’re already on the right track.

2. How long does it take to get my first audiobook contract?

It varies. Some people land one after their first audition (like I did!), while others might audition 10–20 times before landing their first gig. Consistency and audio quality make a big difference.

3. Can I do audiobook narration with a full-time job?

Absolutely! One of the best things about this hustle is its flexibility. You can record nights, weekends—whatever works with your schedule.

4. What if I don’t like the sound of my own voice?

That’s totally normal. Most people, including myself, feel that way at first. But remember: it’s not about sounding perfect—it’s about being clear, consistent, and adding a little character to your read.

5. Where should I start if I’m brand new?

Easy! Start by signing up for my free “Paid to Narrate” class. It walks you through the essentials to get started—no fluff, just steps. If you’re ready to dive in, check out The Audiobook Blueprint for the full deep-dive experience.