Professional Audiobook Narrator for Indie Authors & Self-Published Books
Audiobook Production Services Made Simple for Indie Authors
Hey indie author—you’ve done the hard work of writing the book. Now let’s make sure it sounds as good as it reads. I’m Ryan Pierson, a U.S. Navy veteran and professional audiobook narrator dedicated to helping self-published authors break into the audio market without the technical stress.
I bring a mission-first mindset to every manuscript. During my eight years in the Navy, including two combat deployments to Iraq, I learned that clear communication, strict deadlines, and meticulous attention to detail are non-negotiable. When you trust me with your book, you're getting a partner who respects your timeline and your craft.
Character-Driven Performance from a Professional Studio
Based in Oregon, I’ve traded the uniform for a professional, broadcast-quality home studio. My background in improv and stage performance allows me to give your characters distinct, believable voices and nuanced emotional arcs.
Whether you need a gritty protagonist for a thriller or an authoritative guide for a self-help book, I deliver audio that meets the highest industry standards. And, whether you’re launching your debut novel or expanding your backlist, I handle the entire production workflow so you can stay focused on writing.
As your audiobook production partner, I provide:
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Flexible Pricing: Competitive Per Finished Hour (PFH) rates and select Royalty Share options.
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Custom Auditions: Receive a free sample of your manuscript to ensure the voice matches your vision.
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Retail-Ready Files: Professional narration, editing, and mastering that meet all major distribution standards.
Narrative Mastery Across Every Genre
Every genre has a specific pulse. I specialize in capturing the right pace and emotional depth to keep listeners engaged—whether it’s the propulsive tension of a mystery or the steamy chemistry of a romance.
I have experience narrating for a broad range of genres, including:
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Academic/study guide
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Dark romance
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Fantasy
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Military
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Mystery
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Nonfiction
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Romantic suspense
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Science fiction
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Self-help
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Thriller
Books by Independent Authors, Narrated by Ryan Pierson
These are real samples from books by independent and self-published authors like you.
Shadows and Dust
Kenny Soward
Dystopian
The Wrecking Squad
Nick Snape
Sci-Fi
Black Card Black
J.D. Midnight
Dark Romance
About Rage: Second Edition
Erin Banks
Thriller
Professor Unhinged
Caty Lee
Dark Romance
Discovery: The Dark Planet Saga Book 1
CR Hayes
Sci-Fi
WHAT AUTHORS SAY
Ryan is a rare talent—his narration didn’t just meet expectations; it exceeded them in every sense. He brought each character to life with uncanny precision. His voice has the exact weight and clarity that psychological thrillers demand—immersive, versatile, with a subtle edge that keeps tension thrumming beneath the surface. His pacing, tone, and emotional rhythm aligned so precisely with my intent, it felt as if he’d voiced the story straight from my head. Beyond the performance, his speed, consistency, and professionalism made the entire process a seamless and wonderful experience. I’m incredibly grateful for his work.
-Erin Banks, About Rage
WHAT AUTHORS SAY
"Ryan is a consummate professional and communicator! He is a terrific narrator who is personally passionate about his work. This passion is clear to see in the excellent product he creates. I am tremendously satisfied with the work Ryan delivered on my novel. He provides a crisp, clean, dynamic, engaging atmosphere and pays close attention to an author's vision. I will be commissioning Ryan for further projects. Ryan is a true gem in the world of narration!"
-CR Hayes, Discovery
WHAT AUTHORS SAY
"I'm so thrilled I found Ryan. You never have to worry about receiving your projects late because Ryan is so time-efficient: he delivers ahead of schedule. Ryan has a wonderful, emotional voice that's dreamy to listen to. He has a wide range of voice styles for the female and male characters. The emotion and attention to detail that Ryan brings to the story will make it stand out without a doubt. I enjoyed working with him and I look forward to working with him on my future projects."
-B. Truly, Temptation Trials
WHAT AUTHORS SAY
"When I reached out to Ryan, he had suggested that I send him a little piece of my book for him to voice for me. And when I received it back, I knew then, that this was the person I wanted. We agreed to a very fair price, and 8 weeks later I had a finished product. He even helped guide me through the part on getting it published. There is a book 2 in this series, and soon I will be hiring Ryan again to put a voice to that story. I highly recommend Ryan for your voiceover actor. I don't see how you could go wrong with him."
-Raymond Sardella, Pilgrimage of Angels
Audiobook Services for Indie Authors
I handle the technical side, so you don't have to learn audio production overnight. I offer three options to fit your budget and timeline:
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Narration Only ($200–$400 PFH) - Clean, professional audio files ready for your editor. Best if you have your own editor.
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Full Production (quoted per project) - The “hands-off” option. I handle narration, editing, proofing, and mastering. You get retail-ready files.
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Royalty Share (select projects) - No upfront costs. We split the royalties. This is best for high-potential titles or authors with a proven sales track record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
Share your title, genre, word count, and 2-4 sample pages (any scene that shows tone/characters). I’ll record a sample to help you evaluate my voice for your book.
How much does an audiobook cost?
This depends on the project and whether you’re contracting me for narration only or royalty share. Most indie novels (60,000 to 90,000 words) range from $3,000 to $6,000 for narration and production.
Do you offer dual and duet narration?
Yes! Dual narration (reading chapters from the male POV) is a standard way to bring male/female perspectives to life. Duet narration (in which I read all male dialogue throughout the book) is enjoyed by romance listeners, but it requires more intensive production. Duet requires significantly more time and production, so production will cost more.
Do I need to provide a pronunciation guide?
While it is not necessary, it is helpful to provide a guide on how names and locations are pronounced, especially if they are not common or made up.
What if I don't like the final files?
First, you'll have the opportunity to listen to the first 15 minutes of the audio and provide feedback to ensure you love the final files. Then once the book has been recorded, you will have the opportunity to listen through and provide feedback through a round of revisions before publishing.