I want to tell you a (true) story…

Once upon a time, there was a young boy named Michael. His teachers knew he was an intelligent child; the problem was, he was so easily distracted in class… He’d disrupt the children around him and stop them from getting on with their own work. This was a problem. Luckily, this was the 1970s because, had it been a few years later, poor Michael might have found himself dosed-up on ADHD drugs - with his “creative energies” chemically constrained.

Michael loved to read. (He’d been reading at home with his mother since the age of three.) And when Mrs Roberts, his kindergarten teacher, realised just how well he could read – and that he had no fear of reading out loud to the whole class – she started to form a plan… Each afternoon, Michael would read to the class (while Mrs Roberts got some well-earned nap time) and Michael was able to channel his energy into something that served the whole group and brought it together, instead of disrupting it.

When Michael’s parents came to their PTA meeting that year, there still wasn’t much good to say. It was the familiar tale of problem behaviour and missed opportunities (he was a bright boy, after all – especially for six years old). But as his parents got up to leave, Mrs Roberts added:

“There is one thing. We think he has a reading age of fourteen…”

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Why is human narration particularly important for nonfiction audiobooks?

In the realm of nonfiction audiobooks, human narration plays a vital role in captivating and engaging listeners. Unlike fictional works, nonfiction books can sometimes be perceived as "dry" due to their informational nature. But when a great human narrator is used it infuses the content with colour, emotion, and changes in prosody that a synthetic or “AI” voice simply cannot replicate over the duration of an audiobook.

The nuances and expressions conveyed by a human narrator add depth and authenticity to the material, making it more relatable and compelling for the audience. That’s why, when people ask me why I almost exclusively narration nonfiction, I tell them - it’s because the stories are better! A human voice brings the words to life, highlighting key points and ensuring a seamless and enjoyable listening experience.

Whether it's the emphasis on important concepts or the subtle inflections that convey the author's intent, human narration enhances nonfiction audiobooks, transforming them into captivating journeys of knowledge and discovery.

Why choose a British narrator for a nonfiction audiobook?

When it comes to selecting a narrator for a nonfiction audiobook, choosing a British voice adds a distinct advantage. British narrators are widely sought-after due to their inherent qualities that resonate with listeners. A British accent exudes a sense of credibility, sophistication, and authority, which aligns perfectly with the informational nature of nonfiction works. The melodic and polished cadence of a British voice adds a captivating and engaging quality to the narration, holding the audience's attention throughout the book.

Additionally, the rich cultural heritage associated with a British accent brings a sense of heritage and tradition, lending an air of authenticity to the material. By choosing a British narrator, authors and publishers can elevate the listening experience, creating an immersive journey that captivates and educates listeners, while enhancing the overall perception and appeal of the nonfiction audiobook.

Mike Cooper

Mike Cooper is a British voice talent who swapped big city life in London for log cabin life in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Mike is recognisable from his many years on air with the BBC World Service, and as the narrator of countless television documentaries and a growing library of audiobooks. A disruptive influence in school, Mike's first break in narration came at age six, when his teacher realised he could tell the afternoon story better than her (and she could get a nap by way of a bonus!)

When he's not in his home studio, you'll find Mike enjoying hobby farm life and tending to a small herd of charming pet goats, an adorable mini horse called Annie, and a hornless unicorn called Melodie (among others…)

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SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other media professionals.

Established in 2021, the Professional Audiobook Narrators Association (PANA) emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the narration community, and to give a voice to those who record books for a living - as distinct from the interests of the publishers and authors with whom we work. PANA is a vocal advocate for “real human” narration, as opposed to AI narration.

The Audio Publishers Association (APA) is a not-for-profit trade association that advocates the common, collective business interests of audio publishers. The APA consists of audio publishing companies and suppliers, distributors, and retailers of spoken word products and allied fields related to the production, distribution, and sale of audiobooks.