Dan O’Day and David H. Lawrence XVII invite you to become an ACX Audiobook Master…
Looking for the three free videos? You can find them here.
What Is The ACX Master Class?
A four-week class produced by Dan O’Day (radio & voiceover marketing guru) and taught by David H. Lawrence XVII (Audible Approved Producer of over 200 audiobooks over the past three decades).
Who Is This Class For?
It’s for actors and voice talents who want to take control of their lives and their careers…starting today.
Learn Without Leaving Your House.
Each class will be taught in a live conference format. You can join us & participate online, or you can call in via telephone — whichever you prefer.
“But what if I miss a class?” Don’t worry. You’ll automatically receive access to audio and video recordings of all of the classes.
You’ll have access to all the learning materials forever.
Live Teaching Classes Each Monday
Monday of each week is devoted to a live class that covers two or more modules (see curriculum below).
Remember, afterward you’ll have access to both the audio recording and the video recording of each class, for you to review and replay whenever you wish.
Live Q&A Classes Each Thursday
On Thursdays, we answer every question you have about anything discussed in that week’s modules.
You’ll automatically receive access to audio and video recordings of the Q&A classes, too.
Online Video Instruction
As a member of our ACX Master Class, you’ll receive lifetime access to our private class site, including 40+ videos to walk you through the key elements — including all of the technical steps involved.
From “basic” (e.g., filling out your ACX profile for optimal effectiveness) to “advanced” (e.g., how to do David’s “stairstep” method of editing your audio recordings)…
We’re with you every step of the way.
(Don’t worry, the technical stuff is easy. We’re just making it even easier for you to learn it.)
Detailed PDF Study Guides
We’re going to cover a lot of material in these four weeks.
Your PDF Study Guides will give you a head start on each week’s training.
Weekly Assignments
Hey, we can’t make you do these assignments.
But we want you to achieve audiobook success as quickly as possible.
And we know these assignments will help you do just that.
Student Accountability Reports
Beginning with Week 2, each Monday class will begin with feedback from students on their previous week’s assignments.
You’ll be able to share what you learned…and to learn from your fellow students’ experiences.
Client Management Messaging Templates
During our ACX Master Class, you’ll learn how to take the lead in your collaboration with the author from beginning to end.
Most or all of your communications will be via ACX’s messaging system and via email.
But what do you say in those messages?
By the end of the class, you’ll have a firm understanding of the psychology of ACX client management.
To make it as easy as possible for you to transform your understanding into daily practice, we’ll give you the actual messaging templates that David has created and used so successfully in his own audiobook career.
Just copy & paste as needed, and you can concentrate on delivering excellent performances and cultivating long-term relationships with authors.
Private Mastermind Group #1
(first 4 weeks)
Once you’ve registered, you’ll be invited to join our new, private online Mastermind Group only for this class’s students.
You are not taking this new journey alone.
You’ll be able to:
- compare notes with fellow classmates and peers
- share challenges and questions
- share recommendations, solutions, and successes
Both David and Dan will be regular participants in this Mastermind Group, too.
There are two versions of this Mastermind: a private Facebook group, and one here on this site (if you just don’t want to be on Facebook).
Private Mastermind Group #2
(forever!)
At the conclusion of the ACX Master Class, you’ll be invited to join our permanent ACX Mastermind Group.
This is the Mastermind Group you’ve heard so much about. An experienced, incredibly generous bunch of pros…
…who will be waiting to welcome you to become part of the savviest, coolest and smartest Mastermind Group in the History of the World.*
This Mastermind Group doesn’t devote itself to gossip or sharing cute videos…or complaining about how “tough” it is to succeed with audiobook narration.
This is a group of pros who are succeeding on ACX…
…and who will be eager to help you with your success, as well as to learn from you.
Both David and Dan are regular participants in this Mastermind Group, too.
*Your coolness may vary. Sure, we’re biased. But ask anyone in our Mastermind Group.
You’re not in this alone!
Your private Mastermind Groups will be hosted on Facebook, as well as here on the ACX Master Class site.
It’ll be invisible to the rest of the world, but it will be an ongoing resource of encouragement and information for you.
We Will Promote Your Audiobooks
(and Your Authors).
You think you don’t know much about marketing audiobooks?
Here’s a shocker:
The authors with whom you’ll be partnering probably know absolutely nothing about marketing.
We’ll equip you with an added advantage that virtually no other narrators have:
A platform from which to promote the books you record.
For each ACX title you record after joining our Master Class, we will:
Promote your audiobook via the ACX Master Class website.
Promote your audiobook via a battery of social media sites.
Promote your audiobook via our exclusive Video Marketing Machine.
To take advantage of this extraordinary bonus feature, you’ll need to create a simple “video” for each audiobook.
