How long does it take to record a full audiobook?

That depends on the length of the book. On average, you can expect one hour of finished audio to require around two to three hours of studio time. On top of that, there’s also the editing and post-production involved to neatly remove any breathing sounds and minor mistakes, resulting in a smooth, seamless whole.

Can a single voice actor perform all the roles in a book?

Yes, that is the most common choice and also the most natural option for the listener. Professional voice actors are trained to modulate their voices in such a way that different characters remain clearly distinguishable, without it becoming confusing or theatrical.

Why is it best to choose an experienced voice actor rather than doing it myself?

An experienced voice actor doesn’t simply read a text aloud; they truly tell a story. They have the correct breathing technique, a consistent voice quality and can remain focused for hours on end. This saves a lot of time in the studio and guarantees a professional end product that’s a pleasure to listen to. Are you ready to bring your story to life and would you like to record an audiobook? Get in touch with us today. Together, we’ll find the perfect voice to captivate your listeners from the very first to the very last second. [FAQ_BLOCK]

How do I order a phone message?

Pick a voice you like for your phone system. Enter your texts. You can also use our simple text generator. Add hold music if you want. Within 3 days at most, you receive the finished audio files.

How does ordering work?

Here is how it works: 1. Listen to the demos and pick a voice for your phone system. 2. Enter your texts. You can also use our simple text generator. 3. Add hold music if you want. 4. Pay securely with Bancontact, iDEAL or credit card. Within 3 days at most, you receive the finished audio files by email.

What does a professional phone message cost?

The price depends on how long your text is and which message you need (welcome, menu or hold). As soon as you pick a voice, you see what it costs. Hold music is optional.

What does a professional telephone message cost?

A welcome message or phone menu from a professional voice is surprisingly affordable. The price depends on the length of your text and the type of message (welcome message, phone menu, on-hold message). At Voices, you can see the price instantly for your chosen voice. On-hold music from our library can be added separately. Most clients receive their audio within 1 to 2 working days.

Can I provide my own music?

Yes, you can! You can add your own audio file using the upload button. Please ensure you have the correct broadcasting rights for any music you provide.

How much does it cost to add music on hold?

Adding a track from our library costs a one-off fee of €59. This gives you unlimited usage rights for your project.

Are the tracks optimised for telephony?

Absolutely. All our on-hold music is specially mixed and optimised for the frequency range of telephone systems (300Hz - 3400Hz), so it always sounds clear.

Recording an audiobook: what should you look for when choosing a voice?

Recording an audiobook: what should you look for when choosing a voice? | Voices

The atmosphere of your book determines the voice

Every book has its own unique atmosphere. A blood-curdling thriller calls for a completely different dynamic and tone of voice than a gripping historical novel, a children’s book or an educational non-fiction book. When recording an audiobook, the voice must perfectly match the feeling you, as the author or publisher, wish to convey.

So, pay close attention to the tone of voice when selecting demos. Does the voice actor have a warm, deep voice that radiates calm? Or do you hear a fresh, energetic tone that encourages reflection? As you listen, try to immediately imagine how that specific voice will bring your characters or your message to life.

Flawless pronunciation and the right accent

For a Flemish audience, a recognisable, pleasant voice is worth its weight in gold. But ‘Flemish’ is a broad term. Are you looking for a neutral, general Belgian-Dutch pronunciation that’s easily understood throughout Flanders? Or would you prefer a subtle local flavour to make the story feel more authentic? This depends entirely on the context of your book.

Furthermore, perfect pronunciation is crucial. A listener should never be distracted by stumbles or unnatural stress. Professional voice artists know exactly how to deliver difficult sentences fluently, without it ever sounding forced.

Stamina behind the microphone

Recording an audiobook is a marathon, not a sprint. An average book easily runs to tens of thousands of words, which means the voice actor spends hours reading in the studio. It is incredibly important that the voice on page two hundred sounds exactly as fresh, motivated and consistent as it did on page one.

Experienced voice actors have the right breathing technique to avoid straining their vocal cords. They maintain the same pace, the same intonation and the same energy throughout the entire recording process. This ensures a harmonious and soothing listening experience from start to finish.

Empathy and subtle characterisation

In fiction, a voice actor must be able to portray different characters convincingly. This does not mean that the actor suddenly has to speak in an exaggerated, silly voice. On the contrary: subtle nuances in pitch, speaking pace and emotion are what distinguish the characters from one another.

A good voice actor for an audiobook:

Has an unerring sense of the emotional depth of the text.
Can switch smoothly and naturally between dialogue and descriptive passages.
Conveys tension, humour or sadness without resorting to overacting.

The technical quality behind the scenes

As well as the voice actor themselves, the recording quality also plays a major role in the final result. Nothing is as distracting as faint background noise, overly loud breathing or a flat, lifeless sound. When you opt for a professional collaboration, you can be sure that the recordings will take place in an acoustically insulated studio with high-quality equipment. The end result must be flawless, ready to stream or download straight away.

Frequently asked questions

Short and to the point. Click to see the answer.

How do I order a phone message?: Pick a voice you like for your phone system. Enter your texts. You can also use our simple text generator. Add hold music if you want. Within 3 days at most, you receive the finished audio files.
How does ordering work?: Here is how it works: 1. Listen to the demos and pick a voice for your phone system. 2. Enter your texts. You can also use our simple text generator. 3. Add hold music if you want. 4. Pay securely with Bancontact, iDEAL or credit card. Within 3 days at most, you receive the finished audio files by email.
What does a professional phone message cost?: The price depends on how long your text is and which message you need (welcome, menu or hold). As soon as you pick a voice, you see what it costs. Hold music is optional.
What does a professional telephone message cost?: A welcome message or phone menu from a professional voice is surprisingly affordable. The price depends on the length of your text and the type of message (welcome message, phone menu, on-hold message).
At Voices, you can see the price instantly for your chosen voice. On-hold music from our library can be added separately. Most clients receive their audio within 1 to 2 working days.
Can I provide my own music?: Yes, you can! You can add your own audio file using the upload button. Please ensure you have the correct broadcasting rights for any music you provide.
How much does it cost to add music on hold?: Adding a track from our library costs a one-off fee of €59. This gives you unlimited usage rights for your project.
Are the tracks optimised for telephony?: Absolutely. All our on-hold music is specially mixed and optimised for the frequency range of telephone systems (300Hz - 3400Hz), so it always sounds clear.
Do you also record voice prompts for IVR and phone systems?: Yes, we can record complete phone menus (IVR) for your telephone system. You provide the options you need, and we will ensure that everything is recorded clearly and professionally. This is ideal for businesses with multiple departments.
How long should my telephone message be?: Keep it short and concise. A welcome message is ideally between 10 and 15 seconds. A phone menu should guide the caller to the correct department within 30 seconds. Think from the caller's perspective: they want to be helped as quickly as possible.