Ralphie got to tell Santa about the Red Rider BB Gun, and Santa replied, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Geraldo got Al Capone’s vault open and there was nothing in it. Al won the popular vote but didn’t get elected.

These disappointments are almost in line with opening my first email from ACX with a topic “Regarding your ACX Audition” and the message is:

“Thank you for auditioning for xxxxx. Unfortunately, you were not chosen to produce this book, but…

I didn’t actually cry, but still… It was a bit of a rude awakening after the way things were done at LibrVox! They were so caring and supportive, and now like a fledgling bird trying to make its way in the cold, cruel world, I have to fight for my very survival.

Here’s my week:

• I find my first interesting book. A middle aged man like me (okay, over the hill – whatever) telling his story about raising kids on his own. I can relate. I do an audition and am ready to make my first monetary gain…
• Okay, fine. I find my second interesting book. Intermittent Fasting – I actually know a little about that. I practiced it for some time when I was in a fitness fit. Now I can make some money…
• Well, then. Here’s one – The City of Angels, a History of Los Angeles. I’ve been there. Went to Disneyland as a kid. Switched planes at LAX. Twice. I’m a lock.

1. The offer includes due dates for the First 15 and the completed audiobook. Make sure to do a sanity check on these before you accept the offer.
1. The Rights Holder uploads to ACX, or in some other way makes available, a digital copy of the manuscript.
2. The Producer records, edits, and masters the first 15 minutes of the book, which usually includes the beginning sections of the book, such as:
3. The Opening Credits, as required by ACX
4. Forwards, Prefaces, Dedications, etc.
5. Introductions
6. However much of the actual book that it takes to reach 15 minutes running time.

The Producer uploads this portion of the book as the First 15, and waits for the Rights Holder to give the thumbs up to proceed.

The Producer records the rest of the book, does final editing and mastering, and uploads it in sections.

Be careful to meet ACX’s file specs for bitrate, beginning and ending silence, peak and average volume levels, and file type.

Note that each section should begin with what that section is. That is, actually record the words “Chapter One” at the beginning of chapter one, etc.

While the First 15 was probably several sections as one file, these will all be split into individual sections for the final upload.

The Rights Holder can either approve the book (see step 7), or send it back for edits (Go to step 5. Go directly to step 5. Do not pass “Go.” Do not collect $200.)

Here’s the best part – the Rights Holder makes payment to the Producer! I had to quickly jump over the PayPal to create an account, and within a short time, I had my first payment – $44.60. Real money. This could be fun.

The Producer confirms on ACX that they have been paid in full.

ACX does some magic behind the curtain, apparently, and eventually their process of “Audio Validation” verifies the book is valid and it will be made available for sale.

Quite a week. I’m rather tired…

Categories: Voice over Work