Each June, audiophiles from around the country celebrate all things audiobook. Since we love to listen and review audiobooks here at That’s What I’m Talking About, we are participating in our own Audiobook celebration.
What would an audiobook be without a narrator? As part of Audiobook Month, we are spotlighting various narrators so you can learn a bit more about who they are and what they do.
Narrator Spotlights!
Today we shine the spotlight on:
Andrea Emmes
Tell us how long have you been narrating books?
I wish I got started earlier, but I’ve been narrating books since late 2014 and have almost 80 books completed. I’ve always been a voracious reader, so this job is the perfect marriage of my love for books and my passion for performing.
What genres do you cover? Do you have a favorite?
I’ve done a wide spectrum. Young Adult, Paranormal, Thriller, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Christian based books, Nonfiction. I really love Young Adult book – paranormal and litRPG and thrillers.
Do you do any other voice work or acting?
I no longer perform on stage, but I do other voice over work – commercials, video games, animations when I can.
What is your favorite job to date?
Though audiobooks is definitely amazing, my favorite job I’ve ever done was singing as Ariel.
How do prepare for a job? Does the preparation depend on the genre or type of book?
I always read the book with my computer open so I can take a ton of notes on each character, their quirks, age, secrets, goals, subtext, pronunciations, etc. I don’t always have access to the author, but when I do, I love to chat with them – get a character sheet from them and any other thoughts they have about the book before I begin. For me, the prep is the same no matter if it’s NonFiction or Fiction. Some times prep will be longer in one book than another depending on if there are a ton of names/words to look up and find the pronunciation, etc.
If you could narrate any book or work with any author past or present, what would you choose? Why?
Personally, I love books like The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, The Junkyard Druid by M.D. Massey, or Bill the Vampire by Rick Gualtieri. I would LOVE to narrate a series by any of these authors because they are witty, smart, captivating authors who know how to keep people immersed in an exciting world. Plus, there’s tons of snark. Who doesn’t love snark?
Anything else you’d like to share?
Just completed The Viking’s Chosen by Quinn Lotfis (was amazing) and am now working on The Maple Syrup Series by Emily James!
About the Narrator:
Audible Best Selling Narrator, Andrea Emmes was born in Hollywood, FL and grew up in both Tennessee & Rhode Island, started her career in musical theater and has a Bachelor degree in Game Art & Design and worked as a game designer for Disney Interactive for a minute. A total Book Nerd, now enjoys narrating audiobooks at her home studio in San Jose, California. Her wide range of character voices and dynamic/emotionally invested performances has reviewers and listeners alike commenting on how she effortlessly pulls listeners in, and has versatility and charisma. Andrea is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA & APA.
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreaemmesnarrator/
Twitter: @aemmes — https://twitter.com/aemmes
Instagram: @aemmesnarrator