By Stephanie Ciccarelli
August 16, 2008

What does it take to make it big time in voice-overs?
Is there a roadmap to achieve your dreams?
Find out how some of today's top pros made it to the big league in Joan Baker's book Secrets of Voice-Over Success : Top Voice-Over Actors Reveal How They Did It.
Joan Baker’s book, SECRETS OF VOICE-OVER SUCCESS, published in 2005, is a practical handbook for anyone seeking a career in voice-over acting.
The foreword is written by fellow voice-over actor David Hyde Pierce (Niles on Frasier), and consists of compelling career stories from the top voice-over actors in the industry including:
๠Don LaFontaine
๠George DelHoyo
๠Keith David
๠Dave Fennoy
๠E.G Daily
๠Nancy Giles
๠Bill Ratner
๠Rodd Houston
๠Joe Cipriano
๠Stephen Newman
๠Cedering Fox
๠Sylvia Villagran
๠Valerie Smaldone
๠Steve Zirnkilton
๠Hattie Winston
๠Joan Baker
๠Fred Collins
๠Janice Pendarvis
๠Les Marshak
All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
“For anyone who thinks they would like to be a voice-over talent, as well as those already in the profession, this is the book they should read before sending out another demo tape. In the voices of super successes in the field, readers will learn about everything from interpreting scripts to packing their tapes, along with the people they should get to know for the best chances of success, and they range far beyond agents. Joan Baker's own passion for the business is shared by the other 18 experts she has enlisted to share their career successes, and she has put their stories together along with a history of the voice-over profession in a readable, accessible book that is fascinating to even an outsider. To do it all for a cause that is dear to her heart shows that Ms. Baker is much more than a voice.â€
- J.C. Barden, Editor on THE NEW YORK TIMES
"Secrets Of Voice-Over Success embodies wisdom and diversity in a collection of journey's from 19 artists' points of view that leaves one with an instinctive experience of what it takes for a career in the voice-over industry. There is no book that tells it like it is so clearly. And that all royalties from this project benefit the Alzheimer's Association this book truly reaches the height of the human spirit and dignity too."
- Sandy Grushow, Chairman Fox Television Entertainment Group
"Ms. Baker's book is among the most unique contributions I have seen to the Alzheimer's Association's mission to cure this disease…"
- Sheldon Goldberg, President & CEO of The Alzheimer's Association
All you need to do is comment on this article and let us know that you'd like to win the book!
Each week, there will be something different, so be sure to subscribe to VOX Daily to get the Saturday Giveaway notices as well as other voice acting articles throughout the week.
๠Books
๠DVDs
๠Coaching Sessions
๠Recording Equipment
๠Gift certificates
๠Workshop / Conference Passes
๠Unique Promotional Opportunities
Winners will be drawn randomly from the comments left on the blog and announced the following Saturday. Those who win will be notified by email at which time we'll confirm their shipping address. On the following Saturday, the winner will be announced and another opportunity to win a Saturday Giveaway will present itself.
I'd like to say congratulations to last week's winner, Paul Hernandez, who will be receiving his copy of "Word of Mouth" in the mail soon.
Looking forward to hearing from you! Don't forget to comment for your chance to win :)
Best wishes,
Stephanie
Vox Daily offers a daily dose of voice acting news, articles, tutorials, interviews, intelligent conversation and business ideas for voice talent and voice actors.
Becoming a voice actor, working from your own home recording studio and auditioning for voice-over jobs is within your reach!
Stephanie, you've picked another winner! Thanks for a great blog every day, and also for the shot at great prizes on Saturdays.
Posted by:Thanks, Stephanie-
I wasn't aware of this book, but looking at the list of contributor names, it promises a lot of insight - like E.G. DAily, of Pee We Herman's Big Adventure Fame, also Tommy Pickles of RugRats voice fame - and much more! Thanks for the tip!
Jerry
Posted by:this sounds like a book I would absolutely LOVE to have.
Posted by:Stephanie,
Thanks for the post!
In my opinion, any resource where a voiceover actor can learn to succeed from - is a good resource! Count me in girl!
Thanks!
Blair Wilson
Posted by:Hi Stephanie ! Congrats for doing a really great job by bringing out such fantastic stuff that is so inspirational, motivational & helpful for the budding voice actors all across the globe...
This one is even wonderful, as the cause is a very noble one...
Hopefully I'll be reading this great book soon...
