So You Want To Be A Voice Actor (So You Want To Be A...)
About
No one will see your face. No costume, no stage, no spotlight finding you in the dark. There is a microphone, a pair of headphones, a script, and a booth the size of a closet. And from that closet, you will make someone believe in a dragon. A villain. A hero. A talking car. A character who exists nowhere in the physical world except in the sound of your voice. That is not a limitation of this work. That is the entire magnificent point.
So You Want To Be A Voice Actor takes young readers ages 10–14 inside one of the most versatile and most technically demanding performance professions in all of entertainment — not the cartoon version, but the real one. The years of performance training and vocal development that happen before a voice actor ever books a professional job. The specific discipline of creating a complete, believable, emotionally alive character using nothing but breath, resonance, and imagination — no body language, no costume, no set, no other actor to play off of — just the voice and what it can do. The team of directors, sound engineers, casting agents, and animators working in careful coordination so that the character on screen and the voice in the booth become, for the audience, a single living thing. The take that captures everything — and the direction that asks you to find something you didn’t know your voice could do.
This is a book about what voice actors actually do: the vocal technique they develop to create and sustain distinct characters across recording sessions that may span years, the performance instincts they sharpen to deliver emotional truth to a microphone without any of the physical tools a stage or screen actor relies on, the technical literacy they build to understand acoustics, recording equipment, and the home studio setup that has become essential to a working voice career, and the professional versatility they cultivate to move in a single afternoon from a children’s animated series to a video game villain to a corporate narration to an audiobook that runs twelve hours. It’s also a book about what the work costs, what it gives back, and why the voice actors who do it say that the moment a character they created makes a child laugh, or gasp, or feel less alone — that moment, which happens invisibly, is worth everything.
Inside, young readers will discover:
- What a real voice actor’s training and working life actually looks like — from vocal coaching to auditions to the booth to the finished project on screen
- The science and technique of the voice — how it works, how it is trained, and what every voice actor must understand to use it with precision and protect it for a career
- The full range of voice acting work — animation, video games, audiobooks, commercials, dubbing, and narration — and what each demands of the performer
- The history of voice performance and the legendary voices whose characters became part of the cultural fabric of childhood for generations
- What young people can do right now to discover if this might be their calling
Honest, specific, and genuinely illuminating, So You Want To Be A Voice Actor doesn’t talk down to young readers — it brings them all the way in. Because the child who wants to know what this work is really like deserves a real answer.
For readers who feel the pull toward something that lives entirely in sound — where imagination is the only special effect and the voice is the only instrument that matters. For the kid who gives every character a different voice, every story a different sound, every room they walk into a running inner performance — and feels right at home in the process.
Every character who ever made you feel something began as silence — and then a voice actor opened their mouth. Maybe the next unforgettable voice is yours.
Ages 10–14 · Nonfiction · Careers & Professions · Illustrated
Praise for this book
"Maya Angelou said, 'Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.' In So You Want to Be a Voice Actor by Linda Soules, readers are invited into the creative and often surprising world of a voice actor. This children's book makes it clear that performers don't just 'do funny voices,' but instead think about who the character is and how they feel. It also explains the important role that tone, pitch, rhythm, and even breathing play in shaping a believable performance. Other sections highlight where voice actors work, the tools they use, and what a typical day might be like. In addition, another part discusses the fun and challenging aspects of the job. Toward the end, there's helpful information on famous voice actors, fun facts, ways to prepare for the job, and key vocabulary to better understand the field. So, are you ready to be a voice actor?
I really enjoyed So You Want to Be a Voice Actor by Linda Soules. This is the second book in the series that I've read, and I was excited to see another career explained in such a thoughtful way. It was packed with information, but it never felt overwhelming. It actually got me thinking about how I read aloud to students and even brought back memories of my dad reading to my brother and me. Before starting this one, I hadn't given much thought to what a voice actor's day would be like, which often includes recording alone without other actors and taking care of their voices and throats. From an educator's perspective, this would be a great addition to a classroom library, especially during a careers unit, because it opens kids' eyes to a job they may not have considered before. The illustrations are so vibrant and lifelike. They will keep children engaged from beginning to end. My favorite is early on with the wizard — it really pulls you in. Overall, I think this is a fun (maybe even magical) read that even taught me something new. Fans of creative, behind-the-scenes books will love this detailed but enjoyable look at voice acting."
"So You Want To Be a Voice Actor is smart, encouraging nonfiction that talks to kids like they're already artists. It makes a creative career feel exciting, but it also shows the real work behind the 'funny voices,' which is exactly what makes it trustworthy.
