The Fork in the Road

Michael Strah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Posts: 29

Which way do you go?
After a few decades do you keep on working or do you begin selling books and courses that tell people how they can make money with their voice?

No, I am not ragging on the real workshops and noted work in furthering and developing talent. But it seems that there is a trend towards selling voice work as the "make millions at home" of the 21st century. Not everyone can "draw the lumberjack" and win a prize.

Connie Terwilliger · **Voice Talent** Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 409

Most of the books you see are written by working talent. After years and years of being asked the same questions from people wanting to get into the business, a book just sort of comes out the fingertips for many people.

Now, there are some who are simply operating demo mills - and the person who doesn't take the time to truly evaluate themselves, the business and how they might fit in the business - will be the one's taken in by the "make $300 per hour" come ons.

Michael Strah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Posts: 29

Good point, Connie.

Philip Banks · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jun 2003 Posts: 404

How many of the really successful voice over people have written "How to"books? Not the ones we think are successful, are doing better than us or those who have put a lovely spin on their CVs, I mean REALLY succesful. I can't name one.

Frank Frederick · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 29 Dec 2006 Posts: 142

I guess I am not one to talk really as I have written a book for voiceover artists.

Let me just add this; writing a book for or about VO can be an experience in it's own right. Believing you can make lots of money by writing a book for a small niche market is almost as bad as the author who tells you "how to make oodles of money" by buying his or her book.

As the voiceover genre' gains notoriety there will be those who will take your money and those who want to help you succeed in our business. It is your job to discern the differences. "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is..."; meaning, do not believe the hype.

Once you reach a certain point in your life where you have knowledge to share with others, share that information.

Sharing information is probably how someone taught you. If the media you choose is the written word - then so be it. If you choose to share by helping others experience a facet of our business in hands-on workshops - then good for you. Please, please have something to share with others before you begin this process however.

Those who prey on the beginner or less knowledgeable will only taint our industry. Offer a quality product and people will flock to your door. Offer a shoddy product and some people may buy from you once, but they will not be back for more.

Toodles

Frank Frederick
"The Voice" tm

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

Oddly, and in keeping with Mr. Bank's perceptive theory, I too embarked on the dusty road of voiceover Educatin'.

But it was harder work than voicing, so I'm giving it away over at the Bloopers thread.

Whimsy On!

Scott Greenia · **Voice Talent** Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 200

Ronald T Robinson · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 1008

I believe it was Yogi Berra who said: "When you come to the fork in the road... take it." Smile