Come soon Saturday :-)
Posted by:Hi Stephanie ~ Thanks for bringing Ms. Baker's book back to my attention. I definitely could benefit from it's contents and, win it or not, will purchase it not only for my benefit, but to assist The Alzheimer's Association. My mother died of complications associated with this terrible disease.
Ms. Baker's website is one one the best I have ever seen; inspirational!
Thomas Dunn
"There are no magic words...There is only magic in your words." -w.t.dunn
Posted by:Hi Stephanie - count me in!
Posted by:Outstanding choice! :) That's a great lineup of folks to give incredibly valuable advice to all of us!
Count me in!
Adam Fox
Posted by:Wow, great opportunity, a prize every Saturday! Thanks so much, Stephanie!
Posted by:Dear Stephanie,
I want to congratulate you on the research and information that you explore and share about the physiology of the human voice and how extraordinary the machinery is to bring about a single sound from the mouth. I live in Vancouver British Columbia where Dr. Murray Morrison and Dr. Linda Ramamge work out of a voice clinic at Vancouver General Hospital. On a recent visit Dr. Morrison lowered a miniature camera into my larynx and together we watched my voice-box in action. On high notes the vocal labia beat at 300 times per second using enormous amounts of water to cool everything down.I have a new appreciation for this instrument in my throat, keep up the excellent work.
Michael Morgan
Posted by:Vancouver BC
2010 Olympic Host City
i think this book would really help me!!! *crosses fingers*
Posted by:HELLO VOICES.COM,
Posted by:I HAVE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT JOAN BAKER AND HER WORK.ESPECIALLY WITH ALZHEIMER'S. I HAVE ALSO HEARD ABOUT THIS BOOK AND ITS GREAT REVIEWS BUT CANT GET THEM AROUND HERE. I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS BOOK COS IT WILL HELP MY CAREER A LOT,WHAT WITH THE GREATS IN IT.
THANKS
Hi Stephanie. I'd love to win this. I'm always looking for ways to improve my craft and give myself the extra edge I need to make this a viable career. It sounds great! :) Thanks for making these prizes available.
All the best, -- Jodi
Posted by:Not one I was aware of, Stephanie. Please throw my name in the hat. Thanks!
Posted by:Hi guys:
I just found out Friday that an old high school friend has been doing video game VOs for the last ten years! Small world! Anyway, this book looks very inspiring, so put my name into the fray as well, but if I don't win it, I'll order it!
- Kevin
Posted by:Stephanie, I've heard of this book and have always wanted it. Please enter my name for the drawing.
Thanks!
Posted by:Thanks for that Stephanie. The only book on the subject I'd read before was 'Making Money in Voice-overs' by Terri Apple. Not a bad book but a bad choice for me as I am a British voice-over and Terri could only tell me about the American voice-over scene. Does 'Secrets of Voice-Over Success' cover other markets? Come to that, does Voices.com look elsewhere in the world for seminars, classes, experts etc.?
Posted by:Stephanie! I would LOVE a copy of the book! Thanks for your constant devotion to these blogs and to Voices.com in general! :-)
Posted by:I'd love to be entered in the contest.
Cheers!
-g
Posted by:Joan is such a huge talent, as well as a terrific person. Thanks for the chance to win this great book.
Posted by:Hi Stephanie,
Secrets of Voice Over Success? Let me at 'em! It's always good to read what the experts have to say and see how much of what they recommend I am already doing, and what new tips I can glean!
So much to learn, so much to know, the more you read, the better the flow!
Thanks!
Debbie
Posted by:Hats off to everyone at voices.com for the continual support and great job they do for the industry and the artists involved. I love the articles, the tips the staff continues to give give give. What a great company, what a great industry. Keep up the excellent work.
Posted by:Maria Berry
Sign me up... I'd love to win this book!
Posted by:I would love to win Joan Baker's book -- enter me in the giveaway!
Liz Wiley
Posted by:I would love to read this book … I recognize some of the names listed! And, since my husband and I have first-hand experience with the Alzheimer’s Association … this is terrific. (He worked for the association and I was a volunteer … and I have a musical tribute I perform in senior facilities/venues that is designed with those who struggle with dementia -- we have family members afflicted as well).
