Publisher Description

One of the country's top voice-over talents shares his secrets of success in an insider's guide to the industry. Actors, broadcasters, and anyone who has longed to earn a living by speaking into a microphone will cherish this insightful and often hilarious glimpse at the business. Coverage includes:
Identifying natural talent Training a voice to make it commercially viable Gaining experience in smaller markets Making a demo CD Auditioning effectively Locating and signing with an agent Joining the appropriate unions Negotiating contracts Self-promoting to maximize exposure
Reflecting the quantum change that has occurred in the way voice-overs are recorded and cast in recent years, the updated Second Edition describes the advantages and disadvantages of auditioning and recording from home studios for clients around the world. This indispensable guide also addresses finding work in venues outside film and television, such as games, automated telephone systems, and websites. Aspiring and established voice-over actors will savor the behind-the-scenes details that show what actually happens during a voice-over recording session. Through it all, the author pairs performance tips with an expanded personal account of the crazed clients, practical jokes, and coincidences encountered on the long journey to success.
Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.

Author Biography

Harlan Hogan has been a voice-actor for thirty-five years, and odds are, you already know what he sounds like. His commercial voice-overs include classic and contemporary ad slogans from "Raid. Kills bugs fast, kills bugs dead" and Life Cereal's "It's the cereal even Mikey likes," to "This PBS program is made possible by viewers like you" and "Ford F-150. How's that for trendy?" Twenty-six million online gamers hear him as the voice of Alistar in League of Legends, while filmgoers see and hear him in the fea-ture-length film Dimension. He's equally at home narrating documentaries like Fannie's Last Supper and Storm Warriors, as well as voice-overs for political candidates from mayors to presidents. He lives in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.

Review

"Harlan Hogan has written a fascinating, often hysterical and—most importantly—stubbornly honest account of the real world of voice-overs. If you want to know what the business really is like, reading this book is the easiest and smartest decision you could possibly make."
—Dan O'Day, broadcast media and marketing consultant, Los Angles

"Funny. Insightful. All you need (and don't need) to be a successful voice-over. The best, and funniest, practitioner of the craft has once again written the best, and funniest, book about the craft."
—Chuck Cohen, writer/producer, San Francisco

"Voice-over work is a very delicate dance of interpretation, a mastery of one's own instrument. Harlan Hogan is that talent—a maestro of the art of vocal calisthenics. His wit and wisdom found in these pages is a must-read for anyone connected with the industry or considering a career at the mic."
—Hope Krosskove, broadcast producer, New Jersey

"VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor is a reflection of its author: thorough and generous. From rank beginner to veteran voice actor, everyone will benefit from Harlan's advice, tips, and expertise as one of the most respected voice talents and teachers in the business."
—Bob Bergen, voice actor, voice of Porky Pig

"Harlan is the master at demystifying today's VO biz so you can tackle everything from new technologies to performing like a pro in any environment."
—Janet Wilcox, voice actress/coach, author of Voiceovers: Techniques & Tactics for Success, Second Edition, Los Angeles

"The most effective storytellers leave you with something in the core of each tale that you can actually use. Harlan has packed this book with anecdotes that will make you smile, laugh, cringe or simply nod knowingly. Drink them in slowly and look for the nugget of great advice that lives inside so many of Harlan's wonderful stories."
—Jeff Hoyt, voice actor/writer-producer, Hoyt's Greater Radio, Seattle

"Harlan shared his amazing and informative stories in the first edition of VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor and it was clear then that he knew his stuff. Now, in this second edition, he generously shares even more performance, marketing, equipment, and studio stories and advice. It's a definite read for any and all voice actors. Be prepared to laugh as you learn!"
—Elaine A. Clark, voice actress/coach, author of There's Money Where Your Mouth Is, Third Edition, San Francisco

"The best practical advice for the aspiring (as well as the experienced) voice-over actor that I've yet found. Together with Harlan's Voice Actor's Guide to Recording at Home and on the Road, this is a must-read resource for those interested in improving their techniques and business savvy for this business. For the recording engineer or producer, this is a valuable look into the voice-over's world and concerns. And Harlan's stories of life in the studio will have you laughing from cover to cover."
—Tom Blakemore, MPSE, recording engineer/mixer, Chicago

