Saskia Maarleveld
Award-winning audiobook narrator Saskia Maarleveld joins The Writer’s Dossier
DOSSIER: Regarding your process for delivering exceptional quality in your audiobook narration, how many times do you read through the book and how much book/author research do you do before you hit that record button?
MAARLEVELD: I am a minimal prep narrator and that works well for me – everyone is different. I only read the book once, and I really focus on enjoying the story and making sure I am taking in all the text has to offer, especially any important pieces of information that will aid in my narration. Other than that, I keep it pretty simple, and only research things ahead of time that I really need to or that might influence my performance.
Honoring the voice
DOSSIER: Although you skillfully craft your narration around your interpretation of each book character, do you have a particular style you save for certain kinds of books or specific authors you work with on a regular basis?
MAARLEVELD: The voice of each book is so unique, so I really try to honor that. I also have my unique style of narrating, which I assume is what the author is looking for when attaching me to a project. So staying true to that, and the clues in the text, are the most important things to me when recording.
Writers, tell the publisher this…
DOSSIER: Can authors request that you narrate their book? How would that work?
MAARLEVELD: Absolutely. Authors have probably the most say in who narrates their books, and I always recommend taking a proactive approach when you feel like you know who you would like to voice your story. Telling your publisher or reaching out directly to a narrator if you are independent is very appropriate.
What a mistake this was
DOSSIER: What’s the biggest mistake you made in recording an audiobook and how did that work out with the author, producer, and/or audience?
MAARLEVELD: I had a project where we a main character name was a different pronunciation from what research had determined. We had to do A LOT of corrections, which was frustrating, but ultimately it was fixed and everyone was happy! It’s a team effort and there are lots of people trying to make sure mistakes like that don’t happen often!
When not to call Saskia
DOSSIER: When are you at your best in the booth? Morning, afternoon, or night? Do you have a particular routine, requirement, or practice that helps you operate at the top of your game?
MAARLEVELD: I like recording a 9:30-3:30 ish day best. I record out of my home so have to take commute and getting kids to school into account, but I way prefer getting my narrating done first and then continuing with the rest of my day and evening.