Customer Reviews

Secrets of Voice-Over Success: Top Voice-Over Actors Reveal How They Did It

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I truly enjoyed reading this book. I didn't expect to find my life/career path after reading it, but each of these amazingly different and unusual artists brought something unique to each chapter. Their struggles were all different, and although their responses to what their life would be like without their voices seemed like an afterthought, their passion for the industry is crystal clear.
For anyone that wants to get into the business, or has even had a fascination with the "who's behind the mic of my favorite show?", this book should be among those you read, then read again!

I found this book an interesting read, but not as informative as I was hoping it to be. This book basically takes voice over actors and lets them tell you their stories of how they got into, and made it in the VO business. If you are looking for a book that will help you in technique, the business, how to get started, how to set up a home studio, or any other VO related information for a beginner, then this book is not for you. If you are just looking for biographies of current and past VO talent and very little snippets of industry information, and not really concerned about getting into VO work, then this book may be for you and does offer some good stories. There are, however, books better suited for those that wish to get into the biz and book their first gig, but sadly, this book will not do it for you.

There are often no clear reasons why good things suddenly appear in our lives, but Secrets Of Voice-Over Success is a shining example that such things do happen. I am favorably impressed by the contribution that these outstanding actors and contributors of this book have made, not only to the fine craft of voice-over acting but to those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. I would never have put the two together quite as naturally as Joan Baker has in this book, but the fit is at once moving and inspirational. In learning about the nuts and bolts of becoming a voice-over actor one also learns a lesson in humility, learns to respect and appreciate the profound value of the human voice and the ability to communicate our inner most imaginings, wishes, and expressions. This is a book full of heart and soul - like the committed grade school teacher who never gives up on her pupil and lives to see that pupil achieve great things. Every page contributes to the greater possibility we are as individuals seeking to define our careers and lives. This book full of heart brings the craft, the art, and the practical skills of a magical art form and lays it at your feet to choose for yourself or to simply revel in the joy of those who did choose it.

This is one of the best books I've read about the business of voiceovers, and I've read them all. Hearing "how they did it" from some of the best performers in the country makes for a fascinating read, but there's plenty of real world information from the artists as well, including marketing tips, studio conduct, union membership and the "art of the craft."

I appreciate that the proceeds of this book are being donated to the Alzheimer's Association. As a voiceover performer myself, I'm acutely aware that the word "voice" means much more than simply an instrument for talking. The voice is the means by which we convey our soul; it is the stream of our identity. Successful voiceover performers, such as those featured in this book, are able to convey emotion and heart through their work, and the listener has a sense of who they are from the way they shape the words. All of us who make a living in this business have contemplated losing our voices, but for an Alzheimer's patient, the loss of voice is much more profound than losing the ability to communicate; it is the loss of identity. Using a book focused on voiceovers as a means to fight a disease that robs its victims of their voices is inspiring, and very creative.

For voice performers, this book is a wonderful addition to your personal library. If you already make a living using your voice, or hope to, purchasing this book is an investment--you're "paying it forward" as you learn from the best in the business.

I just finished Secrets of Voice-over Success. I got now how I would fit into the vo industry and create a niche for myself. Wow, I've wanted to do voice-overs since college but made it into a someday dream. I related to many peoples chapter's and got into there experinces and how they did it. I was encouraged to know how these artists mind's worked and figured out the themes and the courage it would take for me to move ahead. From the book, I got a great vo coach and my next move after making a demo is moving to LA and getting my demo out to agents there. I had never really known what to do and people I asked don't really know too well either.
I loved the history- it really was grounding to know that there is a history and a future to all this. I have always admired Don LaFontaine and now I know his story and get his advice in his words.
Wow- thank you to everybody in this book for being the first to show the courage it takes to do this for a living!
Thank you Joan Baker and David Hyde Pierce. Also the author's proceeds are going to a great cause too.

I'm just flummoxed by a previous review of Joan Baker's "Secrets of Voice-Over Success". Ms. Baker is deemed by the reviewer to be irrelevant, obvious and out of date because she neglects to deconstruct the semiotics of the latest manifestations of an ever-changing gamut of voiceover styles. Whazzat? Pretty heavy, I guess, but these quibbles convey nothing of the wonderful and inspiring book I read. What could be more relevant and uplifting than the tales these voice artists relate as to how they reached the high level of success they enjoy today. These are top people, engaging in national level campaigns right now. Their voices are supposed to be irrelevant? I don't think so.

