Asian representation is growing in audiobooks. According to the Audio Publishers Association, thanks to smartphones, smart speakers, and the popularity of podcasts during longer commutes, U.S. audiobook sales neared $1 billion in 2018 and continue to be one of the industry’s fastest growing segments. While Hollywood is starting to acknowledge the importance of on-screen representation, the topic of proper pronunciation behind-the-scenes is gaining traction as well. For Asian American writers, casting the right narrator for their audiobook can be a “make-or-break decision.” Having a voice actor who is familiar with a book’s language, nuance, and cultural customs makes sure that a story is being told in an authentic way, while someone who is inexperienced might mispronounce foreign words or use an offensive accent. Voice actors like Greta Jung have recorded more than 35 audiobook titles, including Jenny Zhang’s “Sour Heart,” Steph Cha’s “Your House Will Pay,” Crystal Hana Kim’s “If You Leave Me,” and Alexandra Chang’s upcoming “Days of Distraction,” while authors including Vanessa Hua and Celeste Ng have made it a point to enlist diverse voice actors like David Shih and Cindy Kay to narrate their books. (NBC News)
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