Voice Acting Success Tips from Industry Expert
Voice actor Dave Courvoisier has just-released his voice over business book titled ‘More Than Just a Voice’. He details all aspects of the Voiceover industry from how to run your own successful freelance business to correct ways to invoice and ensure you get paid.
Courvoisier is well respected in the social media arena and is always offering up advice to those starting out in the cut throat industry.
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The book includes tips about …
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- Microphones
- Recording studios
- Setting rates for your work
- How to find a good coach
- How to avoid predatory producers
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- Auditioning tips
- Invoicing
- Marketing
- Editing
- Networking
- Promoting your Voiceover business
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Voice Over Herald caught up with Dave and got details on the book and his thoughts of the current state of the voice acting industry.
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What was it that motivated you to write this book?
Well, not greed. I’m losing money on this venture. Rather, I knew that after 7 years of writing a VO blog, that there were some great nuggets in the archives that do withstand the test of time. I wanted to organize, filter, and collate the blog articles I thought had the most value, and make it available in book form to the VO community. It answers a lot of pesky questions that seasoned voice-actors don’t have the time to answer when newbies call. Also, it’s nice to be able to put “published author” after my name in the Bio and resume’. 🙂
How long did it take you to write ‘More Than Just A Voice?
Two answers: Since the book is a product of my blog, you could say it was 7 years in the making. However, I got serious about trimming it down to the 250-page book about last August. I’ve been working on it since then with the help of a virtual assistant who is familiar with self-publlishing.
This is a great book for someone who’s just starting in the industry, what would be your number one piece of advice for a new voice talent?
The title says it all. A great voice is just not enough to take you to the realm of VO success. It’s good for about 10-20% of the journey. The rest is being a hustler, promoter, marketer, techie, engineer, and bookkeeper. It also doesn’t hurt to practice, get coaching, practice, and network with peers.
What are the pros and cons of being a voice talent in this day and age with the internet being a tool for finding work?
Blessing and a curse. On the upside, It’s opened up opportunities to everyone (not just those in major metro areas), and on the downside, it’s opened up opportunities to everyone…. including people willing to do VO work on Fiverr. Regardless, one must be savvy about software/hardware technical issues. First, for auditioning, and secondly to mine the web for clients and prospects. There are certain ever-changing nuances to the internet marketplace that require constant adjustment to your practices.
You’re a respected social media guru, how would you recommend new talent get involved with voice talent communities online?
Dive in head-first, complete your profile as much as possible, then lurk. Lurk until you know the people and the issues. You only have one chance at a first impression, so posting a VERY fundamental question on your first visit might get you a virtual roll-of-the-eyes, especially when the answer is in the archives. Do your homework first, contribute to the conversation with links, info, and personal observances, then start posting questions if you can’t find the answer anywhere else. The forums are for relationship-building first, and getting deep answers to technical questions after that.
Where will we be able to get a copy of ‘More Than Just A Voice’?
On Kindle and Amazon. The Kindle link is: http://goo.gl/pTYxrS and at Amazon
A preview can be found at: http://www.createspace.com/Preview/1151645
