Podcast Summary: Fated Mates - Romance Books for Novel People
Episode: 07.41: Audiobooks with Julia Whelan
Host/Author: Fated Mates (Sarah MacLean and Jen Prokop)
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Introduction
Jennifer Prokop and Sarah MacLean kick off the episode with excitement about Sarah’s upcoming book release, “Summer Storms,” set to launch in six days. They introduce their special guest, Julia Whelan, a renowned audiobook narrator celebrated for her work with authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid and Emily Henry. The hosts express their enthusiasm for Julia’s participation, highlighting her status as a superstar in the audiobook industry.
Guest Introduction: Julia Whelan
Sarah MacLean warmly welcomes Julia, praising her extensive work in audiobook narration. Julia Whelan shares her excitement about collaborating with Fated Mates, reminiscing about a previous interview involving one of Julia’s characters, June French.
Notable Quote:
Julia Whelan [04:25]: “I love this job so much. It's why I'm doing it.”
The Evolution of Audiobooks in Romance
The conversation shifts to the transformation of the audiobook landscape, particularly within the romance genre. Jen Prokop emphasizes the growing ubiquity of audio formats in romance literature and how it has become a powerful medium for storytelling.
Notable Quote:
Sarah MacLean [02:21]: “The audio has become so ubiquitous in romance.”
Julia Whelan’s Journey into Narration
Julia Whelan narrates her transition from a child actress to a celebrated audiobook narrator. She explains how a friend’s introduction to audiobook production led her to create a demo reel, ultimately launching her successful career in the field.
Notable Quote:
Julia Whelan [09:44]: “I read the manuscript, create two lists—one for pronunciation and one for character voices—and start building distinct voices for each character.”
Challenges and Changes in the Industry
Julia discusses the early days of audiobook narration, where narrators often worked together in studios, fostering a collaborative environment. She contrasts this with the current trend of narrators using home studios, which she believes diminishes the collaborative learning experience.
Notable Quote:
Julia Whelan [14:00]: “The home studio setup takes away from the process of learning from others and figuring out how to interpret and perform texts.”
Dual and Multiple Narration
The hosts explore the complexities of dual and multiple narrations in audiobooks. Julia explains the logistical challenges, such as coordinating schedules and ensuring consistency in character voices. She expresses a preference for live duets, where narrators perform together, over the more common method of separate recordings stitched together.
Notable Quote:
Julia Whelan [22:35]: “I would rather do duet only if it's live because I can work with someone in real-time rather than coordinating over email with multiple narrators.”
Introduction to Audio Brary
Julia Whelan introduces her innovative platform, Audio Brary, designed to revolutionize the audiobook industry by implementing a royalty-based payment system for narrators. She critiques the current model where narrators receive a fixed fee without ongoing royalties, arguing that her platform offers a more equitable solution for both authors and narrators.
Notable Quote:
Julia Whelan [24:53]: “Narrators don’t get royalties. It’s outrageous that as the industry grows, narrators aren’t benefiting proportionally.”
Features of Audio Brary
Julia outlines the key features of Audio Brary, including:
- Profit Sharing: Authors and narrators receive a share of the profits, promoting fair compensation.
- Direct-to-Consumer Distribution: Bypassing traditional retailers to ensure higher earnings for creators.
- Exclusive Bonus Content: Offering unique features like interviews and behind-the-scenes material available only on her platform.
- Rental Options: Allowing listeners to rent audiobooks at a reduced rate, making them more accessible.
Notable Quote:
Julia Whelan [29:51]: “We offer rentals at a third of the purchase price and give a 25% discount if listeners decide to buy after renting.”
Sponsorships and Book Promotions
Throughout the episode, sponsors are introduced, featuring authors like Ma Wardell with her novella “Stirring Spurs,” Chelsea Fagan with “The High Dive,” and Alexander Harvey with “A Deal with the Devil.” These segments provide brief overviews of each book, highlighting their unique storylines and availability across various formats.
Impact of Technology and AI on Audiobooks
The discussion delves into the implications of technological advancements, particularly AI, on the future of audiobook narration. Julia expresses concern over AI potentially overshadowing human narrators, emphasizing the irreplaceable emotional depth and authenticity that human voices bring to storytelling.
Notable Quote:
Julia Whelan [85:46]: “AI is a different product, but the human storytelling aspect is what Audiobrary is here to protect and promote.”
Recording Process and Challenges
Julia provides an in-depth look at her recording process, detailing how she prepares for complex narratives with multiple characters. She explains her method of annotating manuscripts, researching pronunciations, and developing distinct voices to ensure clarity and engagement for listeners.
Notable Quote:
Julia Whelan [43:37]: “I create a word list for pronunciations and a character voice list to maintain consistency throughout the narration.”
Final Thoughts and Future Projects
In the closing segments, Julia Whelan shares her upcoming projects, including narrating the “New Camelot” trilogy by Sierra Simone. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality, human-driven audiobook production in the face of increasing automation and industry changes.
Notable Quote:
Julia Whelan [85:09]: “New Camelot is going to be that gateway for people new to audiobooks, providing an intimate and authentic listening experience.”
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to Julia Whelan for her contributions and insights, reinforcing the podcast’s commitment to supporting both authors and narrators in the romance audiobook industry. Listeners are encouraged to explore Audio Brary and the featured books through the provided show notes.
Key Takeaways:
- Audiobook Narration’s Evolution: Transition from collaborative studio recordings to individual home setups.
- Audio Brary’s Impact: A new platform advocating for fair compensation and sustainable practices for narrators and authors.
- Dual Narration Challenges: Logistical complexities and economic considerations in producing dual or multiple narrations.
- Human vs. AI Narration: The irreplaceable value of human emotion and authenticity in storytelling.
- Future of Audiobooks: Emphasis on curated, high-quality productions to maintain the integrity of the medium.
Recommended Actions for Listeners:
- Explore Audio Brary: Discover and support sustainable audiobook production through Julia’s platform.
- Pre-order “Summer Storms”: Experience Julia Whelan’s narration of Sarah MacLean’s upcoming novel.
- Support Featured Authors: Check out the books sponsored by Ma Wardell, Chelsea Fagan, and Alexander Harvey.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Julia Whelan [04:25]: “I love this job so much. It's why I'm doing it.”
- Sarah MacLean [02:21]: “The audio has become so ubiquitous in romance.”
- Julia Whelan [09:44]: “I read the manuscript, create two lists—one for pronunciation and one for character voices—and start building distinct voices for each character.”
- Julia Whelan [14:00]: “The home studio setup takes away from the process of learning from others and figuring out how to interpret and perform texts.”
- Julia Whelan [22:35]: “I would rather do duet only if it's live because I can work with someone in real-time rather than coordinating over email with multiple narrators.”
- Julia Whelan [24:53]: “Narrators don’t get royalties. It’s outrageous that as the industry grows, narrators aren’t benefiting proportionally.”
- Julia Whelan [29:51]: “We offer rentals at a third of the purchase price and give a 25% discount if listeners decide to buy after renting.”
- Julia Whelan [85:46]: “AI is a different product, but the human storytelling aspect is what Audiobrary is here to protect and promote.”
- Julia Whelan [43:37]: “I create a word list for pronunciations and a character voice list to maintain consistency throughout the narration.”
- Julia Whelan [85:09]: “New Camelot is going to be that gateway for people new to audiobooks, providing an intimate and authentic listening experience.”
Further Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to visit the show’s website for links to Julia Whelan’s Audio Brary, pre-order “Summer Storms,” and explore other recommended audiobooks. Engage with the podcast community through their Discord to submit questions and feedback for future episodes.