Audiobook Empire's Narrator Summit is a virtual conference taking place in June and October each year. Started in 2023 (as the Workshop Rewind) and re-branded in 2024, and expanded in 2025, the Summit is a bi-annual "meeting of the minds", bringing together narrators, authors, producers, publishers, coaches, and specialty experts from all over the audio industry to share, learn, encourage, uplift, and celebrate.
Ready to join the #SummitSquad?
About the Summit
October 24-26, 2025
What is the "Autumnal" Narrator Summit?
Audiobook Empire's Autumnal Narrator Summit, or "October Summit", is a virtual conference now taking place in late October each year. After years of hosting the traditional Narrator Summit each June, the demand for additional events finally necessitated an expansion and the Autumnal Summit was born.
The original Narrator Summit started in 2023 (as the Workshop Rewind), re-branded in 2024, and expanded in 2025. The Summit is a bi-annual "meeting of the minds", bringing together narrators, authors, producers, publishers, coaches, and specialty experts from all over the audio industry and beyond to share, learn, encourage, uplift, and celebrate.
The guests for each Summit are handpicked by the Empire, not only for their knowledge and expertise, but also for their "vibe". No Negative Nellies or Chicken Littles allowed. The tone of each Summit should be one of shared optimism and growth. Each year, we raise the bar. Onwards and upwards!
How is it different from the June Summit?
The Autumnal Summit is not a total recap of the event in June. The goal is to bring you fresh topics from new voices, while realizing that classics also have value and some people learn best by repetition. The majority of the autumn classes will be new topics to us, but we may occasionally sprinkle in some throwbacks for reinforcement or those who couldn't join us in June.
The Autumnal Summit also takes place over a shorter timeframe, usually a weekend. Internally, we like to think of it as a "mini-Summit". Because who doesn't like things that are "mini"?
Who can attend?
The current Summits are specifically crafted for an audience of narrators, but we aren't ruling out an Author Summit in the future. Let us know if you'd be interested in attending!
Does it matter how many books I have?
Yes and no. Any and all narrators can attend a Summit, but certain sessions may be more or less relevant to where you are in your career.
We're using the following labeling system, where necessary, to indicate which sessions are appropriate for which audiences:
Squires: 1-29 books
Knights: 30-70 books
Landed Gentry: 71-100 books
Nobles: 100+ books
What if I can't attend live?
The Summits will be most beneficial to those who are able to attend live, but we realize that's not realistic for everyone, so certain sessions will be available for purchase from the Imperial Marketplace after the Summit has concluded.
As a rule, we never record sessions from guest speakers, which is how we keep getting guest speakers! You can usually bet on the recorded sessions being those conducted by Jess and those that are interactive (like roundtables or directorial sessions).
The sessions we plan on recording will always be specified in that Summit's schedule. If you purchase access to a particular session, but if you find yourself unable to attend live, let us know and we will provide you with the recording. Otherwise, they will likely be available in the Marketplace.
Can I sponsor an event?
Absolutely! Sponsorship opportunities for individual sessions or for the entire Summit are available upon request. Please email our treasury department for more details.
I signed up! What now?
Awesome! You'll be sent information and your ticket/access pass for the Summit shortly. Don't forget to mark your calendar!
★ October 24th: Day 1
How to Work With the Empire with Jess Herring (1pm ET)
Learn how to bring your authors to the Empire, from the Empress herself. With a bit of fun role-playing, this session is a natural progression from the popular Cold Calling workshop featured during the June Summit. It's not necessary to have taken the Cold Calling workshop to attend this one, however. Jess will also take some time to talk about what you should expect when narrating for the Empire.
Breaking Down the ‘ToS’ with Rich Palmer (4pm ET)
Let's decode the terms of service from popular websites frequented by narrators. The Empire's favorite "tech guy", Rich Palmer, will guide us through the legalese to discover exactly what websites like SoundCloud, Instagram, and TikTok can do with the information (and voice clips) you upload to their platforms and teach us how to use them safely.
