Author Topic: Sci-fi novel now available from DC member kyrathaba! (Read 464511 times)

kyrathaba · « **Reply #775 on:** August 22, 2013, 03:56 PM »

Two people today have started reading the book with promised Smashwords reviews. I know 40hz will be a third reviewer there, and my author friend Robert Lawrence (Knightfall, Darkest Before Dawn) posted a 4-star review on Smashwords today.

I'm hopeful once I get 4-7 reviews there that it'll slightly help catalyze downloads.

kyrathaba · « **Reply #776 on:** August 23, 2013, 09:47 AM »

I've already got three authors interested in narrating the audiobook. Anyone here interested? You need to go here and create a profile and read instructions: http://www.acx.com/help/narrators/200484550 Then check out my project

mouser · « **Reply #777 on:** August 23, 2013, 10:43 AM »

maybe we can help choose between them -- are there audio samples?

kyrathaba · « **Reply #778 on:** August 23, 2013, 10:59 AM »

There aren't any audio samples yet. People have to create a profile on ACX, record their audio sample, edit it to as close to perfection as they can, then upload it to ACX. I then get to listen to various people's auditions and pick the one I like. The site says they need to do a 15-minute sample. I've already pointed four people towards it: Perry, and 3 others I know as fellow authors. It would rock if a DC member did it. The setup would be an ongoing split of future royalties to more-than reimburse time/effort.

mouser · « **Reply #779 on:** August 23, 2013, 11:00 AM »

one of the tests of an audiobook narrator is being able to do different voices.. it can't be easy. that may be where the rubber hits the road.

kyrathaba · « **Reply #780 on:** August 23, 2013, 11:03 AM »

Yeah, the narrator is going to have to choose a voice for each main character that is distinctive enough to audibly differentiate characters as they speak. Should be interesting. I've heard some men who do great voices for both men and women. This won't be like "They Live", where there is a multi-cast. It'll just be one narrator who'll have to be pretty talented and versatile.

kyrathaba · « **Reply #781 on:** August 23, 2013, 12:37 PM »

Absolutely terrific review of Kyrathaba Rising by our own 40hz. Read it here. Thanks SO much, 40hz!

To date, the novel has garnered three 5-star and five 4-star reviews!

kyrathaba · « **Reply #782 on:** August 23, 2013, 01:15 PM »

MY GOODNESS!

Got my first audio audition and the guy is GOOD, really good. I'm attaching the mp3 for ppl to download and listen to. As mouser suggested, it may be fun to choose a narrator from several applicants who I know will apply for this. For now, this first download is by Aaron (Aaron, feel free to share your last name if you decide to join up and post).

mouser · « **Reply #783 on:** August 23, 2013, 01:39 PM »

Listened to the audio. That was *VERY* *VERY* good -- shockingly good.

I listen to a LOT of audio books, and I was not expecting anything nearly so professional sounding.

If he can do a few different character voices, I'd say you can call of the search for a narrator right now.

kyrathaba · « **Reply #784 on:** August 23, 2013, 01:40 PM »

Invited Aaron to join us and follow along on this thread.

kyrathaba · « **Reply #785 on:** August 23, 2013, 01:40 PM »

I sent messages to three others who'd expressed interest in auditioning, but I'm hoping my friend Wayne call pull a crew together.

kyrathaba · « **Reply #786 on:** August 23, 2013, 01:52 PM »

I'll give it 36 hours to bake. See if anyone else auditions. Then we'll decide. But yeah, Aaron's awesome! Perry, c'mon guy! You did the cover, you helped with proofreading. At least audition for the narrator...

kyrathaba · « **Reply #787 on:** August 23, 2013, 02:24 PM »

Another audition, this time from Karl.

kyrathaba · « **Reply #788 on:** August 23, 2013, 02:28 PM »

Not sure Aaron is a viable contestant. I'd made clear in a message that I can't afford upfront payment and would be interested in an ongoing royalty-split. I just got this from him:

Hi William,

I'm glad to hear you liked my performance! ~:-D

I'm in love with post-apocalyptic/dystopian genres and I just had to audition when I read the manuscript. I don't typically do the Royalty Share split any more, but I included a note in my audition about a proposed rate of $275pfh. Would you be open to a fixed rate for production and with you retaining full rights? I'm a dedicated professional narrator with a broadcast quality WhisperRoom, top of the line industry standard microphones, and a ProTools workstation.

At this rate, ACX/Audible will contribute to my healthcare and retirement. It covers my research, mark-up, narration, editing, and proofing (roughly 60 hours for a 10hr book) to ensure your book is word perfect to bring all of your carefully crafted thoughts, feelings and characters to life. You will retain all rights to the material, and all royalties from audiobook sales will be paid to you.

