Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you charge?
That’s a great question, and the answer depends on more information from you! Many factors influence rates, like where the project will be shown, how many people will see it and for how long it will be in use. Another way to think about this is: eyeballs and shelf life. How many viewers are there and for how long?
Some commercials are broadcast on TV, others are shown digitally. Advertising markets can be local, regional or national. Runs can be for a month, six months, or a year or two. Do you want the right to renew the license for usage at the end of the term? Put it in print!
Is this a paid placement campaign for Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or will it be for a pre-roll ad on YouTube, or streaming sites like Hulu or Amazon? Is this for terrestrial radio or streaming radio like Pandora or Spotify? There are lots of options in today’s media-rich world!
Other projects, like explainer videos, or long-form narration (not for broadcast), which are considered unpaid meda, are typically based on length of usage, length and complexity of the script.Technical scripts and medical scripts with complicated language and terminology command higher prices in the market because of the expertise required and extra work involved in preparation and research to deliver the best narration possible.
Union rates may also come into play. Do you need to hire a union talent for your project? Debbie can record voiceovers for union and non-union projects alike. A valuable rate guide, published by the Global Voice Acting Academy (GVAA), will give you an idea of average non-union rates across the US.
Debbie understands the needs of each voiceover project are unique and not all budgets are created equal. She is sensitive to her client’s fiscal parameters and delivers projects on time and on budget.
To review, factors that make up a voiceover budget are:
- The length of the content: runtime or word count
- Number of spots or videos
- Market size or placement: Broadcast (Radio/TV) or Non-Broadcast
- Duration of the campaign: Number of weeks and in what market(s)
- Exclusivity (if applicable)
- Union requirements
Have questions? Debbie’s job is to make this process easy! A quick chat can get you both on the same page.
How can I pay you?
Thank you for asking this question! Debbie accepts many forms of payment: ACH/direct deposit, credit cards, wire transfers, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Transferwise and checks! What works best for you?
If you’re working with Debbie for the first time, payment in full is requested before delivery of the audio files. You’ll receive an invoice with the project details outlined:
- Scope of the project
- Terms of usage (where the audio will play and for how long)
- Audio deliverables (number of files, format specs, and due date)
- After the first project has been completed, normal invoicing and payments terms (net 30) apply
What’s the overall process?
After the terms, the timeline , the tone and tempo have been defined, send a final version of the script.
Phonetic pronunciations or audio recordings of any unusual/technical/non-English words are helpful, as are any visual reference materials (storyboards, animatics, rough-cut videos), and music being considered or already chosen.
Once you’ve received the completed audio files, please listen to them at your earliest convenience. If any performance-related revisions (pick-ups) are necessary, such as for proper emphasis, interpretation, or changes to pacing, Debbie will correct them quickly at no additional cost.
Script changes/additions requiring a new recording may incur an additional fee.
What hardware | software do you use?
Only the best! A beautiful Studiobricks VO One Plus recording booth, a Neumann TLM 103 and Sennheiser MKH 416, Sound Device USBPre 2 interface, Adobe Audition, Twisted Wave, Izotope RX7, iMac, MacMini, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad.
In the biz, we call this ‘broadcast quality,’ and while Debbie is in NY, none of the sounds of the city penetrate her booth. While she’s in the country she works around the lawn mowers and her puppy occasionally asking to be fed.
See below for more information about her studio and services.
Do you offer translation services?
Yes, Debbie works with a team of pros to provide certified translations of languages beyond her scope. Her goal is to help you get your project completed the best way possible. Localizing scripts for foreign country usage, or to accommodate people in the U.S. who speak other languages is a critically important part of reaching your audience.
What kind of turn-around time can I expect?
Fast. Sometimes the same day, sometimes the next day. And, as you’d expect, that could depend on Debbie’s current schedule. She tends to her clients needs quickly, keeping you in the loop, and delivering your audio ahead of schedule. That’s the excellent service you can expect.
Do you voice live?
Yes! Live announcing is fun and exciting! Debbie has been behind the scenes in NYC at Alice Tully Hall, The Waldorf Astoria and Cipriani’s, and once it’s safe to travel again, she will!