May 2026 Meeting Information

 

Join us Saturday, March 16, 2026, 11am

via ZOOM for

Marcus Barton presenting

a combo presentation

From Manuscript to Audiobook

and

The Human Touch:
Why Voice Actors Outshine AI in Audiobooks

Marcus's presentation serves as a dual-purpose guide for authors, detailing both the practical steps to producing an audiobook and the artistic argument for using human narrators. He'll outline the process of bringing a book to market, starting with finalizing the manuscript and preparing a narration-friendly script.

He'll speak to choosing between self-narration and hiring professionals through platforms like ACX or Findaway Voices. He'll compare distribution strategies—exclusive deals with Audible for higher royalties versus wide distribution for broader reach—and offer marketing tips such as leveraging promo codes and partnering with influencers.

And Marcus will also argue strongly for the "human touch" over AI in audiobook narration. While acknowledging that AI offers speed and cost efficiency, Marcus emphasizes that human actors provide superior emotional depth, character differentiation, and storytelling artistry that AI currently lacks.

Human narrators can adapt intuitively to context and direction, whereas AI often struggles with pronunciation, nuance, and delivering a "soulful" performance, offering a more immersive experience for listeners.

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Marcus Barton is a Texas-based voice actor and audiobook narrator known for his deep, resonant, and authoritative voice. A retired combat veteran originally from Missouri, Marcus has established himself in the voice-over industry while also maintaining a career as a high school teacher.