What will Learning Environment sound like?
A sample sneak preview of Learning Environment's first chapter, read by it's recently hired audiobook narrator.
A few weeks back, my publisher emailed me four samples of narrator auditions for the audiobook of Learning Environment and some editorial commentary on each of the readings.
I had about a week to review the samples and provide my preference.
Listening to each .mp3 file, I was impressed by the professionalism and creativity of each narrator’s reading—quickly giving up any hope that I should be the one narrating my book to my audience. (Goodbye lasting voice memory to the kids and possible grandchildren!)
After my initial listen, I was unsure how to select my favorite (they were all quite good). So, I soon turned to sharing the provided samples with those within my network—especially educators and others who frequently listened to audiobooks.
Even then, with strong recommendations (and strong feelings), I had a hard time choosing. I was not entirely sure how to select which voice might be best, and I was relatively happy with all of the auditions. However, time was running out, and a decision had to be made.
After narrowing my options to two selections (of those eliminated, one read too slowly and another mispronounced too many words), I chose the .mp3 file labeled Cory H.
Cory H., whose voice I found to be a rich blend of familiarity, folksiness, and calm (scroll down to listen), in many ways, reflected my relational approach with students and colleagues as well as the general vibe I tried to exude in the classroom. I also felt that Cory’s audition blended the right amount of succinctness and creative punch that would keep listeners engaged. Because, as one of my audiobook-phile family members shared with me, the wrong narrator can be “a literal turn off.”
Since sharing my preference for Cory H. with my publishing team (and learning that he has since been secured to be Learning Environments narrator), Cory H has been revealed as Cory Herndon, a “veteran voice actor and writer whose work has appeared in magazines, games, animation, and film… [from] Vancouver, British Columbia”
So welcome aboard, Cory Herndon. It is an honor to have you on the team that will bring Learning Environment’s actions, approaches, and stories from my science classroom to audiobook listeners around the world.
Listen to Corey’s audiobook audition below, and why yes, the audiobook version of Learning Environment is available for pre-order.
Audio Sample provided courtesy of Beacon Press.
Dear Learning Environment - The Substack Readers,
Thank you for making my last post the most viewed post ever. I’m delighted that the model learning environment I wrote about and had the opportunity to witness at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens in Northeast DC resonated with so many.
If you haven’t had a chance to view (or listen), you can do so here.