Don’t worry, we’ll teach you exactly how to do it. It’s easy.
Once you’ve given us the video, we’ll do the rest.
Result: Much higher online visibility for your audiobooks, which can lead to more sales for your and your authors…
…and which will make you a much more likely candidate for their “narrator of choice.”
We Will Promote You.
Once you have recorded at least one ACX audiobook, we will feature you on our website as an alumnus — with a link directly to your ACX profile.
Result: Higher online visibility for you as an audiobook narrator, increasing the likelihood of your being found by authors searching for people to record their titles.
CURRICULUM
Week One (February 3, February 6)
Monday, February 3
9:00PM – 11:00PM Eastern
8:00PM – 10:00PM Central
6:00PM – 8:00PM Pacific
How to Profit from the ACX Marketplace
What Is ACX?
How ACX Differs from Other “Get Voiceover Work” Sites
Why You Want to Be on Audible.com
Getting Paid
How You Make Money
SAG-AFTRA (aka “The Union”)
How ACX Promotes You
Five Common Misconceptions About ACX
20 Ways ACX Is Better Than Voice123 (And All Other P2P Sites)
How to Join ACX
Adding Your Basic Information
Creating a Profile That Attracts Jobs
Most Important Element of Your Profile (most people miss this)
6 Competitive Advantages Your Profile Should Have
3 Key Elements of Your Professional Summary
“About You”: What to Include
“About You”: What Not to Include
How to Use “Awards & Recognition” if You Haven’t Won Any Awards Yet
“Your Website”: What You Should Link To
“Your Website”: Four Sites You Never Should Include
Uploading Your Samples
Format
Length
How Many You Should Upload
What if You Don’t Have Any?
Whether to Choose “Royalty Share,” “Royalty Share +” or “Pay for Production”
How Much to Charge
Assignments
Narrowing Your Field of Genres
Evaluating the Competition
Evaluating Profiles
Evaluating Demos
What’s Ahead for Week One
Additional Resources and Training
Video Training and Resources
Audio Training and Resources
PDF Reference Resources
Thursday, February 6
9:00PM – 11:00PM Eastern
8:00PM – 10:00PM Central
6:00PM – 8:00PM Pacific
Q & A Class
Questions/Clarifications About How to Profit from The ACX Marketplace
Questions/Clarifications About How to Join ACX
Questions/Clarifications About This Week’s Assignments
Week Two (February 10, February 13)
Monday, February 10
9:00PM – 11:00PM Eastern
8:00PM – 10:00PM Central
6:00PM – 8:00PM Pacific
Student Accountability Reports
Your ACX Demo Portfolio
Meeting ACX Standards
Preferred Demo Length
How Many Demos Should You Have?
Where to Find Demo Material if You’re Just Beginning
How Often You Should Update Your Demo Portfolio
Your Equipment and Software
Computer Equipment
Mac or Windows?
Microphone
Accessories
Recording/Editing Software
Where to Record in Your Home
Recording on the Road
Your Opportunities in the Nonfiction Market
Nine Niches for You to Explore
How to Voice Nonfiction Audiobooks
Your Most Important Goal
What to Narrate and What Not to Narrate
Handling Visual References
Two Things to Know About Your Audience
Three Presentation Requirements
Nonfiction Vocal Delivery
Three Requirements for the Listener to Be Happy
Nonfiction Enunciation Calibration
Voicing Steps, Lists and Processes
Identifying With & Connecting to Your Audience
Creating Related PDF Content
Non-Fiction Coaching Session with Attendees
Assignments
Installing Software
Exploring Non-Fiction Opportunities on ACX
What’s Ahead for Week Two
Additional Resources and Training
Video Training and Resources
Audio Training and Resources
PDF Reference Resources
Thursday, February 13
9:00PM – 11:00PM Eastern
8:00PM – 10:00PM Central
6:00PM – 8:00PM Pacific
Q & A Class
Questions/Clarifications About Your ACX Demo Portfolio
Questions/Clarifications About Your Equipment and Software
Questions/Clarifications About Your Opportunities in the Nonfiction Market
Questions/Clarifications About How to Voice Nonfiction Audiobooks
Questions/Clarifications About This Week’s Assignments
Week Three (February 17, February 20)
Monday, February 17
9:00PM – 11:00PM Eastern
8:00PM – 10:00PM Central
6:00PM – 8:00PM Pacific
Student Accountability Reports
How to Record for ACX with Audacity
Gathering Your Assets, Software and Hardware
ACX Recording Standards
ACX Mastering Standards
Efficient Script Viewing
Auditioning and Performance: Step by Step
The “Stairstep” Method of Recording, Editing and Mastering
Editing Raw Tracks
How Pozotron Makes You Look Like a Genius to Your RH
Mastering Like a Pro
Audio Silence Standards
Building Room Tone into Your Read
5 Common Time Wasters Among Audiobook Narrators
How to Voice Fiction Audiobooks
Choosing Fiction Auditions Wisely
How to Identify Your Audience
How to Create Your Characters
Voicing the Neutral Narrator
Voicing Male Characters
Voicing Female Characters
Voicing Child/Teen Characters
When and How to Use Accents and Dialects
What if You’re No Good at Accents and Dialects?
