What you'll work on
This full-day intensive is designed for voice professionals who want a clear, realistic understanding of audiobook production from the publisher’s side. Led by Dan Jones, former Head of Carmelite Studios at Hachette UK, alongside BRAVA founder and narrator Melissa Thom, the day offers direct insight into how publishers cast, assess and work with audiobook narrators.
You’ll explore what publishers listen for, how casting decisions are made, and how narrators are evaluated not just on performance, but on preparation, consistency and professionalism. Alongside this, you’ll work on showreel strategy, studio readiness and relationship-building with publishers and production houses.
By the end of the day, you’ll have a stronger sense of how to position yourself, how to secure work, and how to deliver performances that meet the expectations of major publishers.
How the Masterclass runs
This is a full-day, in-person intensive held at Films @ 59 in Bristol, combining industry insight, practical discussion and hands-on studio work.
Morning Session (10:00–13:00)
Welcome + Introduction to the Audiobook Industry - How publishers work; roles within production; what matters most in casting.
Skills of an Exceptional Audiobook Narrator - Vocal consistency, storytelling clarity, stamina, delivery, and reliability.
Getting Noticed: Showreels + Biographies - What publishers look for; how to present your voice; structuring effective samples.
Practical: Recording a Showreel - Hands-on recording session to understand what producers are listening for.
Getting Work: Agents, Publishers & Studios - How to position yourself; professional etiquette; building long-term relationships.
Rates + Negotiation - Understanding PFH, buyouts, session fees, and negotiation considerations.
Prepping for Jobs - Scripts, marking techniques, research, resources, and producer-ready preparation.
Lunch (13:00–14:00)
Afternoon Studio Session (14:00–16:00)
Inside the Studio: What to Expect in a Recording Session - Studio roles, workflow, communication, handovers, and maintaining consistency.
Practice Reads with Director Feedback - Each participant completes a studio read with live coaching from Dan and Melissa. (Limited studio time for focused, high-quality feedback.)
What you'll explore and practice
Across the day, you’ll gain a detailed picture of how publishers approach audiobook casting and production, including:
How publishers assess narrators beyond performance alone
What makes a narrator reliable and bookable in a professional context
How casting decisions are influenced by preparation, consistency and communication
Studio workflows and expectations during recording sessions
Practical strategies for strengthening your professional presence in the audiobook world
You’ll also have the opportunity to apply this understanding directly in the studio, with live direction and feedback.
Location & format
This is an in-person workshop that will be held at Films @ 59, Bristol.
About the coach
Dan Jones brings more than 20 years' experience from one of the UK’s major publishers, offering exceptional insight into audiobook production, casting, and creative leadership. His background spans music engineering, studio design, end-to-end audiobook production, and talent development, making him an invaluable addition to BRAVA’s roster of specialist coaches.
Dan will work alongside BRAVA CEO and audiobook narrator, Melissa Thom, to deliver personalised coaching and advanced audiobooks masterclasses. Their workshop, Audiobooks from a Publisher’s Perspective, gives voice professionals a rare opportunity to step inside the publisher’s world and understand how narrators are assessed, directed, and selected.
These masterclasses offer a powerful combination of technical expertise, performance insight, and industry knowledge. Attendees will gain practical guidance on showreels, preparation, narration techniques, studio expectations, recording workflows, and securing work in an increasingly competitive and evolving sector.