Audio storytelling is who I am.
When I was a kid, I spent hours listening to radio dramas. Adventures in Odyssey, Down Gilead Lane, Sugarcreek Gang.
But I didn’t just listen. I recorded reams of footage off the radio on my well-used JVC cassette player, then recorded different clips onto another tape.
I didn’t stop there.
I went after family members to record their voices. I added my own to the mix. I recorded speeches. I recorded soundbites from NPR. I even recorded lectures.
I took all those bits and pieces, those odds and ends, and spliced together my own world: dramas complete with new story lines, music, sound effects.
The whole enchilada.
Years before I could even dream of having professional studio audio equipment, I cobbled together gadgets from garage sales and worked tirelessly to get the most exciting drama with perfect sound..
I, like you, lived on story.
What does this all have to do with narration?
Everything.
Narration isn’t about talking into a microphone and hoping to pronounce everything right.
It isn’t just about capturing the right tone or emphasizing the big picture (although I do that too).
Every step of the way, I keep in mind a simple truth: your story can change the world.
And I’m not exaggerating. Story coach and publishing industry veteran Lisa Cron pointed out that authors – yes, you- are the most powerful people in the world.
If you want your audiobook to change lives, you need a narrator who understands the kind of power your books have.
You need a narrator who doesn’t just give a performance.
You need a narrator who uses the power of his voice to recreate the world you created, to reach readers so they get lost in that world.
That’s why one client called my performance “transformative.”
Even if your material is non-fiction, a great narrator will find the core and bring it to life.
If you’ve ever sat through a boring lecture, you’ll appreciate the power of a narrator who can engage your public.
I choose the right voice and accent, I vary my intonation, I dig into your book’s message and bring it to life. I don’t make sure listeners enjoy listening to your story.
I make sure they get lost in the world you have created.
And those worlds span genres. They might be:
- Novels
- Short stories
- Self-help
- Financial advice
- A memoir of your spiritual journey
- Lessons for English-language learners
- Medical education
It’s not just me saying it.
I have hundreds of reviews from clients. Many of them are repeat customers because they’ve seen how my performance has made their audiobook stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Here is just a tiny sample of praise I’ve received from my authors and other clients:
I thought Dalan’s voice would be perfect for my book. In the end, ALL of his many voices, one for each character in the story, were perfect!
But even more importantly, Dalan’s interpretation of the dialogue was spot on. He understood the humor, or the irony, or the emotion and even the passion in each scene and brought it all to life. – epaphrasauthor
Mesmerising voice and great service. – shahzadferoz
Dalan has once again proven his narrative mastery with our book on teen’s self-confidence. His voice doesn’t just narrate; it resonates, capturing the emotional nuances crucial for the subject. Dalan effortlessly switches between tones of empowerment and understanding, transforming the audiobook into an intimate, impactful conversation. His consistency and skill make him not just a narrator, but a vital part of the project. Truly exceptional work! – betovj
Want to see more reviews to see whether I am the right fit for you? Click here.
Turning your book into audio can seem overwhelming at first.
I get that.
But I’ve spent two decades creating professional audio. I know every step of the process. I will answer your questions, clear up any doubts you may have, and make sure you know exactly what you need to upload your material to ACX or wherever you choose to make it available.
There’s a reason client after client and client has gushed about my great service and support.
I also understand that sometimes, you need more information before choosing the right narrator for you. That’s why I offer multiple samples here and on my website. That way, so you get a good feel for what I offer right off the bat.
And if you need a sample of me performing your material, e-mail me! I am happy to help.
So . . . how do I get started?
Fill out the contact form here. It’s that easy.
Even if you aren’t sure you’re ready to go with me, I am happy to answer your questions. Let me know:
- Word count
- Genre
- Any specifics you find important, like the tone or style
From there, we can discuss price – and anything else you would like – so you can decide whether this is a right fit for your project and budget.
My schedule tends to fill up, so make sure to reach out soon! That way, you can get the ball rolling.
Are you ready to take your career to the next level?
I’ve helped hundreds of authors and businessmen use professional audio to reach their goals.
Like the retired architect who uses the audiobook to bring students into his course on renovating their homes.
Or a civil rights leader’s daughter whose dream was to get her grandfather’s fight for justice out in the world..
Or the English language teacher in Turkey who wanted to use videos to help his Turkish students learn English from a native speaker.
Or the new author who wanted to make a living through his children’s books.
And many, many more. You can see my clients’ stories here.
Some nitty-gritty tech specs that will make your audio shine
- Twenty years experience in voice work. I’ve honed my technique to make sure my narration fits your book or material.
- Experience reading, pronouncing, and communicating in a variety of historical periods and fields.
- Experience working with clients to record their material exactly as they need and want
- Knowledge of the standards of audiobook services like ACX so that your audio passes – the first time
- Professional voice booth (Whisper Room®) ensures perfect audio – no sound glitches or background noise – so your readers get lost in your words
- Sennheiser MKH-416 microphone, known in the industry as the Hollywood mic. Ensures my voice sounds as smooth as butter–or however you need it to sound.
- dbx 286S channel strip. ( I won’t bore you with the techno babble. It makes the audio sing.)
- Soundcraft Signature 10 audio mixer, allowing me to polish your audio to professional standards
- Adobe Audition CC for perfect editing
- Return clients show the success of my narration
Aw, shucks (a.k.a. praise)
It is the fourth job we have commissioned from Dalan . . . he is one of the best people we have worked with. Professionalism, passion, creativity, and top quality! – bunker2171labs
I thought Dalan’s voice would be perfect for my book. In the end, ALL of his many voices, one for each character in the story, were perfect!
But even more importantly, Dalan’s interpretation of the dialogue was spot on. He understood the humor, or the irony, or the emotion and even the passion in each scene and brought it all to life. – epaphrasauthor
Dalan . . . catered to a niche idea: a Western audiobook. He captured the different accents and the feel I wanted for the story perfectly. – trentmckay
If you’re looking for a lively and clear American voiceover, this is it. Very helpful and supportive during the whole process. – ryansib
Mesmerising voice and great service – shahzadferoz
Dalan has once again proven his narrative mastery with our book on teen’s self-confidence. His voice doesn’t just narrate; it resonates, capturing the emotional nuances crucial for the subject. Dalan effortlessly switches between tones of empowerment and understanding, transforming the audiobook into an intimate, impactful conversation. His consistency and skill make him not just a narrator, but a vital part of the project. Truly exceptional work! – betovj
Dalan’s narration on pet loss grief is a masterclass in emotive storytelling. His voice exudes warmth, empathy, and understanding, making a sensitive topic comforting. With a perfect blend of somber and uplifting tones, he transforms the text into a companion for those grieving. It’s not just narration; it’s art. Dalan’s performance isn’t just outstanding—it’s transformative. Truly a five-star experience. – betovj (return client!)