Audiobooks discussion

I've been listening to the series by Rachel Caine and 12 books in there is a new reader and I can't stand listening to her!!!! The characters are so foreign now :( Does this happen often?

I think it just depends - sometimes they change because they have to - i.e. the Rizzoli and Isles series - Anna Fields read the first 2 before she was killed.

In the Dresden books - I think it was book 13 - James Marsters was unable to record when they needed him to (i think he was sick...) - so they went with someone else, in order to get the audiobook out on release date with the book - huge uproar

it doesn't bother me too much - but then it seems a lot of series that I listen to have revolving narrators, so I don't seem to get too set on the voices

I'm currently on Book 3 of the Wheel of Time series (The Dragon Reborn). I'm so accustomed to the narration of Kate Reading and Michael Kramer that if even one of them withdrew from the project, the effect would be very jarring.

On a related topic, am I the only one who only uses the Irish female voice on iOS? Unless "she" is reading to me, I long for a "real" audiobook. But she's good for books that haven't been released in that format yet.

I had a a most unsatisfactory exchange with Audible on this topic. It came up in another thread, and an explanation was given by Audible which was opaque (to me, at least). I asked for clarification and was requested to email Audible direct, which I did. In the end, they said they couldn't give details about individual contracts and so didn't answer my questions.

This was the statement about which I asked for clarification:

"While the option to re-negotiate the contract with the publisher is always available, it does not always happen. Since the audio by the original publisher is no longer available, we published a new version."

I was questioning this because I have seen some very good narrators changed for less famous and therefore possibly cheaper narrators. I hate it when the narrator changes mid-series, and I also hate it when a good narrator whom I know and love has completed a series, and then that series is re-recorded by someone else. It wouldn't be so bad if the original version remained available, but usually they don't.

I don't know what's behind the contract reason given by Audible, but since it seems to make little sense for a publisher to stop making an audio available, when they must surely want to keep on selling it to recoup their costs and make profit, you have to wonder whether it's because they are being offered unacceptable terms.

I really do not want the best narrators to be priced out of the market. Is it too much to hope that the original versions might become available through a competitor instead? If we vote with our wallets and refuse to buy new replacement versions, maybe the old ones might re-appear? and maybe the apparent trend to replace them might cease?

I realise that I may be seeing a conspiracy where none exists, but I just can't see the logic in a publisher not wanting to be available through Audible. It doesn't seem to make sense unless the publisher is being offered new terms which are simply unacceptable.

I do hope that the powers that be at Audible will realise that not all narrators are the same, and that their customers do not like this type of change.

it isn't just audible though, while they release some audiobooks, it is also all of the other audiobook producers that do the same thing

Re: the specific book by the OP - you might want to email Tantor audio and ask them, since they produced it - maybe they can tell you why they opted to use Angela Dawe, rather than Cynthia Holloway, who had done the previous books

I think the way to encourage a more positive trend is through positive reinforcement. When you really enjoy the work of a particular narrator, tell Audible and the narrator (if he or she can be contacted independently). Share your praise on social media. Buy all you can of the opus of that narrator, even if you're not sure about the book itself. They'll get the message!

Jennifer wrote: "I think the way to encourage a more positive trend is through positive reinforcement. When you really enjoy the work of a particular narrator, tell Audible and the narrator (if he or she can be co..."

Good point. Will do! Although I'm not sure if it will hep with the changing mid-series point.

Before I joined this group, I paid little attention to these issues. I thank you and others for educating me :-)

I didn't mean to put the subject "ask audible", all the audiobooks I listen to are from cds from the library.

Sorry, Carrie. ANY change in narrators is unsettling :-)

In my opinion, the only time a narrator should change within a series is if the previous narrator passes away!

There was a narrator change in The Hollows/Rachel Morgan series that lasted for only one book due to listener outrage and the previously mentioned Dresden Files narrator change debackle wasn't repeated.

While I believe in positive reinforcement as a way to encourage a particular behavior to continue, if you want a specific change then actual protest is required. I don't believe in getting belligerant, but messages to the publisher, Audible, anyone you can think of... these do have an impact. We may not always get what we want because it may just not be possible, but the old saw about the squeaky wheel getting the grease is true, especially when dealing with a commercial business.

