FOR YOUNG AND BUDDING WRITERS
I believe in helping young adults and aspiring authors bring their stories to life through audiobooks. The publishing industry is competitive, and with the growing challenges of traditional publishing, self-publishing has become an essential path for many writers.
To support new and emerging authors, I offer a discounted rate for narration. I will work with you to bring your story to life with polished and professional narrating.
Below, I have included a few resources on key aspects of the writing and publishing process, including story plotting, character development, editing, marketing, and even query letter writing for those still pursuing trad publishing.
My job as the narrator is wonderful. One of my favorite aspects of narrating is working with my clients. Every client’s story is unique. Some are seasoned writers with dozens of books under their belt, others are debut authors, a little nervous about their creation and the process.
My clients will tell you that having your book narrated is the easy part! The hard part is first, prepping your manuscript and making sure its ready to be seen and heard by the world. Second, is figuring how to get it in front of the world!
When I finally hand off their narrated files - they have to take their precious creation and - market!
The "M" word is a stinger for many! All of my clients know all too well that these books don’t market themselves.
Very Simply - What do you Need?
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A well-written, well-edited manuscript that magnetizes its audience
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Exposure
MANUSCRIPT PREPPING
There’s more to becoming an author than waking up from a dream and knowing this idea will be the next best-seller.
Renowned American novelist William Faulkner said,
“Read! Read! Read!”
If you are not constantly reading quality works, you cannot create quality works.
Reading has become, dare I say, an obsession in my life. When I finally discovered that I could conquer my brand of dyslexia with willpower and consistent effort, I committed to always having a book—or five—in hand (or ear).
I began collecting books the minute I owned a small black bookshelf—a gift from my now-husband, while I was in college learning Children’s Lit. That collection has grown to hundreds of books and a personal library - also a gift from my now-husband (he's a fantastic finish-worker).
I know that not all people are avid readers—I have children (bless me) who don’t love to read—but I believe loving to read is a learned thing and it doesn’t always happen at a young age.
It happens in that magical moment when you forget you are on planet Earth, and you “wake up” nine chapters later, realizing that the transportation you experienced must continue. You begin daydreaming about the next series that will encourage you to find cozy dark corners, avoid your chores, and put off your homework.
Once you learn that good writers were first good readers, you will understand that a great manuscript isn’t born overnight or over months. Sometimes, great manuscripts take years – even decades! And always – a lot of patience.
For example:
J.R.R. Tolkien - The Lord of the Rings
Time spent: 12 years (1937-1949)1.
Marcel Proust - In Search of Lost Time
Time spent: 14 years (1909-1922)
James Michener, the bestselling American author, famously said,
“I'm not a very good writer, but I'm an excellent rewriter."
Write—yes—then set it down and leave it alone for a bit. Read some great literature, and then pick it back up again.
You may be asking yourself—what does Laura know? She hasn't published!
You're right about that! But, I brush arms with a lot of authors. I know how scary the publishing industry can be—and I have read/narrated A LOT of books—phenomenal books written by literary geniuses–and books that needed a little guidance—from the professionals.
We don’t always realize that the seemingly "overnight successes" we read about – came with a long, grueling process of learning at some time, somewhere. Education, experience, trial and error, hopelessness, discouragement, and painstaking effort came before the triumph.
Below I've included just a few resources to get you started—but remember, we are never supposed to stop learning. They say it's lonely at the top—but is there really a top?
I don't believe so.
That sounds boring.
I believe we can always be inspired, even from those who may not seem qualified. I can't tell you how much I’ve learned from my clients—experienced, seasoned authors, young writers filled with hope and excitement, the mom who had an idea for years. I've learned from them all!
My all-time favorite, and a most beloved writer, C.S Lewis said,
“When you're always looking down on others, you can't see what is above you."
So, don’t look for the top – look around.
RESOURCES:
Karen Commins – Narrator & Audiobook Coach
She created NarratorsRoadmap.com, but also has a free “ACX for Rights Holders” guide for authors.
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Artists: By Andrew Price:
Excellent (short) video with great advice for any artist.
You need to begin with good habits! They are the paving stones to success!
A veteran audiobook narrator and coach specializing in nonfiction, and author of, To Be or Wanna Be: The Top Ten Differences Between a Successful Actor and a Starving Artist," A guide that explores the behaviors and approaches distinguishing thriving actors from those struggling in the industry. This book can be applied to any form of artistry!
Derek Doepker – Author & Book Marketing Coach
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Book: Why Authors Fail (great mindset & marketing guidance)
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Derek has experience in audiobook marketing and focuses on helping authors build reader loyalty and long-term visibility
Getting to Like: By Jeremy Goldman, narrated by Sean Pratt:
An excellent book on how to boost your brand and grow your business.
Algonkian Novel Writing and Editing Program:
An intensive, hands-on workshop designed to help writers develop, refine, and elevate their novels for the publishing industry. Offering a blend of professional feedback, market-focused guidance, and structured story development techniques.
A popular blog run by literary agent Janet Reid, where writers can submit their query letters for critique and feedback. The blog offers valuable insights on what makes a successful query letter, highlighting common mistakes and providing examples of strong submissions.
One of the most prestigious creative writing programs, the Iowa Writers' Workshop has helped launch the careers of many celebrated authors. It offers an immersive environment where young writers receive rigorous feedback from experienced faculty and peers.
The Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop
A six-week program for aspiring science fiction and fantasy writers, Clarion is known for its intensive approach to helping writers develop their craft. Many successful authors, including Neil Gaiman and Octavia Butler, have credited Clarion with significantly advancing their careers.
Based in New York City, Gotham offers online and in-person writing classes for writers of all levels. Their courses range from short story writing to novel development, and many successful writers have gotten their start here.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
This prestigious competition recognizes young talent in a variety of categories, including writing. Winning or being recognized by the Scholastic Awards has led to opportunities for young writers to publish and build their careers.
The New York Public Library's Teen Writing Program
Offering free writing workshops for teens, the NYPL's program focuses on both creative and professional writing, providing support for young writers aiming to pursue publishing careers.
It’s important to understand that after narration - the next step is in your hands. Marketing can be daunting, but, building your platform, connecting with your audience, and spreading the word about your audiobook are key to its success.