Check Out Nikki Zakocs’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Zakocs.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
I started narrating audiobooks in 2019. My children had been acting for some years at this point, and an audition came across for an audiobook. When I saw it, I thought, This is something I would love to do. As a teacher many years ago, I used to record books for my English language learners. I loved it then and was so excited to figure out how I could pursue this as a career. I immediately researched, found an amazing coach, and began building my audio booth. It took about six months to a year to learn all the aspects, such as voice care, voice acting, recording software, editing, producing, marketing, and so much more. I am always learning and training so I can continue to grow and become better in all aspects of the craft. I now have narrated 42 books on Audible, genres such as Mystery, Romance, True Crime, and Literary Fiction.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. You have to audition for most books, so you compete with many other talented narrators. Sometimes you don’t get the book. Sometimes you have nothing on the calendar. Imposter syndrome is real. But the beauty of being an artist is that you can create your own work. There are so many books in the public domain. Meaning, the rights to the books are free for anyone to use. I found a book in the public domain and produced it myself as an audiobook. It was a learning process, but it filled my time when work was slow and was an accomplishment. And, I was just nominated for an award for that audiobook.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a voice actor and audiobook narrator. I spend most of my days in a closet that has been converted into a professional audio booth. My favorite genres to narrate are Mystery/Suspense and True Crime. I am most proud of being nominated in 2021 and 2022 for the One Voice Award for Best Audiobook Narrator in Factual narration. I think what sets me apart from others is that I have a love for non-fiction and True Crime. There are not many female true crime narrators. I also have had a very colorful life with many interesting experiences like being a teacher, being a foster parent for newborns, being Vice President of a dog rescue, living in California, North Carolina, Spain and Paris, and so much more. My life experiences help shape the way I can tell a story.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Audiobook narrators are the nicest community of people. Everyone supports each other, and I feel lucky to be part of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nikkizakocs.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkizakocs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiZakocs/
• Twitter: Http://twitter.com/[NZakocs]

Image Credits
Credit: Samantha Wetter