This isn't a plot-driven book. It's more like an inviting behind-the-scenes walk into a recording booth. Linda Soules explains how voice actors build characters using pitch, pace, breath, and (most of all) genuine emotion, reminding readers that microphones 'hear everything.' The book's strongest moments feel like stories shared across the kitchen table: a teen reading four characters to a younger sibling, then hearing, 'I can see them.' That line lands, because it captures what kids already know from cartoons and bedtime books. Voices can make imaginary people feel real. As a parent, I loved how often it quietly nudges practice into everyday life: reading aloud, trying one sentence in five emotions, warming up your voice, and noticing how a smile changes sound.
Soules's style is clear and lyrical, with short sections that keep 10 to 12 year olds moving while still giving adults something to think about. The practical advice is solid, and the tone stays respectful. The heart of the book stays strong.
If you want a nonfiction read that builds confidence, creativity, and empathy, without talking down, this is an excellent choice. It's a sweet fit for family reading, and it may even turn your next bedtime story into a tiny, joyful voice-acting lesson."
"Not long ago, it seemed every kid wanted to be a nurse, a firefighter, or a teacher when asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. These days, children tend to dream about creative, tech‑driven, and high‑visibility careers. An influencer, game developer, or pro athlete might top their list. In So You Want To Be a Voice Actor, Linda Soules invites young audiences to consider a field that has shaped their lives without their even realizing it: voice acting. After all, what would our favorite animated film be without the skilled performances that bring the characters to life? And it’s difficult to imagine a commercial without the voice-overs that sell the product. Soules writes with a steady respect for her audience, pairing encouragement with a clear‑eyed look at the demands of the job so young readers can imagine a future that truly fits them. While it may not be a flashy career, working as a voice actor is certainly high-impact, and this beautifully illustrated guide might just inspire your child to pursue it.
With a natural flow and a clear sense of purpose, this thoughtful book walks readers through the fundamentals of voice acting. The text conveys a confidence that allows kids to take themselves seriously, even as beginners. Soules explains what the job entails, what working conditions are like, and who an artist might work with, even offering a helpful list of activities that give readers a small but genuine taste of the craft. With a perfect balance of practical detail and kid‑friendly clarity, this book is an excellent fit for any career-curious students, and is surprisingly engaging for those of us beyond that range! The illustrations are especially warm and inviting. Whether it’s the pop shield and acoustic panels found in a recording booth or a depiction of the wide range of characters an actor might voice, the artwork shows just how much care went into bringing these concepts to life. The result is a motivating, educational, and impressively well‑rounded introduction to a potentially overlooked option. Reframing an intriguing job that has touched our whole lives, but is rarely considered, So You Want To Be a Voice Actor is the book you wish you’d had as a kid, and one you’re glad to pass along to kids who might dream bigger because of it."
"This is a colorful and detailed book about a kid wanting to become a voice actor. It was an insightful book — I enjoyed it."
"I would highly recommend for a child showing potential or who becomes curious on how their favorite animated characters come to life."
"There was a LOT of information packed into a short book... very educational and interesting... and great artwork!"
"This probably has to be my favorite book in the series so far!"
"This book really blew my mind! I was amazed by its depth and the details that were included. It’s so descriptive that it makes you feel immersed in living with the profession of voice acting!!! The illustrations are PERFECT too!! This makes me want to see other similar books."
"This children's book is great for the child that is always bigger than life in personality. It breaks things down in a way that actually makes sense—what the job is really like, what goes into it, and what people don’t usually think about. It has beautiful images that go perfectly with the topic at hand. Short, informative, and straight to the point. Super beginner-friendly, especially if you’re just curious about voice acting or thinking about getting into it."
"I would highly recommend for a child showing potential or who becomes curious on how their favorite animated characters come to life. It is a wonderful introduction to what this job can entail. It is realistic about the work involved but also shows the positive aspects to the creative work that is done."
"This book goes into deep detail about all the things you do on a daily basis, the goods and bads of voice acting, and also gives you a lot of information that will help you not only start your career but also how to survive in this career."
"The whole book just put so much excitement into becoming a voice actor. The graphics are great and really help tell the 'story.' I always knew there was a lot behind being a voice actor, but this book did a great job at describing all that goes into it and it does seem like a very fun and rewarding career path."
"So You Want To Be A Voice Actor is such a fun and encouraging book for kids who dream about bringing characters to life. It does a great job explaining the world of voice acting in a way that’s easy to understand, while still being exciting and informative. Young readers will love learning about animation, video games, character voices, and the hard work talented performers put into their craft. The book is engaging, creative, and inspiring for kids who enjoy acting, storytelling, or using their imagination. A great read for any child curious about the entertainment world and the magic behind their favorite characters!"
"I originally wanted to check this item out because I was wanting to do my own voice over work for a project I am working on. This was actually very insightful for someone who has never done anything like this before, and gave really good tips for doing voice acting."
