The whole mixdown process could be done in a day, but I like to take my time and make sure things sound right. It generally takes from 3 days to a week.

When it's all done, you get 1 master audio CD of your session from which you can duplicate on your own, go to a duplicator, or I can make copies for you.

Q: How much is it if you make copies?
A: I charge $4 a piece. If you're going to make hundreds, or just dozens, you might want to go to a duplicating establishment like Abacab Audio since they're set up to do large quantities.

Q: I'd like labels. Don't you do fancy one's with my picture on them?
A: Sure. I charge $150 for my standard label template. I use an existing photo of you (that you provide) and lay it out on Photoshop or some other program. If you don't have a photo, I'll take a digital photo for a fee of $250.

You'll get 10 printed stick-on labels for that price. If you want more, or if you just want something fancier, like a custom label... it'll cost more.

Once again, if you're doing hundreds of labels or if you want thermal printing rather than stick-on, you might want to take the template to a commercial printer/duplicator.

Q: Do you recommend coaching beforehand?
A: If you're experienced and you've done your homework, the direction I give during the recording will be enough. But... if you've never recorded a voice CD before, I can't guarantee the quality of your performance unless you get some instruction beforehand. It's up to you.

Often times, a person might wish they'd done this or that during their session, but then when it's all mixed and duplicated, it's too late to go back. You'd have to book more session time to fix it which ends up costing you more. They should have had some coaching. You know what they say: "There's never enough money ot do it right the first time, but there always seems to be enough to fix it."

Q: OK, so what do you charge for coaching?
A: For private coaching sessions, I charge $60 per hour.

Q: People say I have a really great voice, but do I really have what it takes?

The needs of the industry vary. Having a rich baritone voice is not a requirement. Having the ability to project your own unique personality to the listener by using your own voice, on the other hand, is.

I will never tell you that you're wonderful and that you simply must make a demo. That decision must be your own. My intention is to make a good, clean recording and to showcase your own talent in the best possible way.

Sometimes people don't really know if they're cut out for voiceovers so they ask if I can do an evaluation coaching session. I charge $80 for a one hour evaluation with questions and discussion of techniques.

Beyond that, it's up to you to market yourself. The reality is that many talented people don't promote and themselves and consequently never get their business off the ground. Some less talented people, on the other hand, work more because they've sent out a thousand CDs. Someone's bound to hire them. Then again,some people are just in the right place at the right time. Of course... there are those people who are so talented that they can't help but get hired.

Often your success depends simply on your persistence in re-exposing yourself to potential agents and clients. There are no guarantees, but it sure is a fun journey.

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