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

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 Baker is deemed by the reviewer to be irrelevant, obvious and out of date because she neglects to deconstruct the semiotics of the latest manifestations of an ever-changing gamut of voiceover styles.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.