VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

richvoice · Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 6:30 pm Post subject: ACX University

Did anyone here attend the ACX University last year?

I got the email a couple of weeks ago (that I assume went out to everyone who has an ACX account), and when I saw it was free I decided to apply, even though I'm not local to New Jersey. I'm apparently one of the 75 who were accepted (I'd REALLY like to know how big the applicant pool was, one of 75 out of 1,000 who applied is a lot different than one of 75 out of 80 -- or, worse, one of 50 out of 50).

Anyway, now I need to decide whether or not two nights lodging and transportation to Newark is worth it.
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Andy · Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 7:55 pm Post subject:

I thought I paid attention to what the put out and i have done over 40 audio books through ACX, but this is the first I've heard of ACX University. Doesn't mean it ain't legit but, hell! I'd have applied had I known. Always more to learn. Let us know how it goes. (Was there a "tuition' for this?)
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richvoice · Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 8:21 pm Post subject:

No, no tuition, you just have to be accepted. I have no idea what the acceptance criteria are. For that matter, I have no idea what the invitation criteria were!

Here's the page that they reference with last year's agenda (I guess this year's hasn't been set yet):

http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/Audible/en_US/acx/pdf/ACX_KE_Program._V309579084_.pdf
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Rich
http://www.richvoiceproductions.com
@RichMillerVO

Andy · Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 7:02 am Post subject:

In the light of a new day, having seen what you attached, thus does look a bit familar. Looks like a decent one day event. If you go, let us know how it goes.

Thanks for sharing, Andy
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 9:32 am Post subject:

I've been twice. If you want to learn how to be better entrenched in the ACX thing, go for it. Understand there will be nothing about graduating to the big leagues and working with other publishers.
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http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

richvoice · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 9:30 pm Post subject:

Thanks Jeff.

I know you've done a lot of audiobooks, both through ACX and in "the big leagues." (I just heard you on the EWABS audiobook episode from a couple of months ago, thanks for the good tips!) I definitely value your input on this, especially if you've done the ACX University thing twice.

In the past several months, I've completed six audiobooks through ACX, both for pay and for royalty share, and I'm contracted for a seventh. I feel like I've improved with each one, learning things along the way, both by doing and by listening to big name audiobooks (e.g., John Grisham novels).

What I'm thinking is that I might get another rung or two up that ladder from what I can learn at the ACX University event. And while I might not get anything specifically about moving into the big leagues from the event, getting better at the craft in the ACX world will at least put me in a better position to be able to make that transition later. I guess I'm thinking of it in terms of being better able to "build that body of work" that you mentioned on EWABS.

Does that make sense? And is it a reasonable way to look at it?
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Rich
http://www.richvoiceproductions.com
@RichMillerVO

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 8:23 am Post subject:

Certainly you will get some value out of ACX U, as it's geared toward newer narrators. Plus you can put names and faces to the folks at Audible.

If you're looking for alternate event the same day, then Johnny Heller is putting together a killer all-day workshop featuring the likes of Scott brick, Carol Monda, myself, and several others. More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/942681662430918
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Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

vkuehn · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 9:21 am Post subject:

Look at it this way.... most of us are having to guess which way the market for book narrators will go in the future. Right now ACX is looked at as a great entry point, and a place to eventually escape from as you get better and more experienced.

BUT... just as we are having to guess which way the market place will go, don't we also have to guess which way ACX and Audible and Amazon will go? What if these changes make a good connection with the folks at ACX a good foundation for jumping into future opportunities at a changing ACX/Audible/Amazon.

If you can comfortably work it into your schedule and your personal budget... I say GO FOR IT!!!!

richvoice · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 4:48 pm Post subject:

Thanks, guys, I'll let you know what I end up doing -- if anything!
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Cheers,
Rich
http://www.richvoiceproductions.com
@RichMillerVO