Voice Over vs Audiobook Narration – What's the Right Approach?

I often get asked: Should the approach to audio editing be the same for voice overs and audiobook narration?

At first glance, it seems like they’d require totally different techniques—but actually, the core process is pretty much the same across the board. Whether you're working on a voice over, an audiobook, a podcast, or any type of spoken content, the initial steps—like cleaning up noise, balancing levels, and basic EQ—are usually identical.

The real differences start to show after those foundational edits.

For example, in professional voice over work, subtle tweaks—like refining EQ, compressing just right, or removing mouth clicks and sibilance—can be deal breakers. These small details can make or break your chances of landing a job.

Audiobooks are a bit more forgiving in some ways, but even there, things like excessive mouth noise can lead to rejections. And while podcasts or casual content might get away with a bit of imperfection, cleaner audio almost always leads to better engagement.

So, how do you decide what path to take?

Here’s the truth: it's all about your end goal—and your starting point. In today’s information-overloaded world, it can be hard to know which advice to follow. That’s why it’s helpful to think in terms of a framework:

1. Identify the problem – Is it your mic? Your room? Your editing?

2. Plan your solution – What are the steps needed to fix it?

3. Take action – Execute those steps with your specific goal in mind.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as upgrading your mic. Other times, your gear is fine but your editing workflow needs serious help. Either way, it starts with knowing what’s really holding you back.

To help you navigate all this, I’m creating a free, text-based course that will walk you through these basic (but essential) steps. It’ll include practical guidance you can follow depending on your audio goals—whether that’s voice over work, audiobooks, or content creation.

I’ll be sharing the registration link in a few days, so keep an eye on your inbox!

Talk soon,
Akhtar Zaman a.k.a. Master Editor