Total estimated production cost for your title at ~7.6hrs x $275pfh is: $2090

Please let me know your thoughts, as this book sounds AWESOME, and I'd love to work something out.

mouser · « **Reply #789 on:** August 23, 2013, 02:33 PM »

It's easy to see why a royalty payment wouldn't be attractive to a narrator of a first book by an unknown author..
And easy to see why you can't afford to pay for such services.

Well, keep Aaron in mind for book two, and concentrate on finding a volunteer who can work for little or no money.

kyrathaba · « **Reply #790 on:** August 23, 2013, 02:34 PM »

Yeah, this whole thing (first, the written book, and now this possible audible book) are works of love. I'm not even back at work, yet, although I think things are looking up.

kyrathaba · « **Reply #791 on:** August 23, 2013, 02:45 PM »

I sent this to Aaron:

My friends and I who have listened to your audition MP3 agree that you're certainly worth every penny of your proposed fee. Unfortunately, I am currently laid-off from work and have spent most of my savings in legal fees. I cannot blame an experienced professional for opting not to go the split-royalty route. If you by chance reconsider, let me know, because I think you're a shoe-in. If not, thanks for taking the time to audition, Aaron

kyrathaba · « **Reply #792 on:** August 23, 2013, 02:46 PM »

Perhaps some lady members of the site would care to audition?

kyrathaba · « **Reply #793 on:** August 23, 2013, 04:06 PM »

Just got a tweet from author Clifton Coetzee. He's probably gonna audition tomorrow. He's reading Kyrathaba Rising and going to review it, and I'm reading his novel Kevin Adams - Serial Killer and am going to review it.

40hz · « **Reply #794 on:** August 23, 2013, 05:22 PM »

I'd made clear in a message that I can't afford upfront payment and would be interested in an ongoing royalty-split.
-kyrathaba (August 23, 2013, 02:28 PM)

That's the mark of a real professional IMHO.

Audition anyway and state your fee. Maybe (probably) you won't get the assignment - but you've at least made the initial contact, demonstrated what a professional can do for a project, and let the potential future customer know what your services go for.

Nothing ventured - nothing gained, right?

I'm a musician so I can appreciate where Aaron's coming from - even if I probably wouldn't have done the same pitch since you were quite clear there was zero cash available up front, and you're a first-time author (so it's probably true.)

kyrathaba · « **Reply #795 on:** August 23, 2013, 05:23 PM »

Yeah, can't blame the guy. It's good business.

kyrathaba · « **Reply #796 on:** August 24, 2013, 03:22 PM »

My brother, Karl, auditioned from Ohio yesterday, but I hate having to depend on him. Perry graciously declined. Can't afford Aaron the Pro. Three others who'd expressed interest have since bowed out, and not getting bites on ACX website. Unless someone steps forward with the technical and voice talent to do this, I'll have to do it myself (which at least has the advantage of not sharing any royalties that accrue). My version of the Prologue can be downloaded here. It's 192 kbps and 15m47s duration. About a 21Mb MP3 file.

It isn't zipped, so you may wanna right-click and Download As or Download Link As Mp3...

mouser · « **Reply #797 on:** August 24, 2013, 04:19 PM »

You did really good!

It's not at aaron's level, but it's very good!

I think with a better microphone that would clean up the noise, you're good to go. I think you should go for it.

Two suggestions:

1. Having a good quality microphone and recording it someplace where there is no background noise, is INSANELY important. It makes all the difference in the world in terms of having a *CLEAN* audio recording. Do *NOT* think you can "just clean it up in post processing." So, do not record anything more than tests until someone with some audio skills gives you the green light. Compare the noise in your recording with Aarons and the difference is clear. Maybe ask aaron for some tips on microphone setup.

2. Lay out the list of characters and see if you can't nail down some slight changes in voicing for them. People here could give some feedback about it.

kyrathaba · « **Reply #798 on:** August 24, 2013, 04:24 PM »

Oblivion, care to chime in? (We've been PMing...)

kyrathaba · « **Reply #799 on:** August 24, 2013, 05:03 PM »

Oblivion is interested in heading this up, and mentioned interest in multiple voice talents Author Nova Walsh might be interested (she's on G+ and I've pointed her this direction.) The problem with the idea of me doing it is not getting a decent mic; it's finding a quiet enough place. Can't afford to rent studio space/time. Live with 4 others in a small house. Wanna know where I recorded that sample? I'm my car, parked in my father's field far from the road (and therefore far from noise of passers-by). Not the same as a WhisperRoom, I'll grant you. Used a Sony ICD UX71 mp3-corder.