LibriVox: An Audio Homage to the Written Word
Looking for a way to build your portfolio while contributing to your community? Consider volunteering your voice talents and record audiobooks at LibriVox.org.
As some of you may know, Johannes Gutenberg, way back in the 1430s, created the first printing press, giving people the ability to print the written word on a large scale.
Since then, the 21st Century has seen advances in the printing field, and with that, the publication of works written in previous years that are now in the public domain. These books were all authored before 1923, and because of that precise factor, are now available to everyone as public domain works at Project Gutenberg, accessible for free online.
If that surprised you, wait until you hear about LibriVox.
LibriVox is likened to an audio version of Project Gutenberg, run by a small team of recording enthusiasts, founded by Hugh McGuire of Montreal, Canada.
The team and a host of other volunteers record chapters of novels, complete readings of books, fairy tales, plays, historical documents and more. LibriVox's goal is to record all of the literary texts in the world available in the public domain.
If you are interested in gaining some experience recording audiobooks or short tales for children, this opportunity may be just what you need to help build up your portfolio. All you need is a computer, some free recording software, and your own voice.
Don't want to record for free? Volunteering also includes activities such as listening and editing. If you have a calling to be a mentor, this is an ideal environment where you can share your skills.
For more information about how you can get involved and available opportunities, check out the LibriVox Forum.
Cheers,
Stephanie
P.S. I was reading one of the founding members' blogs. Kara Shallenberg mentioned on Wednesday of this week that LibriVox would be featured in the New York Times.
If you read the New York Times, scan the pages for an article by Craig Silverman featuring LibriVox.org in today's newspaper. Or, read the article here.
Comments
Hi, Stephanie! Thanks for writing about the excellent article in the NY Times and these opportunities to build skills while serving others. Recording books for sites like LibriVox and/or the blind in your community are excellent ways to practice technique needed for audiobook narration.
Since a number of people have asked me about breaking into the audiobook industry, I have a page on my web site devoted to that subject. It includes links to several on-line dictionaries that are invaluable for correct pronunciation. Other resources include industry publications.
My blog at www.KarenBlogs.com has a link to my recommended book list, which has books on accents and even one devoted solely to audiobook performance.
Hopefully, this information will be helpful to anyone who is interested in pursuing work in audiobooks.
Posted by: Karen Commins | August 27, 2006 5:49 PM
Hello Stephanie,
Thanks for this posting on LibriVox. I have often thought that volunteering for PSA's on public radio (we have a funky alternative, KBOO, in Portland) might also be a way to get one's voice out there.
Mary Saunders
Posted by: Mary Saunders | September 15, 2006 3:20 PM