Seven Vital Fiction Presentation Tips
Fiction Enunciation
Fiction Coaching Session with Attendees
Assignments
Installing “Secret Weapon” Mastering Software
Working with Pozotron to Proof Your Work
Exploring Fiction Opportunities on ACX
What’s Ahead for Week Three
Additional Resources and Training
Video Training and Resources
Audio Training and Resources
PDF Reference Resources
Thursday, February 20
9:00PM – 11:00PM Eastern
8:00PM – 10:00PM Central
6:00PM – 8:00PM Pacific
Q & A Class
Questions/Clarifications About How to Record for ACX with Audacity
Questions/Clarifications About How to Voice Fiction Audiobooks
Questions/Clarifications About This Week’s Assignments
Week Four (February 24, February 27)
Monday, February 24
9:00PM – 11:00PM Eastern
8:00PM – 10:00PM Central
6:00PM – 8:00PM Pacific
Student Accountability Reports
How and When to Audition for ACX
Selecting the Best Auditions for You
10 Reasons to Consider Auditioning for a Particular Title
5 Reasons to Decline an Audition for a Particular Title
About That Offer Pending Banner
Preparing for Your Audition
Choosing the Best Passage for Your Audition
How to Slate Your Audition
How to Submit Your Audition
REVIEW: How to Produce the Audiobook
How to Manage Your Clients
Three Key Metrics to Help You Identify the Most Profitable Titles
Moving from Auditioning to Booking
Managing Client Expectations
Setting Expectations When You Audition
Planning for Success
Booking the Client, Not the Work
Project Payment Clarity
Step-by-Step Client Folder Creation
How to Handle Complex Change Requests
How to Establish a Clear Paper Trail
Using Pre-Written Messages for Each Step
How to “Hand Hold” the Client
Dealing with Client Feedback
Assuring Client Approval
How to Handle Slow-to-Respond Clients
Establishing Yourself as the RH’s “Narrator of Choice”
Things You Should Do to Make the Rights Holder Want to Work Only with You (that very few of your competitors do)
How to Manage Your Projects
Securing Your Assets
Setting Your Production Schedule
Scheduling Your Delivery Date
When Not to Begin Working
Scheduling for Disaster
Special Research Before You Begin Recording
How to Avoid the Narrator’s Worst Nightmare
Which Files to Save, and for How Long
Responding to Revision Requests
When and How to Invoice the Client
How to Create the Retail Sample of an Audiobook
How & When to “Sanitize” Your Retail Sample
How to Earn More from Every Sale (Even without Royalty Share)
Beyond ACX: Other Platforms and Publishers
Production/Distribution Platforms
Audiobook Producers
The Big Publishers
Workflow Differences
Paymasters
Assignments
12 Next Steps As You Begin Your Narrator Journey
What’s Ahead for Week Four
Additional Resources and Training
Video Training and Resources
Audio Training and Resources
PDF Reference Resources
Thursday, February 27
9:00PM – 11:00PM Eastern
8:00PM – 10:00PM Central
6:00PM – 8:00PM Pacific
Q & A Class
Questions/Clarifications About How and When to Audition for ACX
Questions/Clarifications About How to Produce the Audiobook
Questions/Clarifications About How to Manage Your Clients
Questions/Clarifications About How to Manage Your Projects
Open to U.S., UK, Canada and Ireland Residents
At present, ACX is open only to
- U.S. citizens with a Social Security number.
- U.S. residents (not necessarily citizens) of the United States who have a valid U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number and are able to submit Form W9.
- Canadian citizens and residents who have a Canadian Tax I.D., a Canadian bank account, and a Canadian address.
- UK citizens and residents who have a UK Tax I.D. (your National Insurance I.D. will suffice), a UK bank account, and a UK address.
- Irish citizens and residents who have an Irish Tax I.D., an Irish bank account and an Irish address.
If you don’t meet any of the requirements above, we do not recommend that you join this exclusive Master Class.
Final Registration Closes
11:59 PM Eastern
8:59 PM Pacific
Friday, January 31
“Can I pay my tuition in installments? Do you have a payment plan?”
Yes. We actually have two payment plans. If you wish, you can pay in 2 or in 3 monthly installments.
Click here for the details of our 2-payment and 3-payment plans.