"Harlan's warm, funny, sometimes irreverent "take two" of his definitive book on voice-over gives an up-to-date view of the current state of the voice-over art, adds new and updated how-to advice, and tells more great stories of how it really was for a handful of us voice actors back in the Golden Age of Voice-Over. All this told by one of the top guys in the business! It's a valuable resource for newcomers and a great read for all!"
—Al Mitchell, voice actor, Chicago

"Telling stories—that's the voice actor's job. Harlan is a storyteller par excellence, not just at the mic but on the page. Harlan's journey from the age of eight to today is filled with joy. And he is a natural teacher. It is in his blood to share his knowledge and experience for the betterment of others. If you want to know what a life in VO is like, this is the storybook for you."
—Maggie Phillips, voice actress/coach, New York
"Harlan Hogan has written a fascinating, often hysterical and—most importantly—stubbornly honest account of the real world of voice-overs. If you want to know what the business really is like, reading this book is the easiest and smartest decision you could possibly make."
—Dan O'Day, broadcast media and marketing consultant, Los Angles

"Funny. Insightful. All you need (and don't need) to be a successful voice-over. The best, and funniest, practitioner of the craft has once again written the best, and funniest, book about the craft."
—Chuck Cohen, writer/producer, San Francisco

"Voice-over work is a very delicate dance of interpretation, a mastery of one's own instrument. Harlan Hogan is that talent—a maestro of the art of vocal calisthenics. His wit and wisdom found in these pages is a must-read for anyone connected with the industry or considering a career at the mic."
—Hope Krosskove, broadcast producer, New Jersey

"VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor is a reflection of its author: thorough and generous. From rank beginner to veteran voice actor, everyone will benefit from Harlan's advice, tips, and expertise as one of the most respected voice talents and teachers in the business."
—Bob Bergen, voice actor, voice of Porky Pig

"Harlan is the master at demystifying today's VO biz so you can tackle everything from new technologies to performing like a pro in any environment."
—Janet Wilcox, voice actress/coach, author of Voiceovers: Techniques & Tactics for Success, Second Edition, Los Angeles

"The most effective storytellers leave you with something in the core of each tale that you can actually use. Harlan has packed this book with anecdotes that will make you smile, laugh, cringe or simply nod knowingly. Drink them in slowly and look for the nugget of great advice that lives inside so many of Harlan's wonderful stories."
—Jeff Hoyt, voice actor/writer-producer, Hoyt's Greater Radio, Seattle

"Harlan shared his amazing and informative stories in the first edition of VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor and it was clear then that he knew his stuff. Now, in this second edition, he generously shares even more performance, marketing, equipment, and studio stories and advice. It's a definite read for any and all voice actors. Be prepared to laugh as you learn!"
—Elaine A. Clark, voice actress/coach, author of There's Money Where Your Mouth Is, Third Edition, San Francisco

"The best practical advice for the aspiring (as well as the experienced) voice-over actor that I've yet found. Together with Harlan's Voice Actor's Guide to Recording at Home and on the Road, this is a must-read resource for those interested in improving their techniques and business savvy for this business. For the recording engineer or producer, this is a valuable look into the voice-over's world and concerns. And Harlan's stories of life in the studio will have you laughing from cover to cover."
—Tom Blakemore, MPSE, recording engineer/mixer, Chicago

"Harlan's warm, funny, sometimes irreverent "take two" of his definitive book on voice-over gives an up-to-date view of the current state of the voice-over art, adds new and updated how-to advice, and tells more great stories of how it really was for a handful of us voice actors back in the Golden Age of Voice-Over. All this told by one of the top guys in the business! It's a valuable resource for newcomers and a great read for all!"
—Al Mitchell, voice actor, Chicago

"Telling stories—that's the voice actor's job. Harlan is a storyteller par excellence, not just at the mic but on the page. Harlan's journey from the age of eight to today is filled with joy. And he is a natural teacher. It is in his blood to share his knowledge and experience for the betterment of others. If you want to know what a life in VO is like, this is the storybook for you."
—Maggie Phillips, voice actress/coach, New York