"Not only did I learn a lot of things from this book, it makes me wonder if I could do voice acting still! I love that the author comprehensively dives into a specific career, from what it is to what it entails skills wise. I didn't know that most voice actors record alone and it's just as physically taxing as on-screen actors. 'A day in the life' is a great intro to the career - no matter how enticing it seems on the outside you have to be able to withstand the boring/grueling parts that come with the job as well. I loved the fun facts session and learning about the actors/actresses that voiced my favorite shows and cartoons! This would make a great gift for any kid and there is a variety of careers in the series!"
"Soules says her books were written for the 10-14 age range; I picked up the book at 55 because numerous people have suggested I do audio book recordings. I am an avid reader and listener of books, a mom who read with voices to my children when they were little, and former teacher who had peers tell me to narrate as well when they heard my read-alouds to my classes. Oddly enough I've done one voice over for an online video for a college course. That didn't require changing my voice at all, but it gave me a feel for the production aspect. This book has wonderful guidance and take away tools even I can use if I decide to move forward with this career. The fun facts and famous voice actors sections were great information. Of those mentioned in the actors, I only knew of Mel Blanc. I'm planning to look up the others, especially Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson.
I wish this series was around when I was young and trying to decide my future profession!"
"This is a great book for anyone interested in becoming a voice actor. The book throughly explains the equipment used and the importance of the equipment, the work environment, as well as the dedication required to successfully execute. It also explains that it is the voice actor’s responsibility to ensure the audience understands the character’s mental and emotional state in the story being played out. I would recommend this book to teachers for classroom libraries. The information and illustrations would attract students while showing them the different careers available to them."
"As someone who's leaned into this line of work in the past, I can tell you that this book is a fantastic teaching tool for those interested into jumping into the voice-acting biz. Many great tips and tricks contained within - even some excellent techniques for training your voice - this one's a must have for sure."
"Linda Soules, So You Want To Be A Voice Actor, gives young readers an engaging and informative introduction to a career many children enjoy but rarely understand. Aimed at ages 10–14, this illustrated nonfiction guide goes above and beyond the idea of simply doing funny voices and explores the real skills, dedication, and creativity required to succeed as a voice actor.
Soules does an excellent job explaining how performers bring characters to life using only their voices. From animation and video games to audiobooks, commercials, and dubbing, the book provides a broad overview of the many paths available within the profession. Topics like vocal technique, breath control, recording technology, and character development are presented in a way that is easy for young readers to understand."
"We have loved each of these books. This one may have been my favorite! Every single one has been fun, educational, and entertaining. I love that it give kids a deeper look into careers and how to achieve something they might want to be in the future. Seriously read them!"
"I really liked how this book explained voice acting in a way that felt exciting and easy to understand. The examples and artwork made everything feel super creative, and it honestly made the job sound really interesting. It also showed how much emotion and effort actually goes into bringing characters to life."
"My kids and I are loving these kind of books so much. This isn't the first in the series we've read and they all have their own special information to absorb and learn. The voice acting was a great one to read as I feel like this type of work is an unknown for both adults and kids. The work that goes into creating the character and therefore the characters voice is astonishing. It sounds so much more involved than stage or film acting. The concept of the power in one's voice, and all the voice actor's who've done multiple voices, was really interesting to read about. After reading this, my kids went about reading books out loud in a whole new way, just from the tips offered in this, so it is very age appropriate for kids five and older to understand."
"This book left me feeling a little emotional. It tapped into my childhood in unexpected ways. As with other books in this series, the graphics are so well done and the content is well researched. But I find the most valuable page is near the end. A page that list additional books, websites, and organizations you might want to familiarize yourself with if this is a career path for you.
Great series for adults and kids."
"A lovely book describing what a voice actor actually is and what they do. It puts into perspective the hard work of the craft while still giving credence to the silly and fun elements as well. I imagine kids who want to follow this profession would really enjoy this book and its illustrations."
"So you want to be a voice actor by Linda Soules provides young people (10-14) an honest look at one of entertainment's most creative career paths and offers a behind-the-scenes look into how a voice actor can achieve success in a profession built upon discipline, creativity, technical skill and years of training. Not just about doing funny voices, the author shows readers how pitch, pace, breath and rhythm combine to bring imaginary characters to life as if they were real. Soules introduces readers to those individuals responsible for directing, engineering sound and animating, all working in concert. This book covers areas such as animation, video games, audio books, commercials, and dubbing. It will help readers understand what is expected of a performer in these various fields. The use of vibrant illustrations combined with a clear and poetic writing style ensures that the reader will be able to absorb the information without feeling overwhelmed. Therefore, for the child who has always given each character their own voice, this is a trust-worthy and insightful read."
"I was impressed with the depth of this book. It really gives kids an honest look at what it would take to become a voice actor. If you have a kid that loves to make up voices for characters, this is an excellent guide for what to expect going into that field. It makes me want to check out the other books in the series, too. I always wanted to be a voice actor growing up, and I wish I had something like this to show me that it was possible to follow that through. I liked the 'day in the life of' points and the historic look into famous voice actors and the contributions they made to the art. A great introduction book for kids, hands down."