For a newcomer to voiceover like myself it's so encouraging to learn how others overcame pitfalls and obstacles to make it in our chosen field. Joan Baker's nifty volume is like a pat on the back and a helping hand along the way. Kudos to Joan and to all the artists who so generously gave of their time and experience to help make this marvelous book a reality. And what more wonderful theme to tie the volume together than touching on the effects of Alzheimer's on the lives of so many of us? Something tells me that one day, when we've reached the other side of the River Jordan, we'll be surprised to learn just how much good this book will have done to help those poor souls afflicted with Alzheimer's.

Joan Baker has my profound gratitude for creating a book that truly tells it like it is. I love the way the practical how-to facts come from the actual life-stories of top talent who have done it. It's a great way to learn and it's filled with life-lessons born out of many, many years of hard knocks experience. The many different pints of view make all the difference in finding one's personal place within a complicated industry. This book is written by the people who know the voice-over industry and, in some cases, pioneered it! Joan Baker truly delivers on the secrets of the industry and I applaud her and her fabulous contributors for their generosity in letting it all hang out. Secrets Of Voice-Over Success set a new standard.

Secrets of Voice-Over Success is a beautifully put together must read for anyone interested in the field of voice-over. In addition to the invaluable tips on how to enter and navigate your way through the world of voice-over, the reader also has the privilege of hearing the personal stories of these courageous and successful individuals who have used their voices to create their livelihood. I can't thank Joan Baker enough for creating this treasure. I now feel empowered as I step out in hopes of joining the ranks of working voice-over talent.

I am also deeply moved by the donation of the proceeds to the Alzheimer's Association. Anyone whose life has been touched by this disease understands the devastation. This book is truly a labor of love.

Like a good song that make you get up and move, this book is pure inspiration! The stories are told in a way that gives you the experience of discovering the truth of your own heart. I appreciate the contributors' honest accounts of their setbacks, and discomforts. I also wanted to know what the professionals learned on their way to reaching the pinnacle of their success. Most of all, it delivers a powerful message of having the nerve to turn out the odds. It stimulated my conscience in a way that even my understanding of passion elevated to another level.

Even though I'm not a voice over actor, I'm still an actor who audition on a regular basis. The principles are the same and I've had to refer to the lessons more than a few times. Needless to say, this book has served me very well. I applied the lessons to my line of work and have gotten amazing results.

It is your soul that will find food here. Unless you put the suggestions to practice, the secrets will pass you by leaving you once again with frustration and doubt. In other words, this book will point you into the direction of your hearts' desire. If you follow your heart, "Secrets" will find and move you in some way. Only when ready to receive new information will your thirst for knowledge and a new point of view expand. After reading, I asked myself, do I dare? The stories in this book tells me the answer is a question of courage and effort; a question of desire. We either love/enjoy our labor or not. It's for each of us to decide.

Certainly, you'll get a second wind after reading this gem of a book called, Secrets of Voice Over Success.



Joan:
You and the other contributors' courage have encouraged me. If just one soul is empowered, that's valid enough. And, you've even managed to find a creative way to enlarge the vision of humanity by contributing to a good cause such as the Alzheimer's Association. Bravo!!! Your work is a perfect expression of love in action! Now suddenly the impossible seems possible!

One of the most common question questions I hear in the Los Angeles voice over world is how did the big guns get to the top. Well, this book uses standardized interview questions to 19 of the top vo talent in the U.S., Joan herself being one of them. You couldn't wish for a better one on one interview with each one.

Everyone interviewed certainly had distinct things to say, but some common threads were "just fell into it", battled racism on the way and hard work and persistence really pays off.

A note to the wise: if you're in this business for quick profit forget about it. This career path has alot of competition, and only those with stamina and passion for voice work will stand the test of time and make a full-time living at it.

The Alzheimer aspect was valuable in today's society where it is estimated that in the coming decades, unless something is done, millions of the aging group of Americans will succumb to this heart-wrenching disease. Go Joan!!

Tansy Alexander