CINDY PILLER
PLAYS IMPERFECT PEOPLE IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS
Samples
Sometimes You Win — Sometimes You Learn
Despite being an active overachiever and perfectionist, it became easy for me to avoid anything associated with the word “coach” or “coaching”.
If there is an ounce of innate athleticism in my body, I have yet to find it. Years of beginner tennis lessons to no avail, selected last for every volleyball game, directed by workout instructors to stand in a special spot so I can see the correct moves, even if doing them is elusive. Living in a household of jocks, my major associated accomplishment was laundering athletic gear.
But, when you truly love something — are passionate about it — you want to become even better at the skill, the craft. I devoured over 35 multi-hour audiobook coaching sessions this summer and fall, culminating in a fabulous Narrator Retreat with yet more professional coaches, publishers, and directors in a gorgeous rural setting near Boston. I’ve been working with the best in the business. While my books and author relationships have always been good, they are now better. Tiny tweaks can and do make a major difference in connecting with listeners.
Audiobook narration requires talking to yourself inside a padded room for hours, so meeting (or reuniting) with fabulous, giving professionals is priceless. Turns out in relationship to audiobooks, “coaching” for me is a different, and better, ball game that I’ll keep doing. It helps me create better books for authors, happier listeners, and increased sales. It’s a winning strategy! The tips, performance/technical/communication techniques, and marketing strategies benefit everyone! Sometimes you learn to win. — Cindy
That’s me in the second row paying serious attention at the Narrator Retreat. It wasn't ALL serious business, but there was seriously good coaching, serious talk about major changes in the audiobook industry, and working engagement with some of the most knowledgable, talented people I've ever met. So thrilled to have been part of it all!
Look closely for shots of some major award-winning narrators from the in-person retreat attendees.
Beautiful grounds at the Warren Conference Center with a little time to hike along the river and enjoy the spacious grounds.
Some, though not all, of the audiobook coaches and publishers attending the retreat.
Featured Audiobooks
Endorsements
Lynn Shannon
Author
“Cindy is always a joy to work with. Her narration brings the characters to life and the completed audiobooks are high quality. She's timely, responsive to feedback, and creative. A true professional. I highly recommend her!”
Monica Leonelle
Author
“Although I knew about writing and Maya Goode knew about producing audio from her podcast, we didn’t know much about audiobooks or the audiobook market. We were looking for someone to partner with who could translate what we thought we had to a good listening experience. Cindy Piller is and has been the perfect partner for us, and we’re really happy we all found each other."
Jonnie Jacobs
Author
"All Cindy’s training and hard work come through in her finished narration. Wish I’d found her sooner.”
Staci Mercado
Author and Educator
“Oh my gosh, I couldn't wait to listen. I have a thousand papers to grade but curiosity got the better of me. I listened to Tino in chapter six. WOW! I love him! You continue to amaze me. THANK YOU FOR BEING AWESOME! I am an enthusiastic and satisfied customer!”
D.L. Young
Author
“Very much enjoying what Cindy Piller brought to the story. Her professionalism and flexibility were great. Really like the pace and rhythm she established. She did remarkably well with some of the more knotty sentences.
Color me impressed!”
Lars Emmerich
Author
“Holy smokes, you've done an amazing job! Fantastic! Thanks so much for your work!”
Jason Mack
Engineer for On the Porch Creative
Proofed the audiobook of Lars Emmerich’s “The Wrong” narrated by the amazing Cindy Piller. It’s a great book and she really pulls you into the story. I found myself totally immersed as I listened to her.”
Gretchen Steen
Author
“The reviewer agreed with me, that you were perfect for the story. I’m very glad I waited for you and was able to correctly ‘finish’ the story. Without your help, it wouldn’t have happened.”
K.B. Jensen
Author
“Thank you for your fantastic work on “Painting with Fire”. I loved how you brought my characters to life off the page and captured the soul of the story.”