★ October 25th: Day 2
Branding with Emma Faye + Website Audits with Emma & Jess (1pm ET)
The 'Clean Reads Queen' is back to talk about branding basics and audit your online presence!
Auditioning Techniques with Tanya Eby (4pm ET)
Tanya Eby will discuss auditioning for audiobooks including best practices and approaches so you can highlight your talent. What are casting directors listening for and how can you appeal to them? Questions are welcome and encouraged.
★ October 26th: Day 3
Demo Prep with Shannon Parks (1pm ET)
From making a selection and editing it down to the performance and finding your target audience, Coach Shannon Parks is here to help with all things demos!
Reading Roundtable (4pm ET)
Interactive Panel
Volunteer narrators read prepared pieces in front of coaches and directors in breakout rooms and receive feedback on their performances. You may volunteer to participate when signing up for the Summit.
*Due to time constraints, it's possible that not all who volunteer may be able to participate. Volunteers are chosen in order of sign-up.
Gratitude Gathering & Social (7pm ET)
A social event to reflect on Summit sessions, express gratitude, ask any final questions, and chat with other attendees.
Jess Herring
Jess Herring is the founder and CEO of Audiobook Empire, a full-service production house catering to independent authors and producing in four languages. The Empire has since grown to includeCats MeowProductions and Lunar Audiobooks.
Audiobook Empire is the culmination of her years of experience within the audio industry. Its primary goal is to help indie authors navigate the production process with ease, from start to finish. As the Empress herself says, "We're not just a production house, but a powerhouse!".
Tanya Eby
Tanya Eby is an award winning narrator of over 1200 titles, a sometimes casting director, and a USA Today Bestselling writer. When not narrating or writing, she forages for mushrooms, bakes and cooks, and watches murder shows.
Shannon Parks
Shannon Parks (aka Marguerite Gavin) has been a professional audiobook narrator for over twenty years with over 500+ titles, numerous Audie nominations and Earphones awards, and a devoted fan following. She has been described as a “genre-defining narrator” by Audible.com; having a “sonorous voice, rich and full of emotion” and as having the “coveted ability to disappear as the narrator, letting the story take the limelight it deserves” in Audiofile Magazine.
Emma Faye
Emma Faye is an award-winning audiobook narrator and digital marketing coach. Known as The Clean Reads Queen, she has narrated over 100 titles and loves to help other narrators grow their online presence. She also runs Cats Meow Productions, a production company focusing on clean reads. When she’s not working, she’s a proud cat mom, theatre nerd, and cookie dough connoisseur.
Rich Palmer
Rich's career has allowed him to do many things that benefit a voice actor and narrator. He has shared information, stories, and lessons as a public information officer, an agency spokesperson, an educator, a curriculum developer, a podcast host & producer, and a mental health advocate. He has been a government supervisor, a firefighter/paramedic, and a musician. These experiences help him understand the needs of many types of projects.
About the Summit
June 23-28, 2025
What is the Narrator Summit?
Audiobook Empire's Narrator Summit is a virtual conference taking place in June and October each year. Started in 2023 (as the Workshop Rewind) and re-branded in 2024, and expanded in 2025, the Summit is a bi-annual "meeting of the minds", bringing together narrators, authors, producers, publishers, coaches, and specialty experts from all over the audio industry to share, learn, encourage, uplift, and celebrate.
The guests for each Summit are handpicked by the Empire, not only for their knowledge and expertise, but also for their "vibe". No Negative Nellies or Chicken Littles allowed. The tone of each Summit should be one of shared optimism and growth. Each Summit, we raise the bar. Onwards and upwards!
Who can attend?
The current Summit is specifically crafted for an audience of narrators, but we aren't ruling out an Author Summit in the future. Let us know if you'd be interested in attending!
Does it matter how many books I have?
Yes and no. Any and all narrators can attend this year's Summit, but certain sessions may be more or less relevant to where you are in your career.