Oh, I am on your side about not implying we don't care! But too often people complain long after the fact, or limit their complaints to their peer group.

You may be interested in a blog post I wrote a couple of years ago, The Pink Chair: Changing Horses Mid-Stream - about why audiobook publishers change narrators mid-series:

http://dogearedcopy.blogspot.com/2011...

Sometimes, it just happens: the original person either cannot commit to the project, there's a contractual dispute, or some other reason.

Tanya/dog eared copy wrote: "You may be interested in a blog post I wrote a couple of years ago, The Pink Chair: Changing Horses Mid-Stream - about why audiobook publishers change narrators mid-series:

http://dogearedcopy.bl..."

Thanks, this was interesting!

What about the situation when a series (or book) has been completely (and very successfully) recorded by one narrator, and then another narrator re-records it? And then the original version suddenly becomes unavailable?

Hj wrote: "Thanks, this was interesting!

What about the situation when a series (or book) has been completely (and very successfully) recorded by one narrator, and then another narrator re-records it? And then the original version suddenly becomes unavailable?"

This would indicate that the original audiobook publisher lost the rights to the series; that the series got picked up by a new audiobook publisher. I suspect this is strongly the case since you mentioned that the earlier versions became unavailable.

Outside of public domain titles, the rights to produce and distribute the audiobook edition of any given title are generally about seven years in term. There are expirations, renewal terms and exclusivity clauses as well as market (US vs non-US) restrictions.

I love having the same narrator/narrators throughout an entire series. Especially if you can get to the point that you know which character is speaking without needing to be told "Dave remarked", "Susan said"...

If I'm not mistaken the entire Ender's Game series (12 books or so) was done by the same cast. Or at least I don't remember being thrown for a loop by new narrators.

Fascinating discussion. This is one reason why I joined GR - so I could learn from people who are intelligent, well-rounded and erudite.

I think that over the years the consumers of audiobooks have had an impact on how publishers view their product. Earlier audiobooks were merely someone reading aloud. Current audiobooks are held to a higher standard--just read the reviews. While other factors may also come into play for a publisher when recording the next book in a series, I feel certain that reader reaction to a change is no longer ignored. We are no longer quite the captive audience they once knew. With technology making text-to-speech possible on a wide variety of devices, a human recording has to bring something more than mere sound. In an audiobook series the narrator can be as integral a part of the experience as the characters--or sometimes even the author. As much as I enjoy the Iron druid Chronicles, I'm not sure I'd follow them if the narrator weren't Luke Daniels. While the Harry Potter books were still being released, hard as it is to imagine, I knew that if Jim Dale weren't the narrator for each next book I'd have to think hard about buying it, and probably wouldn't. While I may be a hardcore example of audiobook fan, I'm not the only one and no publisher should want to alienate a growing percentage of their consumer base.

Jeanie wrote: "While the Harry Potter books were still being released, hard as it is to imagine, I knew that if Jim Dale weren't the narrator for each next book I'd have to think hard about buying it"

I started listening to the Stephen Fry version of Harry Potter before hearing how great the Jim Dale versions were, but I was unable to make myself change narrators mid series.

I had another thought - I don't necessarily mind a change of narrator in a series, if the books are from different POV's - like typical romances - I wouldn't want/expect similarities in characters voices - but maybe that is just me

Having heard the Stephen Fry narrations and listened to a bit of the Jim Dale ones, I preferred the Fry ones.

Dee wrote: "I had another thought - I don't necessarily mind a change of narrator in a series, if the books are from different POV's - like typical romances - I wouldn't want/expect similarities in characters ..."

I agree with you. While a series, many romances switch main characters for each book in the series and, like you, I'm not as persnickety about that. Still, it depends on how the series actually evolves and whether former characters play large roles or are merely cameos.

