Ana Clements
Award-nominated Ana Clements is a passionate speaker, coach, and professional voice artist. With over a decade in the industry, she has narrated more than a hundred audiobooks for major publishers, bringing a wealth of character voices to her performances in both British and Spanish.
As the founder of Audiobooks on Clubhouse, Ana has built a thriving community where narrators and creatives connect and share insights. Since 2021, she has hosted weekly sessions, deepening her understanding of the challenges and lived experiences of a creative career.
Ana has spoken at industry-leading events, including VO Atlanta, MexicoAudio, MAVO, One Voice Conference, and narrator workshops and writer’s groups. A qualified coach since 2022, she works with narrators and authors, offering practical, insightful guidance that empowers them to push past self-limitations with actionable direction.
Her creative coaching has been described as “helping others reach a point of clarity on who they are as creative professionals.
ANA CLEMENTS – Unplugging Audiobooks
Exploring the World of Audiobook Narration with Ana Clements on Voice Acting Unplugged
Welcome to the latest episode recap of “Voice Acting Unplugged,” where we dive into the intricate world of voiceover industries and explore the challenges and opportunities it presents. In this episode, Anthony and his sidekick Margaret Ashley are joined by the incredibly talented Ana Clements, a seasoned audiobook narrator and voice actor who shares her journey and insights into the audiobook industry.
Meet Our Guest: Ana Clements
Ana Clements is an acclaimed audiobook narrator and bilingual voiceover artist, proficient in both Spanish and English. She has carved a niche in the voiceover industry, working with high-profile publishers like Hachette Audio, Harper Audio, and Penguin Random House, among others. Ana is also the founder of the Audio Books Club on Clubhouse and is known for her role as a speaker and coach, mentoring aspiring narrators.
Ana’s Journey into Voice Acting
Ana’s journey is both inspiring and unconventional. Initially, her desire was to become a singer and earn a living through her voice. Encouraged to pursue her academic studies instead, Ana ventured into finance but eventually returned to her true passion for voice. With dedication, she honed her skills in singing and sound engineering, which naturally transitioned her into the world of audiobooks and voice acting.
Understanding the Audiobook Industry
According to Ana, audiobooks are a complex genre comprising various sub-genres like thrillers, romance, and nonfiction. The process is extensive, requiring collaboration with proofers, editors, and preppers. Narrators have to be versatile, understanding their unique voices, and preparing for diverse roles. Ana shares an overview of recording processes, highlighting the importance of punch-and-roll techniques and the use of specific digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Studio One and Reaper.
Getting Cast as an Audiobook Narrator
In the realm of audiobooks, getting cast often involves being on publishers’ rosters and submitting genre-specific demos. Ana emphasizes the importance of crafting demos that showcase a narrator’s unique abilities without relying on well-known content, which might lend itself to preconceived interpretations.
Advice for Aspiring Narrators
Ana advises newcomers not to underestimate the intensity and dedication needed in audiobook narration. She suggests practical steps like recording public domain books to practice and gathering technical knowledge for efficient recording. Ana’s guidance reflects the necessity for authenticity and self-awareness in crafting one’s niche within the industry.
Navigating the Challenges
Budding narrators should be cautious of potential pitfalls such as ensuring authors have the rights to their books to avoid scams. Ana shares her expertise in finding work, emphasizing the relevance of networking and using technology for diligent research.
Why Audiobook Narration is a Labor of Love
Despite the initial struggles, Ana is passionate about audiobook narration, describing it as an immersive experience that allows her to live various lives through storytelling. The sense of fulfillment she gets from bringing characters and stories to life makes it a rewarding profession.
Conclusion
Ana Clements’ journey into audiobook narration is a testament to passion and perseverance. Her insights shed light on the intricacies of the audiobook industry and provide aspiring narrators with valuable knowledge on making a successful career. For those interested in learning more from Ana, she invites them to connect through her social platforms or join her Clubhouse discussions on narrators assemble.
Join Margaret & Anthony next time on Voice Acting Unplugged.
©2025 Margaret Ashley – Your Friendly British Female Voice Actor in Purley, London