We're using the following labeling system, where necessary, to indicate which sessions are appropriate for which audiences:
Squires: 1-29 books
Knights: 30-70 books
Landed Gentry: 71-100 books
Nobles: 100+ books
What if I can't attend live?
The Summit will be most beneficial to those who are able to attend live, but we realize that's not realistic for everyone, so certain sessions will be available for purchase from the Imperial Marketplace after the Summit has concluded.
The recorded sessions from the 2024 Summit are available in the marketplace:
Intro to the Empire with Jess Herring
Cold Calling with Jess Herring
'Hitting 100' Roundtable with Ana Clements
Royalty Sharing with Jess Herring
What's the State of the Empire address?
The State of the Empire address is an annual presentation occurring each June that details the Empire's accomplishments over the past 12 months and gives a sneak peek into what we have in store for the future. It's also a celebration of the audiobook industry, the Empire's place in it, and the people that have helped us along the way.
The Imperial Address usually runs about 20 minutes and precedes a special guest presentation or event.
Why can't I attend the Saturday events?
Saturday's events are reserved for members of our Talent Legion (roster) and those who have purchased full access for the week ($99).
Access to these events is not included with the purchase of individual sessions. If you would like to upgrade to full access, please contact our treasury department.
Can I sponsor an event?
Absolutely! Sponsorship opportunities for individual sessions or for the entire Summit are available upon request. Please email our treasury department for more details.
I signed up! What now?
Awesome! You'll be sent information and your ticket/access pass for the Summit in just a few weeks. Don't forget to mark your calendar!
★ June 23rd: Day 1
Intro to the Empire with Jess Herring (1pm ET)
This session will take the form of an AMA (Ask Me Anything) with Jess, the Empire's founder. It will also serve as the official Summit welcome!
Auditioning Techniques with Tanya Eby (4pm ET) Unfortunately, Tanya has had to cancel. We are working to get this session rescheduled for a later time.
Tanya Eby will discuss auditioning for audiobooks including best practices and approaches so you can highlight your talent. What are casting directors listening for and how can you appeal to them? Questions are welcome and encouraged.
Royalty Shares: Investing In Yourself with Jess Herring (4pm ET)
How to turn a profit with "Profit-sharing" and why some veteran voices prefer it!
★ June 24th: Day 2
Canva 101 with Emma Faye (1pm ET)
"The Clean Reads Queen" is back with her overwhelmingly popular course, Canva 101! These days, having a great voice alone isn’t enough to succeed in this industry. Stack the deck in your favor by learning some Canva basics that will wow your authors. A jam-packed class full of Canva basics, tips, and tricks to streamline your graphics. Don't let content creation be what keeps you from posting on social media and being seen!
Romance: Seeking LTRs With The Genre of HEAs with Amy McFadden (4pm ET)
Falling in love with Romance Narration is the easy part, but like anything that lasts, it takes work to make it great. Join Amy McFadden for strategies you can use on your next relationship…er, project, including Performing Male Characters, Finding the Comedy in a Scene, and A Quick Way to Learn An Accent…no couple’s therapy required!
★ June 25th: Day 3
Cold Calling with Jess Herring (1pm ET)
The Empire's most popular workshop!
An actionable workshop focusing on project selection and author outreach. Spreadsheet & email template included.
Publishers’ Panel with Jesse Bickford (4pm ET)
Join the Empire‘s own Jess Herring in welcoming first-time Summit guest, Jesse Bickford, Senior Producer at Blackstone Audio. Jess and Jesse will discuss the differences between working with a publisher versus working with an independent author. Which path is right for you? Can you do both? Find out!
★ June 26th: Day 4
Non-Fiction Techniques with Sean Pratt (1pm ET)
Are you a narrator who’s "Nonfiction curious"? Then join Sean Pratt, ‘The Ginger Yoda’, as he shares some of his most valuable secrets to creating a riveting, and entertaining, nonfiction audiobook performance!
