Customer Reviews

There's Money Where Your Mouth Is: An Insider's Guide to a Career in Voice-Overs

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Whooaaaa! What a SOLID book! Don't let the fact that it's a paperback fool you. In some 204 pages Elaine Clark, a voice-over performer, casting director and coach, covers all bases -- and there is no padding. It's solid, useful, info that can be applied immediately. And if you read the book and follow her advice I suspect it'll shave YEARS off the typical hit-and-miss process that most of us (including me) go through in entertainment (I'm a ventriloquist, a lower form of voice life). There are many books on virtually every aspect of show biz and we're seeing more on voice-overs, an increasingly lucrative industry due to the explosion in cartoons, commercials, etc. Clark takes you through voice techniques, getting started, copy basics, looking for an agent and The Absolutely Crucial Step: doing a demo (just as most mere mortals are judged by how they present themselves on paper, entertainers are judged by what they choose to present in their demos). It even includes a section on staying on top. Nothing is left out; the writing style is to-the-point...no cutesy stuff that attempts to mask weak content. Each page is tightly-packed with detailed information. It's as if she is having her own private session with you -- and, actually, she is -- except it costs a lot less in book form. Need THE BOOK on voice-overs? This is IT.

I first read this book a couple of years ago when I was just toying with the idea of making VO a career. It is a bible for aspiring talents and established pros will also learn plenty as Elaine is a renowned casting director and producer as well as a successful talent.

It is an easy read but the exercises are anything but easy. The sample scripts are fabulous and the vocal warm-ups are helpful and something that all other books on VO are lacking. The marketing chapters are also well written and leave one with no illusion about talent alone being enough to make it in this highly competitive field. That's what makes this the best book on VO that I've read. It has everything. Did I say it had everything? Let's amend that - I'd like to see a chapter on equipment and technology though with the pace of change these days, it would probably be out of date before its printed.

If you have been thinking about a career in voice over, you are not serious if you don't buy this book.

I have about 8 different books on this subject, my background is radio broadcasting, Elaine help me to deprogram myself and do real acting, that's what voiceovers are about. I just purchased her video offered in the book and I started back reading the material and practicing everyday. I have taken voiceover seminars, and I find it is a highly recommended text. She also gives you practical tools about setting up an audition tape, and how to interpet copy. The best!

I wasted time and tape. I frustrated myself with poor technique that I could hear, but could not identify to fix. I went about marketing my self poorly. That's all changed now, thanks to Elaine Clark's book. It is an ABC's of how to polish and, perhaps more importantly, market your skills. A no nonsence blueprint for the aspiring (and in my case, clueless) professional. Although I am a pup, I have no doubt that even the most seasoned professional will find useful ideas. Invest in yourself... buy this book.

I've read this book at least 3 times and learn something new each time! Elaine writes so that a beginner can discover how voiceovers work and even how to analyze the different types of voiceovers: commercial, narration, characters... even voicemail! It includes sample scripts and even marketing tools such as how to structure a resume and go out there and do it. I've booked a few jobs because of Elaine's expertise! A must have for anyone wanting to enter this business.

A fabulous introduction to the art and business of voice-overs. As one of her students, I can say this: Elaine knows what she's talking about. She'll show you the techniques you need in the business and even provide a wide variety of "copy" to practice your skills.

I'll let the book speak for itself. Pick up a copy. Read it. Study it.

And don't forget to practice.

I liked this book and the author's easy-going narrative. Elaine Clark is clearly talented and well respected in the voice over field. That being said, the book clearly needs an update. When I bought the "Second Edition" I thought I would be getting more up-to-date info. (This may be partially my fault as I guess I did not scrutinize the publishing date before I clicked the "Buy" button.) There is half a chapter on "casette duplication" and "cassette artwork"! The section detailing salary expectations is also 8 -10 years behind. We don't want to work that cheap! ;) If there isn't a more recent update, then certain infomation should be completely omitted from the book. Reading the above mentioned sections (and some others) made me wonder what other antiquated advice I may take to heart and then make a mistake as a direct result. If you can buy this book at a discount and keep the above caveats in mind, there is much useful information for your tool belt.

I've read the book and taken Elaine's classes. She is one of the top people in the field and got me started living the life I love, doing Voice Over's.

Great simple tips with easy to understand samples and techniques that push you in the right direction. The message of the title speaks to that if you try hard and study the book you can ultimately make it! When I win my awards she will be one of the people I thank!

This book is very helpful for those new to the industry. It contains information about putting your demo together, about getting an agent, and has sample copy to practice with, and tips for exercising your voice. I definitely reccomend this for anyone who is interested in trying this line of work for the first time.

Elaine has perfected the rare talent for explaining and demonstrating the ephemeral concepts of effective voice-overs in this book. She combines all of her talents as performer, director, and coach to deliver an easy-to-grasp overview of all areas of the voice-over industry. Having recently participated in one of her classes, I can verify that her methods DO work! Buy this book!!