Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to the questions clients often ask before booking.

Getting Started

  • Just reach out at sandra@sandramanwiller.com and let me know that you’d like to work with me. With new clients, I schedule a video conferencing call so that we can get a feel for each other’s personalities and to share project details. The “meet n’ greet” is a great way to start the collaboration process and set us both up for success.

  • You’ll send me your typed up script (I prefer MS Word or Google Docs, but PDF is fine), note any direction on vocal tone or pitch, what final format would you like to receive the audio, specify naming conventions, deadline and the name of your designated contact person. It’s also important for me to know how the voiceover is being used, known as “usage” (for example: on TV, social media post, a streaming ad, internal company use, etc.). This helps me determine price. 

  • I mostly work directly with clients who represent their creative team or production process crew, but I have also worked with authors and audio producers. Don’t let these fancy titles intimidate you. Even if you’ve never worked with a voice over artist, I’ll happily walk you through the process.  

  • Absolutely! Please refer to the top of my homepage to find a selection of commercial, narration and eLearning samples to get a sense of my voice and range. You can download samples for project consideration. However, AI cloning, AI reproduction, synthetic voice cloning or AI use for text-to-speech of my voice, image and likeness is strictly prohibited. See terms and conditions for a complete list of details. 

The Process

  • Both. Often, the client will simply email me the script, and I get to work after we’ve hammered out the project details. I’ve also done live-directed sessions, in which a director will video conference with me, and we ‘live record’ the script simultaneously, doing different styles of reads along the way. Live recorded sessions can last up to two hours.  

  • Yes, if the session director gives the thumbs up, it can be arranged. However, adding more people to a recording session can have its drawbacks. Sometimes internet bandwidth can cause lag time issues for both parties when there’s multiple people in the session at the same time. Other times it’s a case of “too many cooks in the kitchen” in which the vocal delivery / messaging can muddled.

  • After we’ve had our initial meeting and I ask clarifying questions, I’m usually good to go. If I have additional questions during the recording process, I reach out to you or your designated contact person. 

  • Yes. I’ve done it several times and I’m comfortable with changing reads up quickly and following directives on-the-spot. 

Logistics & Practicalities

  • Great question. In our industry, voice over work is typically charged by usage, meaning how a voice over is being used, where it’s being used and in what type of media. While voice actors are primarily solopreneurs and can determine their own pricing, usage helps us to define how your project will use our voices beyond the initial studio session: your project scope (such as radio ad, e-Learning, internal company video etc.), duration (how long will you be using our voice) and other media details are important to ensure that voice actors get compensated fairly.  

  • The initial studio session of $150.00. This also includes two pick-ups (mispronounced word or other type of mistake on my end), after I have delivered the audio file. However, if your creative team decides they want to go in a different direction after the initial project details were discussed and recorded, this will require a new invoice and additional fees applied. 

  • It depends on the type of project and what projects are already in my queue. If it’s a commercial read, I can have it completed within 2-3 days. If it’s an audiobook, the 2–3-day time frame isn’t realistic due to its complexity and prep work. 

  • It depends on the type of project and what projects are already in my queue.

  • Pacific Standard Time. It’s the same time zone as Los Angeles, California. 

During the Work

  • Life happens; I get that. If your creative team decides they want to go in a different direction after the initial project details were finalized and the team reworked entire sections of copy (script), this will require a new invoice and additional fees applied. In addition, the session fee will bump up to $250 (from $150). 

  • My fee includes two pick-ups only (mispronounced word or other type of mistake on my end), after I have delivered the audio file. Entire reworked script changes will result in a new invoice (additional fees applied depending on scope of work) and an increase in a session fee (from $150 to $250).

  • I offer WAV or MP4 so that your production team can easily plunk my audio track into your creative project. You need to specify what your preference is.

  • Yes, but I like to leave a second or two of leeway so that your production team has room to cut and paste as they see fit. 

After Delivery

  • No problem, just reach out. 

  • Pretty quickly, usually within a day if I don’t have other pressing projects. 

  • Yes, I keep all audio files in the cloud for future reference just in case clients want to come back and revisit a project or are looking for a specific sound. 

  • Absolutely! Just reach out at sandra@sandramanwiller.com and let’s grab a virtual coffee and chat about your amazing project. 

And that’s a wrap.

If this answered your questions, the next step is simply to reach out.

GET IN TOUCH