Another thing I've realized is that if I know going into a series that the narrator changes, I may be willing to accept it rather than forego the series altogether. Two recent series I've read have been that way. The gervase Fen series on Audible had some early acquisitions--not all in sequence--with Steven Thorn as the narrator, but the remainder of the series was filled in with another. Knowing that going in I got them anyway. It helped that there wasn't a drastic difference between the voices. The Gabriel DuPre series is another that had some of the books available and Audible is just now filling in the remainder. Again, I got them anyway. I must admit it is jarring now when the narrator switches for the next book, but the bright side is that it switches back. In these two cases I wanted to read the series very badly and I did know in advance. Forewarned is forearmed.

Enlightening! Thank you, Tanya. 3 or 4 of my favorite narrators have died. It's like losing a personal friend even if we never met or corresponded.

If I'm reading a series and the narrator changes, I may opt to switch to print format.

I started listening to Jo Nesbø's Harry Hole series with Book #7, The Snowman narrated by Robin Sachs. Then, I listened to the next book, The Leopard, also narrated by Robin. I normally try to start a series at the beginning but didn't with this series because of when they were released in English. The first books were narrated by Sean Barrett. By the time I decided to go back to the beginning, Robin had become Harry Hole in my mind and no other narrator was going to do it. So I purchased the remaining series in print.

I thought the same thing when I was reading the Nesbo books! That has happened with Daniel Silva's Gabriel Alon series. Scott Campbell did some and Fallen Angel was narrated by George Guidall. I have a hard time listening to Susan Erickson narrate anything except the JD Robb Eve Dallas series. Simon Vance narrated the Dragon Tattoo books and then I listened to another great book he did about a guy that hit a rabbit called the Year of the Hare. I was used to his pronunciation so it made the book even more enjoyable.

This is a very relevant and fascinating question - thanks to Carrie for starting it!

I thought you might enjoy hearing about this issue from an author's POV. I have just finished writing my 17th mystery (www.lazarbooks.com) and each time one of my new books comes out in eBook and print, I immediately go to ACX to find a narrator for one of my three series.

There's a learning curve many of us writers go through, however, and it has to do with choosing a good narrator. In the beginning, I received auditions for three books in two of my series by a great guy with a warm voice. Loved his personality, and was very honored to be chosen by him and his company. I still like him, but later I learned more about narration and gained experience as a listener as well, I discovered that he was pretty much a newbie and that some of his traits weren't stellar. Pronunciations, voice mimicry, etc. were not always on target. Because the productions had to be done far from his home, he only would work 3 days on one book - a completed version. I had to edit and suggest changes on huge slews of chapters, and there were quite a few errors/edits needed. He became unavailable to continue because of personal reasons, but in the end it was a good thing, because I then discovered my current narrator for Gus LeGarde and Sam Moore - Mr. Robert King Ross. His work is almost flawless (I rarely find anything that needs editing) and I hope and pray he'll continue with both the LeGarde Mystery series and the Moore Mystery series. He's recorded two books in each series. LeGarde has 10 books - so chances are he might not be available in the future to do ALL the books. I hope so, but...one never knows!

My third series - Tall Pines Mysteries, set in the Adirondack Mountains - is being recorded by a lovely young NYC actress. I've already asked her to do all four books, but there's no guarantee that it will happen. The best laid plans, and all that!

I also have a YA sub-series to LeGarde, where Gus and his family/friends whisk back in time to 1964, 1965. These books require a young sounding voice, and I've been very pleased with Eric Synnestvedt's readings. (Tremolo: cry of the loon). Hoping to continue with the same narrator!

As a listener, I truly understand where you're coming from. I love Dick Francis - and always seek out Simon Prebble's versions of his books. Same with John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee series - I can't imagine them read by anyone other than Robert Petkoff!

Thanks for a great thread, it's been fun reading through the comments today. ;o)

- Aaron Lazar

I'm very impressed by your contribution. Someday soon, I will purchase and enjoy your work :-)

Jennifer wrote: "I'm very impressed by your contribution. Someday soon, I will purchase and enjoy your work :-)"

Thanks, Jennifer. You are very kind!

