Do I really need a proofer?
Most of you who have worked with me already know the answer to this. Yes. If there's one thing that you should absolutely outsource, it's proofing.
And here's a true confession: I did not proof my first four books. I just recorded them and shipped them out, assuming that my read was accurate and my vast vocabulary effectively shielded me from making errors. Once I included proofing in my workflow, I recognized just how foolish my thinking was. I was embarrassed and chagrined. Thankfully, those first books were low enough profile that my secret was safe...
Allow me to quote the amazing Amanda Rose Smith:
Your RH is not your proofer. That is not a professional way to do
this work. As per the ACX contract, you are required to submit finished
work. Work that has not been proofed is not finished work.
All
books need a full listen down against the script after they've been
recorded. Non negotiable...A book is not
done before someone who is NOT the RH (and preferably not you either) has listened to the entire thing against the script.
If you are ready to commit to hiring a proofer but you don't know any, here's a link to a list of editers and proofers referred by folks in the industry: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pz7Si8R2o0m15h4mBrmDcJ5CL9L5FDFvr_LH3bxqkdo/edit#gid=0. There are some great folks on the list, though I clearly don't know everyone on the list.
Related Articles
What is room tone and why does each file need it? (ACX)
The following article is a slightly edited version of a post originally shared on the ACX site. Room tone is the background noise in a room. It is sometimes referred to as the noise floor. For audiobook purposes, room tone is the sound in your studio ...When to Export WAV vs. MP3: Understanding Audio File Formats
This is a question I get frequently from my students, and it's a perfectly reasonable one! Deciding between WAV and MP3 can seem technical, but it boils down to a simple principle. Here's my rule of thumb for determining which format is appropriate: ...Microphone Mounting Arm - Recommendation
When I first started, I bought a cheap articulating mount arm for my microphone. It was OK, but it wasn't really substantial enough to maintain position with a heavy microphone and shock mount attached. I had my eyes on a more premium model, but I ...Understand ACX (and similar) Submission Requirements related to Loudness
Intro When it comes to delivering professional audiobooks, meeting specific loudness requirements is crucial. ACX, and platforms like it, measure audio loudness using decibels (dB). On a digital scale, 0 dB represents the absolute maximum level your ...Any microphone recommendations?
Intro First, I must acknowledge that I am not a microphone expert in the traditional sense. While many can delve into the intricate details of microphone design and sound science, my expertise comes from nearly a decade of coaching voiceover artists, ...