If you’ve ever thought, “Hey, I could totally read audiobooks for a living,” you’re not alone. But there’s a lot more to it than just having a nice voice and a quiet room.
Marni Penning has narrated over 350 books (plus another 500+ full-cast recordings for Graphic Audio). She’s voiced everything from Fourth Wing and ACOTAR to children’s stories and spicy romances — under a pseudonym, of course.
From Stage to Studio
Marni has been acting since she was eight, with decades of experience in theater and Shakespeare productions. But she didn’t break into audiobook narration until 2018, and she kind of fell into it.
Her friend, audiobook legend Andi Arndt, encouraged her to try narrating professionally. Marni had already recorded a dozen books for the Library of Congress’s Books for the Blind program, and she was popping in and out of studios like Graphic Audio (a full-cast recording company). One day, a booth opened up, a chapter needed recording ASAP… and Marni knocked it out on the spot.
That impromptu session? Her first Audible credit.
Yes, It’s Acting. Not Just Reading
One of the first things Marni clears up is this: Audiobook narration is not just reading. It’s acting.
“There’s a reason AI narration isn’t taking off,” she says. “There’s no connection to the story.”
Human narrators bring nuance, emotion, and character depth that robots can’t replicate, especially when voicing multiple characters across a 10-hour book. So if you’ve got acting chops (or are willing to learn), you’re already ahead of the game.
Where to Start in Audiobook Narration
You don’t need a fancy studio to begin. Marni started in her closet with a $100 microphone and a laptop. Why the closet? All those clothes make great soundproofing.
But the setup is just one piece. Marni strongly recommends getting coaching from trusted professionals. Resources she swears by include:
- NarratorsRoadmap.com: A free and paid hub packed with tools, training, and vetted coaches
- StarvingArtistsNoMore.com: A business-focused site for creatives
- Narrator.Life: A supportive community run by narration veterans
- ACX.com: A platform where indie authors and narrators connect
- AhabTalent.com: Run by Penguin Random House, this site helps match narrators with publishers based on their unique qualities
How You Actually Get Work
In the beginning, most narrators find work through ACX or Ahab Talent, where you can audition for specific books. As you build experience and relationships, more jobs come through direct bookings, sometimes even tailored for your voice.
Once established, you can work with major publishers, small production houses, and independent authors. Marni now works across the board, often recording in her home studio for hours at a time while her son is just upstairs.
And yes, you set your own hours. (One of her favorite perks? No more weekends!)
Rates, Reality, and the Time It Really Takes
Narrators are typically paid per finished hour, meaning a 10-hour audiobook earns pay for 10 hours, but it might take you 30 to produce when you factor in prep, retakes, and edits.
The SAG-AFTRA base rate starts around $200 per finished hour, with experienced narrators earning much more.
But don’t expect to knock out a book in a day. “A 10-hour book can take me 10 days,” Marni says. And that’s with years of experience.
Yes, She Voices That Character in That Book
Marni is the voice of General Lilith Sorrengail in Fourth Wing, and she’s done full-cast recordings of ACOTAR and Crescent City with Graphic Audio.
She even had a moment with Whoopi Goldberg, who turned out to be a fan and recognized her from a recent role.
What About Romance and Spicy Scenes?
Marni doesn’t shy away from romance narration. In fact, she uses a pseudonym for that side of her work. It’s a common practice for narrators who also record children’s or YA books and want to keep branding separate.
“I cosplay her at conventions,” she joked. “She’s my happy fun time girl.”
The Takeaway: You Can Do This, But Do It Right
If you’re thinking of dipping your toe into audiobook narration, Marni’s advice is simple: Treat it like a business. Get coaching. Learn the craft. Practice. Build a solid setup.
Know that it takes more than a good voice. It takes stamina, storytelling, and the ability to bring dozens of characters to life without getting them mixed up.
With the right training and dedication, it can be a thriving career you build right from home… in slippers, with coffee, and no weekends required.
