You’ve written the perfect script. You’ve allocated the budget. You’re ready to add that professional voice that brings your project to life. But if this is your first time hiring a voice artist or even your fifth, you might feel uncertain about the process.
Working with voice artists doesn’t have to feel mysterious or complicated. Like any professional relationship, it works best when both sides understand expectations, communicate clearly, and respect each other’s expertise.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to work effectively with voice talent, from the initial search through final delivery and beyond.
Before You Start: Know What You Need
The most common mistake clients make happens before they even contact a voice artist. They skip the planning phase and jump straight to hiring. This approach creates confusion, delays, and often disappointing results.
Spend time clarifying your project requirements before you reach out to anyone. The clearer your vision, the better your results will be.
Ask yourself these questions: What’s the purpose of this recording? Who is the target audience? What tone fits the message—serious, playful, authoritative, friendly? How long is the final piece? Where will it be used—social media, television, internal training, website?
These details matter enormously. A voice artist can’t give you accurate quotes or deliver appropriate performances without this information.
Script Preparation Makes Everything Easier
Have your script finalized before you hire voice talent. Last-minute script changes cost time and money. They disrupt the recording process and may require additional fees for pick-up sessions.
Read your script aloud several times. Does it sound natural when spoken? Are there tongue-twisting phrases? Do sentences run too long for comfortable delivery? Fix these issues before recording begins.
If you’re unsure about your script, many voice artists offer script consultation services. They can spot potential problems and suggest improvements based on their performance experience.
Finding the Right Voice Artist
Voice artist directories make searching easy, but they can also feel overwhelming. Thousands of talented performers are available, each with different strengths and specialties.
Start by listening to demo reels. Professional voice artists maintain updated reels showcasing their range and abilities. Pay attention to voice quality, delivery style, and technical audio quality. All three matter.
Don’t just pick the first pleasant voice you hear. Listen to multiple artists. Create a shortlist of three to five candidates who seem like good fits. This comparison helps you make informed decisions.
Specialization Matters
Voice artists often specialize in specific types of work. Some excel at commercial advertising. Others focus on audiobook narration. Many specialize in e-learning or corporate content.
Hire artists whose specialty matches your project type. An audiobook narrator might struggle with punchy commercial delivery. A commercial specialist might not have the stamina for hours of e-learning content.
Check each artist’s profile for their areas of expertise. This information helps you match talent to project requirements effectively.
Making Contact: What to Include
When you reach out to voice artists, provide comprehensive project information upfront. This saves everyone time and gets you accurate quotes faster.
Include these details in your initial message:
The project type and length. The intended use and distribution channels. Your timeline and deadline. Your budget range if you have one. Any specific requirements like accent, age range, or gender.
Attach your script if possible. Voice artists can assess the work more accurately when they see the actual content.
Setting Timeline Expectations
Be realistic about timelines. Professional voice artists often book several days or weeks in advance. Last-minute rush jobs are possible but usually come with rush fees.
Most standard projects need 3-5 business days for delivery after approval. Complex projects requiring multiple characters or extensive content need more time.
Communicate your actual deadline clearly. If you need files by Friday for a Monday launch, say so. Artists can work backwards from your deadline to ensure timely delivery.
Understanding Pricing and Usage Rights
Voice artist pricing confuses many first-time clients. Why do rates vary so much? Why does the same artist charge different amounts for different projects?
The answer lies in usage rights. Voice artists don’t just sell their performance—they license usage rights for that performance. How you plan to use the recording significantly affects the price.
A recording for internal company training typically costs less than a recording for a national television commercial. The exposure difference justifies the price difference.
Common Pricing Models
Many voice artists charge per word or per finished minute. Commercial work often uses flat rates based on usage. Broadcast commercials command higher rates than web-only content.
Ask artists about their rate structure during initial conversations. Professional artists clearly explain how they price projects and what’s included in those rates.
Watch for hidden costs too. Does the quote include revisions? Are there fees for rush delivery? What about file formatting or editing? Clear pricing prevents unpleasant surprises later.
The Audition Process
For important projects, you might want to hear auditions before making a final decision. Some voice artists provide short auditions for free. Others charge audition fees, especially for longer scripts or when many artists are auditioning.
Understand that auditions take time and effort. Professional artists balance audition requests with paid work. Be respectful of their time by requesting auditions only when you’re seriously considering hiring them.
Providing Audition Direction
When requesting auditions, give clear direction about what you want to hear. Should the delivery be warm and friendly? Fast-paced and energetic? Serious and authoritative?
Provide a specific script section for auditions rather than asking artists to choose. This creates consistent comparisons between different performers.
Set reasonable audition deadlines. Asking for auditions within hours shows disrespect for artists’ schedules. Two to three days is typically reasonable for standard projects.
The Recording Process Begins
Once you’ve hired a voice artist, the real work begins. Professional artists will confirm all project details before recording. They’ll verify the script, delivery deadline, file format requirements, and any special instructions.
