People often ask me how I started in voice-overs or for any advice that I can share. I could really get wound up on this topic since it's my life's passion! Instead, I'll give you the short answer: have a dream; read some books; practice; take some classes; practice; hire professionals to work with you in creating your demo; practice; market, market, market yourself; and follow up with each contact (usually more than once and often 5-7 times) to get gigs!

Please note that I do not teach, and I do not accept demos for critique or casting. I am providing the following information on my web site and in my blog topics as a service. If you want to start and/or maintain a career in voice-over, first recognize that READING is intrinsic to the job. Therefore, I refer you to my blog to read the entry titled A plan to break into voice-over. My history below will outline some information about marketing and finding clients. I have written in greater detail on these and other topics on my blog.

Like many of the people who have contacted me for information, I had wanted to do voice-over work all of my life. After years of letting the dream lurk in the dark cobwebs of my mind, I decided to volunteer to read for the blind and print-handicapped over the Georgia Radio Reading Service. While being a volunteer reader is a worthy cause in itself and certainly wonderful training for the field, I didn't satisfy the hunger of my dream. I started reading books by Barbara Sher after seeing her on Oprah. I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What it Was was the first I read, followed by Wishcraft and Live the Life You Love in 10 Easy Lessons. I HIGHLY recommend her books if you need help figuring out what is important to you and how to get it in your life. Other favorite books on goal-setting are Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser and Martha Beck's Finding Your Own North Star.

One of the Sher books listed a book in the bibliography called Take It From the Top by Alice Whitfield. I ordered it sight unseen because it was about working in voice-over, and it was the only book I knew of at the time that addressed the topic. I now have about a dozen or more. I think it's important to read more than one so that you will pick up different perspectives and tips for working in the industry. You can look at books from my book shelf about voice-over on my recommended reading list. I expect to create other lists on business, goal-setting and self-development as time permits.

People often think the only requirement for voice-over work is having a good voice. Some people even think that becoming a voice actor is as easy as signing up for frequent flyer miles. A good voice is NOT even the most important attribute for work in this business! As in any field, good marketing can beat a good product.

I always recommend that you start with a book on voice-over. It is a small investment in time and money that will give you the information you need to decide whether you want to pursue this career. The books usually provide practice scripts. You definitely will want and need to practice your delivery styles. Some people suggest that you read everything aloud as practice; acting skills are also extremely important. You may want to take acting classes to help you interpret and become the person in the copy.

After reading the Whitfield book, I decided to take an introductory class in voice-over at a city theater, and then I attended a workshop with a local voice-over instructor with dozens of national credits. When I completed the workshop, the instructor felt I was sufficiently ready to make a commercial demo. I rented studio time and hired my voice-over coach as my producer/director. The demo process took dollars and months as we had to choose material, music and sound effects to compliment the selected spots. The demo was sequenced so that it would contain a wide sampling but be no longer than 2 minutes. Most demos now are no longer than 1 minute.

I worked independently for 3 years before an agent would represent me. I've determined that the agents want to see that you are marketable and getting work before they agree to represent you. They are busy seeking work for the people they already represent and may be reluctant to take on a new person for any number of reasons, including the economy.

As with any contact you make about voice-over -- and I can not stress this point too much -- you must FOLLOW-UP after any demo submission. You need to be self-reliant and organized; no one is coming to the rescue. An agent is not your mother or your manager and won't be the one responsible for ensuring you have publicity. That job falls to YOU.

I found potential clients through the Yellow Pages, the state business directory and organizations such as MCA-I. One mistake that I made was adding leads to my database without first qualifying them. This can be a costly mistake over time if you send mail to people who would never be in a position or have an interest to hire you. I researched and purchased equipment for my studio, and I continue to enhance it and my skills. I market myself **continuously** with numerous techniques including phone calls, personal meetings, advertisements and direct mailings.

Getting work in voice-over is based partly on talent, persistence with demo submissions and follow-ups and sometimes plain ole timing or luck of the draw.

You may want to check out the excellent discussions at the Yahoo Voiceovers group; the archives on that group are filled with tips from industry professionals about getting started in this business. You can also find several other interesting voice talent groups on Yahoo.

Many people think that the only way to obtain work is through agents, and they probably can't get good representation without experience. However, the Internet age has put power in the hands of the talent. You can sign up for on-line casting services such as Voice123.com and Voices.com. Others also exist, but these two are among the most popular sites geared to voice artists.

For a fee, these sites allow you to post your demo(s) on-line and receive audition notices for a wide range of projects. For instance, with Voice123.com, you may receive multiple audition notices in one day.

I should clarify and say that you can receive the audition notices even with a free membership on Voice123.com. You would need a paid membership in order to respond to most notices.

You can record the auditions on your home system and send back the .mp3s with your quote for the job. The sites act as clearing houses between the producers and talent; once selected for a job, it's up to you as the talent to work out the payment details with the producer.

These sites also provide good information about the industry in the form of articles and blogs. The Voices.com blog is especially enjoyable.

You have to determine whether you want to utilize any of these services and which sites to join as part of your marketing plan. You can read the archives and join the discussions at the VO-BB.com bulletin board or one of the many Yahoo groups devoted to voice-overs to assist in your decision process.

Lots of interesting jobs are being posted on these sites every day. People are doing auditions every day -- and you can never have too much practice doing auditions! Somebody is getting hired and making money from these sites every day. Is today going to be the day that one of those people is YOU?

For ongoing advice about becoming a voice actor or expanding your career in voice acting, I invite you to read my blog.

The most important thing I can tell you about becoming a voice actor -- or any dream that you have -- is best summarized in the following inspirational quote from my favorite entertainer Barry Manilow:

I believe that we are who we choose to be.

Nobody is going to come and save you. You've got to save yourself.

Nobody is going to give you anything. You've got to go out and fight for it.

Nobody knows what you want except you, and nobody will be as sorry as you if you don't get it.

So don't give up your dreams.