Long Description

One of the country's top voice-over talents shares his secrets of success in an insider's guide to the industry. Actors, broadcasters, and anyone who has longed to earn a living by speaking into a microphone will cherish this insightful and often hilarious glimpse at the business. Coverage includes: * Identifying natural talent * Training a voice to make it commercially viable * Gaining experience in smaller markets * Making a demo CD * Auditioning effectively * Locating and signing with an agent * Joining the appropriate unions * Negotiating contracts * Self-promoting to maximize exposure Reflecting the quantum change that has occurred in the way voice-overs are recorded and cast in recent years, the updated Second Edition describes the advantages and disadvantages of auditioning and recording from home studios for clients around the world. This indispensable guide also addresses finding work in venues outside film and television, such as games, automated telephone systems, and websites. Aspiring and established voice-over actors will savor the behind-the-scenes details that show what actually happens during a voice-over recording session. Through it all, the author pairs performance tips with an expanded personal account of the crazed clients, practical jokes, and coincidences encountered on the long journey to success. Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.

Review Quote

Harlan Hogan has written a fascinating, often hysterical and--most importantly--stubbornly honest account of the real world of voice-overs. If you want to know what the business really is like, reading this book is the easiest and smartest decision you could possibly make." --Dan O''Day, broadcast media and marketing consultant, Los Angles Funny. Insightful. All you need (and don't need) to be a successful voice-over. The best, and funniest, practitioner of the craft has once again written the best, and funniest, book about the craft." --Chuck Cohen, writer/producer, San Francisco Voice-over work is a very delicate dance of interpretation, a mastery of one's own instrument. Harlan Hogan is that talent--a maestro of the art of vocal calisthenics. His wit and wisdom found in these pages is a must-read for anyone connected with the industry or considering a career at the mic." --Hope Krosskove, broadcast producer, New Jersey VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor is a reflection of its author: thorough and generous. From rank beginner to veteran voice actor, everyone will benefit from Harlan's advice, tips, and expertise as one of the most respected voice talents and teachers in the business." --Bob Bergen, voice actor, voice of Porky Pig Harlan is the master at demystifying today's VO biz so you can tackle everything from new technologies to performing like a pro in any environment." --Janet Wilcox, voice actress/coach, author of Voiceovers: Techniques & Tactics for Success, Second Edition , Los Angeles "The most effective storytellers leave you with something in the core of each tale that you can actually use. Harlan has packed this book with anecdotes that will make you smile, laugh, cringe or simply nod knowingly. Drink them in slowly and look for the nugget of great advice that lives inside so many of Harlan''s wonderful stories." --Jeff Hoyt, voice actor/writer-producer, Hoyt''s Greater Radio, Seattle "Harlan shared his amazing and informative stories in the first edition of VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor and it was clear then that he knew his stuff. Now, in this second edition, he generously shares even more performance, marketing, equipment, and studio stories and advice. It''s a definite read for any and all voice actors. Be prepared to laugh as you learn!" --Elaine A. Clark, voice actress/coach, author of There''s Money Where Your Mouth Is, Third Edition , San Francisco The best practical advice for the aspiring (as well as the experienced) voice-over actor that I've yet found. Together with Harlan's Voice Actor''s Guide to Recording at Home and on the Road , this is a must-read resource for those interested in improving their techniques and business savvy for this business. For the recording engineer or producer, this is a valuable look into the voice-over's world and concerns. And Harlan's stories of life in the studio will have you laughing from cover to cover." --Tom Blakemore, MPSE, recording engineer/mixer, Chicago "Harlan's warm, funny, sometimes irreverent "take two" of his definitive book on voice-over gives an up-to-date view of the current state of the voice-over art, adds new and updated how-to advice, and tells more great stories of how it really was for a handful of us voice actors back in the Golden Age of Voice-Over. All this told by one of the top guys in the business! It''s a valuable resource for newcomers and a great read for all!" --Al Mitchell, voice actor, Chicago "Telling stories--that''s the voice actor''s job. Harlan is a storyteller par excellence, not just at the mic but on the page. Harlan''s journey from the age of eight to today is filled with joy. And he is a natural teacher. It is in his blood to share his knowledge and experience for the betterment of others. If you want to know what a life in VO is like, this is the storybook for you." --Maggie Phillips, voice actress/coach, New York

Details