This is your opportunity to clarify anything unclear. Answer questions thoroughly. The more information artists have, the better they can serve your vision.
Providing Direction
If you have specific delivery preferences, communicate them clearly. Do you want a faster pace? More energy? A warmer tone? Professional artists welcome this guidance.
Avoid vague direction like “make it pop” or “give it more oomph.” These phrases mean different things to different people. Instead, be specific: “Deliver the tagline 20% slower for emphasis” or “Increase energy level to match the excitement of the content.”
Some clients prefer live directed sessions where they provide real-time feedback. Others trust the artist’s judgment and review recorded files afterward. Either approach works—choose what fits your project and budget.
Reviewing Delivered Files
When voice artists deliver your files, review them promptly. Delays in review delay the entire project timeline and may cause scheduling issues for revision sessions.
Listen carefully in a quiet environment with good speakers or headphones. Phone speakers don’t reveal audio quality accurately.
Check these elements: Does the delivery match your vision? Is the pacing appropriate? Are there any mispronunciations? Does the energy level fit the content? Is the audio quality clean and clear?
Requesting Revisions
Most voice artists include a specific number of revisions in their base rate. Use these revision opportunities to refine the performance.
When requesting revisions, be specific about what needs to change. “Can you make line three more enthusiastic?” works better than “Something feels off.”
Distinguish between revision types. Minor pickups for mispronounced words typically don’t count as full revisions. Significant tone or delivery changes usually do. Professional artists clearly communicate these distinctions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced clients sometimes stumble into common pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes to keep your projects running smoothly.
Don’t change scripts after recording begins. Script changes require new recordings and often additional fees. Finalize everything before the artist starts working.
Don’t compare artists to other artists in negative ways. “Can you sound more like Morgan Freeman?” isn’t helpful direction. Instead, describe the qualities you want: authoritative, warm, measured pacing.
Don’t micromanage pronunciation of common words unless absolutely necessary. Professional voice artists know how to pronounce things. Trust their judgment on standard words and phrases.
Respecting Professional Boundaries
Voice artists are professionals, not friends you can call anytime. Contact them during business hours unless they’ve indicated otherwise. Respect their response time expectations.
Don’t ask for free samples beyond what’s reasonable. One short audition is standard. Asking for multiple full-length auditions without payment shows disrespect for their time and expertise.
Honor payment terms promptly. Professional relationships thrive on mutual respect, and timely payment demonstrates that respect clearly.
Building Long-Term Relationships
When you find voice artists who deliver excellent results, maintain those relationships. Repeat clients often receive preferential scheduling and sometimes rate discounts.
Provide feedback after projects conclude. Let artists know what worked well. This information helps them deliver even better results on future projects.
Consider keeping your preferred artists in mind for upcoming projects. Reach out early when you know work is coming. This advance notice helps them reserve time in their schedules.
Being a Great Client
Great clients make voice artists want to do their best work. Be clear in communication. Provide complete information upfront. Respect timelines and deadlines. Pay promptly.
Show appreciation for good work. A simple “This sounds fantastic, thank you” goes a long way. Positive working relationships benefit everyone involved.
If problems arise, address them directly and professionally. Mistakes happen. How both parties handle them determines whether the relationship continues.
When Things Go Wrong
Despite best efforts, sometimes projects hit snags. Maybe the delivery doesn’t match expectations. Perhaps the audio quality has issues. Possibly deadlines get missed.
Address problems quickly and calmly. Explain the issue clearly without accusations or anger. Professional voice artists want to fix problems and will work with you to find solutions.
Most issues resolve through clear communication and reasonable compromise. If a complete redo is necessary, discuss costs and timelines openly.
Knowing When to Walk Away
Occasionally, client-artist matches don’t work out. If communication feels consistently difficult, if quality concerns persist, or if professional standards aren’t met, it’s okay to seek other talent for future projects.
End relationships professionally even when disappointed. The voice industry is smaller than you think. Maintaining professional courtesy protects your reputation.
The Value of Professional Voice Talent
Working with professional voice artists costs more than computer-generated voices or amateur performers. But that investment delivers returns in quality, reliability, and results.
Professional voices make your content sound credible and polished. They bring scripts to life in ways that engage audiences effectively. They handle projects smoothly, meeting deadlines and delivering broadcast-quality audio.
Your content deserves professional presentation. Voice artists who approach their work professionally help you achieve that standard consistently.
Moving Forward Confidently
Working with voice artists becomes easier with experience. Each project teaches you something about the process, about communication, about what works and what doesn’t.
Start with clear planning. Communicate thoroughly. Respect expertise and professionalism. Provide specific feedback. Build relationships with talented performers.
These practices ensure smooth projects and excellent results. Your content sounds better. Your projects run more efficiently. Your investment in professional voice talent pays dividends in quality and effectiveness.
The voice behind your message matters. Choose professional artists, work with them effectively, and watch your content come alive in ways that truly connect with audiences.
