GIGI REEDS NARRATOR

Narration Categories

Single Narrator (Solo Narration)

Single narration is the most common audiobook style. One narrator performs the entire book, including all characters and the narrative voice.

The narrator uses tone, pacing, and subtle vocal shifts to differentiate characters while maintaining a cohesive listening experience. This style works well for:

• Memoirs

• Literary fiction

• Non-fiction

• Many romance and thriller novels

• Books with a consistent narrative voice

Single narration keeps the listener focused on the storytelling while allowing the narrator to bring emotional nuance and character distinction without switching performers.

Dual Narration

Dual narration features two narrators who perform different point-of-view chapters.

For example, in a romance novel with alternating perspectives:

• The female narrator performs all chapters from the female character’s POV

• The male narrator performs all chapters from the male character’s POV

Within their assigned chapters, each narrator performs all dialogue, including the other character’s lines.

This style is extremely popular in:

• Contemporary romance

• Rom-coms

• New adult romance

• Romantic suspense

Dual narration gives the listener a clear emotional distinction between characters while maintaining production efficiency.

Duet Narration

Duet narration is often confused with dual narration but is more immersive.

In duet narration:

• Each narrator performs only their character’s dialogue, regardless of whose chapter it is.

• The narrators may share the narration or one narrator may handle descriptive passages.

For example, if a scene includes both characters speaking:

• The male narrator performs the male character’s lines

• The female narrator performs the female character’s lines

This style creates a dramatic, almost cinematic listening experience and is increasingly popular in romance audiobooks.

Multi-POV Narration

Multi-POV narration involves more than two narrators, each assigned to a specific character perspective.

This style is commonly used in books with:

• Multiple main characters

• Large ensemble casts

• Complex storytelling perspectives

Each narrator performs the chapters told from their assigned character’s viewpoint, helping listeners easily track the narrative perspective.

Multi-POV narration is common in:

• Fantasy and science fiction

• Epic sagas

• Thrillers with multiple investigators

• Contemporary fiction with ensemble storytelling

Full Cast Narration

Full cast narration uses a different performer for each major character, similar to a radio play or audio drama.

Features may include:

• Individual actors for characters

• A narrator for descriptive passages

• Music and sound design (sometimes)

Full cast productions are immersive and cinematic, often used for:

• Audio dramas

• Highly produced fiction

• Adaptations of novels

• Special publisher editions

Because of the number of performers and production complexity, full cast narration typically requires a larger budget and longer production timeline.

Payment Options

Per Finished Hour (PFH)

Per Finished Hour is the industry standard payment model for professional audiobook production.

The narrator is paid a fixed rate for each finished hour of audio delivered. For example:

• A 10-hour audiobook at $250 PFH = $2,500 total narration fee

Finished hours refer to the final edited audio length, not the time spent recording. In reality, each finished hour may take 4–6 hours of work including preparation, recording, editing, and mastering.

PFH contracts provide the most predictable cost structure for authors and publishers.

Royalty Share

Royalty Share is a payment model where the narrator receives a percentage of audiobook sales instead of an upfront payment.

Typically:

• The narrator receives 50% of the audiobook royalties

• Payments are earned only when the audiobook sells

Royalty share agreements are often used by:

• Independent authors

• New authors with limited budgets

• Passion projects with strong sales potential

Because there is no guaranteed payment, narrators usually evaluate the book’s market potential, genre, and author platform before accepting royalty share projects.

Royalty Share Plus

Royalty Share Plus is a hybrid payment model that combines a small upfront payment with shared royalties.

Example structure:

• A reduced PFH payment (example: $75–$100 PFH)

• Plus a percentage of audiobook royalties

This model benefits both parties:

Authors receive a lower upfront cost, while narrators receive some guaranteed compensation plus long-term royalty potential.

Royalty Share Plus has become increasingly popular among serious indie authors who want experienced narrators but cannot yet afford full PFH rates.

Flat Project Rate

A flat rate agreement sets one total price for the entire audiobook project, rather than calculating by finished hour.

This structure may be used when:

• The word count is known in advance

• The project includes additional production services

• The narrator is handling narration, editing, and mastering

Flat rate agreements provide cost certainty for authors and simplify budgeting for the full production.

Stipend + Royalty

Some audiobook contracts include a stipend payment combined with royalty participation.

The stipend compensates the narrator for part of the production work while royalties allow the narrator to participate in the audiobook’s long-term earnings.

This structure is sometimes used for:

• Independent audiobook platforms

• New distribution services

• Projects expected to generate long-term revenue