Directors’ Dais with Amy McFadden, Neil Hellegers & Tanya Eby (4pm ET)
Interactive Panel
Select narrators read prepared pieces in front of the coaches and directors on our Imperial Dais and receive feedback on their performances.
★ June 27th: Day 5
Narrator Rates/Increasing Your Worth with Jess Herring (1pm ET)
Whether you’re competing against a new technology or a fellow narrator, don’t sell yourself short! Join Jess’s favorite workshop to discuss the various factors you should take into account when considering what to charge, while learning how to increase your worth to authors without undercutting others.
Prep Techniques with Finlay Stevenson (4pm ET)
A much requested event- Finlay Stevenson shares some of her top tips for manuscript prep with us and answers Q&A!
★ June 28th: Special Events
State of the Empire with Jess Herring (5pm ET)
The 2025 Summit concludes with the annual State of the Empire address in which Jess details what the Empire has been up to over the last 12 months and where it's headed in the next year.
Imperial Gathering & Celebration: PJ Party with PJ Ochlan (8pm ET)
A social event to reflect on Summit sessions, ask any final questions, and chat with other attendees. This year, we have a surprise guest! Dr. Dialect himself will be popping in to chat with us for a bit and answer any questions you have for him.
Jess Herring
Jess Herring is the founder and CEO of Audiobook Empire, a full-service production house catering to independent authors and producing in four languages. The Empire has since grown to includeCats MeowProductions and Lunar Audiobooks.
Audiobook Empire is the culmination of her years of experience within the audio industry. Its primary goal is to help indie authors navigate the production process with ease, from start to finish. As the Empress herself says, "We're not just a production house, but a powerhouse!".
Tanya Eby
Tanya Eby is an award winning narrator of over 1200 titles, a sometimes casting director, and a USA Today Bestselling writer. When not narrating or writing, she forages for mushrooms, bakes and cooks, and watches murder shows.
Sean Pratt
Sean Pratt has been a working professional actor in theatre, film, TV and voice-overs for over 30 years. He holds a BFA in Acting from Santa Fe University, NM. He has narrated over 1,000+ audiobooks….and counting! Want to learn more about Sean, keep scrolling.
He has been an audiobook narrator for 22 years (aka – Lloyd James), recording over 1000+ Audio Books in almost every genre. He narrates for such companies as Blackstone Audiobooks, Tantor Media, Gildan Audio, Harper Collins, Penguin Random House, and Christian Audio.
Jesse Bickford
Jesse Bickford is the senior audio producer for Blackstone Publishing, and has been with the company since 2008. A life-long lover of storytelling, with a background in stage management and literary theory, the world of audiobooks and the community that surrounds it is the perfect home for this self-proclaimed "book dragon." Finding just the right voice for a book or short story is the type of magic she loves to dip her toes into, and delights in connecting an author's words with a narrator's voice. Jesse also moonlights as a narration coach under her company, Book Dragon Coaching, and enjoys working with narrators of all skill levels. When not audiobooking, Jesse can be found playing with her two delightful-yet-unmannerly dogs, exploring the offerings of southern Oregon with her family, or just cozied up on the couch with a book in one hand, and a glass of something delicious in the other.
Amy McFadden
Finlay Stevenson
Finlay Stevenson is an Audie-nominated, Earphones Award-winning audiobook narrator and director. She has narrated and directed titles for Penguin Random House, Hachette, and other independent publishers. She is also an audiobook prepper/researcher who has provided production assistance for over 150 titles for Big Five publishers and individual narrators. A classically trained actor and singer, she grew up in Texas and currently lives in Los Angeles, where she co-produces and stars in the critically acclaimed sci-fi/comedy serial audio drama, Midnight Burger.
Emma Faye
Emma Faye is an award-winning audiobook narrator and digital marketing coach. Known as The Clean Reads Queen, she has narrated over 100 titles and loves to help other narrators grow their online presence. She also runs Cats Meow Productions, a production company focusing on clean reads. When she’s not working, she’s a proud cat mom, theatre nerd, and cookie dough connoisseur.
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