What to Include in a Voiceover Script Before You Send It

You've got a project, you know you need a voice actor, and you're almost ready to reach out. But you're not totally sure if your script is ready to send.

Good news: it doesn't need to be perfect. A few small details just make the process smoother and help you get a more accurate quote.

‍

A finalized script, or close to one

A "ready" script doesn't need any special format. It just means the wording is approved, or close to it.

If the script changes after recording begins, that can affect the timeline and the quote, because new or revised lines usually need to be recorded again. The closer the script is to final upfront, the smoother everything goes.

Still working on it? That's fine. Send what you have and be upfront about where things stand.

‍

Pronunciation notes

Include pronunciation notes for brand names, product names, acronyms, people's names, technical terms, or anything else with a specific pronunciation.

A phonetic spelling works. So does a quick "rhymes with" note or a link to someone saying it out loud. This is one of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary pickups, and your voice actor will quietly thank you for it.

‍

Tone and direction

A script tells the voice actor what to say. Direction tells them how it should feel.

You don't need a full creative brief. A few notes like "warm and conversational," "confident but not aggressive," or "friendly expert" go a long way. Reference clips help too, if you have a specific sound in mind.

‍

Usage and project details

Usage affects the quote, so include where the voiceover will be used, how long it will run, whether paid media is involved, and whether it's public-facing, internal, broadcast, organic, or digital.

You don't need every answer before reaching out. More context just helps the quote match the actual project.

‍

Timeline

Include your deadline or ideal delivery date. Rush timelines are sometimes possible, but it helps to know early.

One thing worth knowing: the turnaround clock usually starts once the script is final and the project is booked, not from the first email.

‍

File format preferences

Include any format needs, like WAV, MP3, raw audio, edited audio, split files, or specific file naming conventions.

Not sure what you need? Just say so. A recommendation can be made based on how and where the audio will be used.

‍

You don't need all of this figured out before you reach out. A good voice actor will ask the right questions to fill in the gaps. If you have a project in progress and want to talk it through, send over what you've got.