This has happened in a few series. The first time I noticed it was the Death of books by M.C. Beaton - I haven't been able to listen to any of the recent ones because I loved Davina Porter reading them. And now with the new Elly Griffiths book - A Dying Fall. I loved Jane McDowell for Ruth and the new narrator is just not right. I'm so disappointed!

I just experienced this type of disappointment with the Heroes of Olympus series. Joshua Swanson had narrated the first 3 and I was excited to start book 4. In fact I re-listened to the 3rd one and when I started up #4, what I heard was an awful monotone voice. I couldn't believe it and tried to continue but had to shut it off. I got the e-book and read it (often hearing his characterizations in my head).
I got a nice email from Mr. Swanson telling me he had a scheduling conflict and plans to be back for the 5th one. Even though you know it can happen, it is a jolt and it makes it difficult to continue with the audio.

Karen wrote: "I just experienced this type of disappointment with the Heroes of Olympus series. Joshua Swanson had narrated the first 3 and I was excited to start book 4. In fact I re-listened to the 3rd one an..."

I would have been willing to wait for the audio with the regular narrator. I actually listened to the whole thing and the narration never got better. This was a longer book than the others, but it would have been two hours shorter if he had read at a standard pace. Too bad because the story was good and all the characters--whose voices I knew well previously--got a lot of air time. Sigh.

Jennifer and all - I now have several free coupons for Audible that work for any of my audio books. I'm always looking for feedback and reviews, so if anyone would like to check out the more recent books - I'm particularly looking for reviews for Essentially Yours, For the Birds, Terror Comes Knocking, For Keeps, Upstaged, Double Forte', and my third writing book, Write Like the Wind volume 3. Also, I have two new books about to be released, one is suitable for teens through adults (Don't Let the Wind Catch You) and the other is a sensuous love story, The Seacrest. If anyone wants to sign up in advance to review these, I will save coupons for you! Many thanks!

Aaron, I'd love to take advantage of your generous offer, but I've got books lined up through the end of the year (to fulfill challenge requirements). How long do the coupons last?

Jeanie wrote: I would have been willing to wait for the audio with the regular narrator. I actually listened to the whole thing and the narration never got better. This was a longer book than the others, but it would have been two hours shorter if he had read at a standard pace. Too bad because the story was good and all the characters--whose voices I knew well previously--got a lot of air time. Sigh.

I can completely understand, I just couldn't listen after 20 minutes it was so ghastly I had to stop. I just read the book since I didn't want to wait for them to get Joshua to re-record it, who knows if that will ever happen. I returned the audio at Audible and got something else. Sad when it happens for sure.

Another series I follow, Scumble River Mysteries by Denise Swanson, had a print book that came out in September but the audio won't come out until February--due to schedule conflicts for the narrator. Eager as I was for the next book, I am more than willing to wait in order to get the voice that belongs to Sky and her family/friends. Waiting is never easy, but, for audiobooks especially, the saying is true--good things come to those who wait. Now, if only the audiobook producers can get that message and stop using substitutes when merely waiting a little longer will give us the narrator that "belongs" with the series.

I've noticed some series where Audible publishes the first book and when it becomes successful, then another publishing company picks up the series and of course changes the narrator, going with someone under contract with them. That is most annoying. The book got so successful because of the narrator as much as the book in most cases. So switching publishers is usually a bad sign unless the author gets involved and asks that they keep the same narrator if that's even possible. Ilona Andrews stepped in to ask that Recorded Books keep Renee Raudman for the Kate Daniels' series and thankfully they did. I wish more authors cared enough about their audiobooks, but most don't seem to.

Nicole wrote: "This has happened in a few series. And now with the new Elly Griffiths book - A Dying Fall. I loved Jane McDowell for Ruth and the new narrator is just not right. I'm so disappointed! "
The new book, #8 The woman in blue, will be out April second, and they have changed back to Jane McDowell for the narration.

Acutally I started with #5 (it was in a sale) read by Clare Corbett and I thought she was very good. I had to adjust to Jane McDowell, but she's also very good. They both have their strength and weakness. I'm glad I like both in the end, so no matter who reads, I like the series!