Audiobook Pronunciation Guide Template for Narrators
Use this template to track pronunciation decisions before and during narration. Capture the word, category, written cue, first appearance, source confirmation, audio reference, and notes in one reusable guide.
Written and recorded references work better together
Written pronunciation notes are fast to scan. Recorded pronunciation audio is easier to replay when the sound is hard to recover from text. Story Mimic brings both together through pronunciation audio that can stay close to the narration script where the word appears.
Collect uncertain terms during the full read-through
Add anything you do not know how to say, only think you know how to say, or need to keep consistent later.
Write the decision in plain language
Use a phonetic spelling, stress cue, or context note that will make sense when you return to the term later.
Record or attach audio for tricky terms
A short audio reference can preserve the sound when spelling notes are not enough.
Keep the guide close to the script
Pronunciation references are most useful when they appear near the words and scenes where you need them.
Audiobook pronunciation guide fields
Copy these columns into a spreadsheet, notes document, or your Story Mimic workspace. The goal is to make each pronunciation decision easy to find, hear, and reuse.
Which words should go in the guide?
Add anything that may require a decision, a source, or a replayable reminder later in the book.
- Character names, aliases, surnames, titles, and forms of address
- Cities, regions, landmarks, fictional locations, and map terms
- Fantasy words, invented languages, magic systems, and genre vocabulary
- Non-English words, borrowed phrases, acronyms, brands, and technical terms
How to use the guide during narration prep
Review the guide during your full manuscript pass, then connect pronunciation-sensitive lines with the broader audiobook narration prep checklist. If a term changes after author or source confirmation, update the entry before recording the affected section.
Save written and recorded pronunciations inside your script.
Keep the phonetic note, source confirmation, audio reference, and context together so the pronunciation decision is available where you need it.
Want this built into your actual script? Try Story Mimic free.
Start with the template, then keep those references beside the narration script as you prep your audiobook.
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