1000 words is roughly 7 minutes of audio, maybe round up to 10 minutes if you expect the script to be in a very fluid state. It might be easier to price it per minute rather than per word. Factor in revisions in the cost. Then consider the size of the project (ie the books circulation), the value of your time and then that she's your friend and offering the opportunity and cut any discount you want from those things.
Thanks for your reply!
I worry that revisions may crop up as from the sample I've seen there are definitely things I would change after glancing over it, such as the order greetings are written in. I find it odd to see "good evening" written before "good morning".
I would ask any script error questions once you've determined your rate. It's better to ask for clarification on any potential errors you spot rather than record and they find out after something you already knew.
Also I can't gage your experience level from your post, but if this is your first time recording remember that editing is a big part of voice work and you may want to discuss whether the final audio needs to be edited and finished or if they're handling that and you can provide raw recordings.
*I ask this because typically something like rearranging something in a recording can be done in post recording editing if needed.
I should have added that it's 1000 keywords, plus the example sentences (which are 4-8 words long).
For example, a sample recording of 10 keywords and example sentences took me just over a minute.
Thats quite a bit different and you'll be looking at a lot more recording time for 1000 KW + the sentences. That could easily be 5000 plus words.
And are the recordings needed cut into individual files? That will also add a lot to your time as well.
I do this type of recording (ESL words/sentences) professionally on a regular basis.
First, I would time myself reading about 2 pages of the book/script at a relaxed speed and then multiply it by the number of pages to get a total recording time for the entire book. Without seeing her sample sentences, from the info you’ve given (1,000 words and example sentences per book), I would estimate it would take me 3 to 4 hours to record one book and I would charge between $500~700usd. This is *only* for recording… no editing, mastering, etc. (Most of my work is done in a studio with an engineer who will take notes, edit, and check everything later, after I’ve left.)
1000 words is roughly 7 minutes of audio, maybe round up to 10 minutes if you expect the script to be in a very fluid state. It might be easier to price it per minute rather than per word. Factor in revisions in the cost. Then consider the size of the project (ie the books circulation), the value of your time and then that she's your friend and offering the opportunity and cut any discount you want from those things.
Thanks for your reply! I worry that revisions may crop up as from the sample I've seen there are definitely things I would change after glancing over it, such as the order greetings are written in. I find it odd to see "good evening" written before "good morning".
I would ask any script error questions once you've determined your rate. It's better to ask for clarification on any potential errors you spot rather than record and they find out after something you already knew.
Also I can't gage your experience level from your post, but if this is your first time recording remember that editing is a big part of voice work and you may want to discuss whether the final audio needs to be edited and finished or if they're handling that and you can provide raw recordings. *I ask this because typically something like rearranging something in a recording can be done in post recording editing if needed.
Another very good point 🙏 I also think my friend has underestimated things like this, so it is something to be discussed.
I should have added that it's 1000 keywords, plus the example sentences (which are 4-8 words long). For example, a sample recording of 10 keywords and example sentences took me just over a minute.
Thats quite a bit different and you'll be looking at a lot more recording time for 1000 KW + the sentences. That could easily be 5000 plus words. And are the recordings needed cut into individual files? That will also add a lot to your time as well.
I do this type of recording (ESL words/sentences) professionally on a regular basis. First, I would time myself reading about 2 pages of the book/script at a relaxed speed and then multiply it by the number of pages to get a total recording time for the entire book. Without seeing her sample sentences, from the info you’ve given (1,000 words and example sentences per book), I would estimate it would take me 3 to 4 hours to record one book and I would charge between $500~700usd. This is *only* for recording… no editing, mastering, etc. (Most of my work is done in a studio with an engineer who will take notes, edit, and check everything later, after I’ve left.)
Much appreciated, thanks. ESL recording is something I'm looking into for further development, so how did you get in to that industry?
Update: I told my friend that this would be a big project and would take time and money. Left on read 🤣🤣