Posted by:I began doing voice-overs almost 30 years ago … I was 17 years of age and a radio station personality heard me speak and “gave me my break.†I was brought in as a high school student to record spots and eventually became quite successful as a writer/producer both in radio and TV. I have continued voice-over work (despite the fact for the past 4 years I haven’t worked directly in communications industry) and want to expand my horizons. I have theatrical experience as well as VO work for documentaries and LOVE to do projects for non-profits.
In my efforts to expand beyond my local market again … I can use ALL the advice I can get.
Thanks, in advance, for your kind consideration!
Sheila Caldwell
As I am looking to get into voice overs I would like to see how the best did it.
Dan Gorham
Posted by:What an enticing article. This sounds like a must have book for everyone from Rookie to Pro. I happen to be a rookie and really want this book so please pick me!!!
Tippy Missick
Posted by:I am interested in being in the drawing for this book.
Posted by:Karin King
Hello Stephanie -
Posted by:I'm not one of your people - but I am a great fan of your VOX DAILY. I feel it shows your folks that you care enough to keep them up to date with what is happening in the organization and in the voiceover field. They can feel they are getting the information that they need to succeed.
Would I like to win? Certainly. Coming back into the field after a hiatus of several years, this book would be an invaluable resource guide. One always feels that one's experiences are "unique" - and the "booboo" should never have happened. Seeing that some of the "biggies" in the field have had similar experiences would be a great help..
Again.......thank you for a wonderful column............and if I don't win the book, I've still won by finding you and your column.
Sincerely,
Maryann Strossner
What a great idea for a book, and a great cast of contributors. I'm looking to break in (again) and can use all the encouragement and courage I can get!
Posted by:I think Joan Baker is absolutely fabulous. This book is on my list and I would love to win it. Thanks for the opportunity Stephanie!
Tom Conklin
Posted by:Stephanie,
Posted by:I need all the help I can get!
Also, it's interesting to note that the proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Alzheimer's Foundation. My grandmother, a wonderful woman who passed away two weeks ago, had Alzheimer's.
Thanks!
--Allen Ellis
Hi Stephanie,
Great choice! I don't have this one in my library and it sounds like one that needs to be there. Extra inspiration is always greatly appreciated!
Thank you for the opportunity.
Catherine
Posted by:I'd love to have a copy of this! Put my name in the pot, please!
Melanie
Posted by:Would be interesting to see if any of the stories in the book are similar to mine!! Hope I'm reading it soon! :)
Posted by:Wow, Looks like a great book!:)
Posted by:The book sounds like a must have! Primarily, I do radio imaging for stations across the country using whatever VO talent a station is contracted with. I happen to do a little bit of VO for internet radio stations. Here's hoping I win! If I don't, I'll just have to go buy the book!
Jason
Posted by:http://www.360impactbranding.com/demos.html
Hi Stephanie,
This sounds like a must read! I would love to win a copy from Voices.com!
Posted by:Thanks,
Jeff G.
I've got a couple of friends who are just getting started in V.O. and I know I could have used a book like this as I was getting up and running. In order to "pay forward" in the name of shared learning, I'd like my name in the ring for a copy.
Great blog, Stephanie - - thanks for sharing!
Chris E.
Posted by:Love the article, need the book, hope to win.
Posted by:Please add me to the list of potential winners.
Posted by:Thank you.
I'm in for the running. Sounds like a must have book.
Jason
Posted by:Hi Stephanie,
I would love to win a copy of Joan Baker's new book, " Secrets of Voiceover Success"!
After reading the article today in your Vox Daily column I am even more intrigued at what I can learn from this book. I am also very impressed that she is giving the proceeds to the Alzheimers Association.
This cause is very close to my heart since I watched the slow decline of my Grandfather over a period of a couple of years go from a decorated World War II hero and strong man who was sharp as a tack to a man who was unable to recognize anyone and fearful when we entered the room. No one should spend their golden years like this!
So to Joan, her book and her cause I say, "Thank You"!
Sincerely,
Posted by:Kirk Greenhill
This looks like such a great book, and the list of all those included reads like a "whos-who" in the industry. For someone just starting out and wanting to have better luck in getting picked up for some voice work, this looks like a must-read! Thanks for the suggestion!
Posted by:Stephanie
Posted by:I want to thank you so much for this blog!
I've been looking for a book that goes into VO with good information.
After reading this blog and the comments on Secrets of Voice Over Sucess it is a must to be in my must reads!
I am just starting to get into VO's so I will be glued to your blog!!!!
Thanks for what you offer.
Jonathan