From Words on a Page to Performance: Hiring the Perfect Spoken-Word Artist or Narrator

Transform your words on a page into unforgettable performances. This practical guide helps clients hire spoken-word performers, audiobook narrators, or source a voice-over artist for poetry – covering contract essentials, technical specs, audition tips, demo clips, venue, and tone. Use our checklist to brief talent clearly and get the perfect vocals for your recorded or live event………….

Turning a written piece of either poetry or prose into an audiobook or live performance is both an art and also a logistics nightmare all wrapped into one. Whether you’re producing an audiobook, a recorded anthology, or a live event, finding the right voice – one that rivals tone, venue and audience – can make or break your project. With this in mind, here are tips on how to hire a spoken word performer, voice-over poetry artist, or audiobook narrator, with no qualms: 

Consider Tone and Audience First 

It is vital to match the performer’s tone to the piece and its listeners; 

• Intimate, confessional poetry – seek a warm, breathy delivery, and subtle phrasing 
• Protest or political pieces – ideal for a performer with emotional range, urgency, and projection
• Children’s or whimsical work – dynamic pacing, clear diction, and playful cadence 
• Audiobook non-fiction – emphasis, clear pacing, steady, and trustworthy narration 

Important: Always begin by defining your target listener – audiobook buyers, podcast audience, or festival crowd – and make sure to brief the performer accordingly. 

Venue and Format Factor

Format and venue have a huge influence on technical needs; 

• Live stage performance; mic technique, stage presence, and movement matter. Request for sample live clips from your prospective performer 
• Studio-recorded audio; breath control, consistency, and clarity, are paramount. Ask for produced and dry samples 
• Short video/film; syncing with visuals and acting range are essential qualities – hire performers with on-camera experience 

What to Ask for in Demo Clips

A demo should be recent and specific; 

1. A short performance clip between 30 to 90 seconds long that utilizes a similar tone to the one you’re looking for
2. A studio narration sample – preferably a paragraph read in a single take
3. Optional: A portfolio reel showcasing range – character reads, prose, or poetry

Client Audition Tips 

If you decide to conduct auditions, ensure they are efficient and revealing; 

• Provide a 60-90 second cold read either from your actual text, or identical excerpt 
• Give a directive, for example, as the performer to “make it sound like a whispered confession” and watch how the instruction is interpreted 
• Ask for two takes; one natural and the other requiring a specific emotional push 
• Time the read. This is to make sure the performer keeps within the scheduled duration for your piece or chapter 

Technical Checklist for Recorded Projects 

• File format; WAV, 24/64-BIT, 48KHZ 
• A professional studio or a quiet environment with no obvious room echo 
• Consistent mic distance and volume levels across all sessions  
• Deliverables; raw files, edited masters, and metadata tracks which usually consists of chapter markers and track names. Include these specs in your brief to avoid rework

Rights, Contracts, and Payment 

Clarify usage in advance; 

• Scope; recording only, performance-only, or both?
• Duration & territory; how long you’ll use the recording, global vs limited geography 
• Buyout vs. royalty; choose whether to pay a one-off fee or share royalties. All terms should be in writing; payment schedule, revisions included, and crediting arrangements 

Where to Find Talent 

Search vetted platforms, like UWL Freelancer Network, local festivals, audiobook sites, and performance collectives. Accord priority to candidates with client references and relevant samples. 

If you’d like, UWL Freelancer Network can match your project with vetted voice-over poetry artists and professional audiobook narrators – complete with production support, contract templates, and demo reels. 

Submit your brief and we’ll assist you find the right voice.