Rather listen to / watch the conversation that informed this article? Click here to head over to YouTube to hear the voice behind the man!
Let me introduce you to someone who’s about to change how you think about audiobooks for your stories.
Meet Christopher Boucher, the brilliant mind behind Actors Everywhere, and discover why his approach to duet narration might be exactly what your romance novel needs to truly come alive.
If you were at AuthorNation 2024, you might have spotted Chris—not just for his insights on narration, but for his absolutely memorable three-piece suits and the socks that caught my eye when I sat in front of him in a workshop. That playful first impression perfectly captures what makes Chris special: he brings both professionalism and genuine warmth to everything he does.
From Military Service to Romance Audiobook Magic
Chris’s journey to audiobooks wasn’t traditional, and honestly, that’s what makes his story so inspiring for those of us who sometimes feel like we’re taking unconventional paths too. He served in the Air Force from 2000 to 2004, combining military life with programming work. After leaving the service, Chris found healing through a veteran support group that used Shakespeare as therapy. Processing trauma through powerful storytelling reignited his passion for acting, showing how our most challenging experiences can lead us to our true calling.
The audiobook world found Chris almost by accident. While warming up onstage by mimicking voices from The Princess Bride (his favorite film—how perfect is that?), a sound engineer noticed his talent and suggested audiobook narration. Chris wasn’t fazed by the technical side either—his military coding background meant he could teach himself sound engineering and even build his own acoustically tuned recording booth.
Why Duet Narration Changes Everything for Romance
Now, let’s talk about what makes Chris’s work so special for romance stories like yours. You know how when you’re reading a really good romance, you can practically hear the characters’ voices in your head? That’s exactly what duet narration captures.
Here’s how it works: Instead of one narrator reading everything or two narrators taking turns with chapters, duet narration means every time the hero speaks, he is voiced by a male narrator and every time the heroine talks, her lines are spoken by a female narrator—no matter whose chapter it is. It’s like having your characters actually talking to each other, which is pretty magical for romance.
But Chris takes it even further. While many companies have narrators record separately and piece it together later, Actors Everywhere brings performers together in the same booth, like stage partners. They can play off each other in real time, creating authentic overlaps, interruptions, laughter, and those perfectly timed silences that make relationships feel real.
What this means for your romance:
- Genuine chemistry between characters that listeners can actually feel
- Natural dialogue with realistic interruptions and reactions
- Deeper emotional connection in romantic and tense scenes
- Complete immersion where listeners can easily picture your story unfolding
- Clear character distinction so readers never get confused about who’s speaking
The Heart Behind the Business
Here’s something that really resonates with the values many of us hold: Chris built Actors Everywhere around treating people well. Frustrated by the unstable, gig-based nature of freelance work, he created a company where actors receive steady salaries instead of hopping from project to project. This stability means better teamwork, more creative risk-taking, and higher quality work for everyone—authors, narrators, and listeners alike.
Chris hires actors with theater training, not just voice talent, and they go through chemistry tests before working together. If two narrators genuinely click—if their banter flows naturally and sparks actually fly—that authenticity translates directly into the performance.
When Should You Consider Audiobooks?
Chris offers some really practical advice here that I think you’ll appreciate. Don’t jump into audiobooks too early in your publishing journey. If your ebook hasn’t sold enough to cover the upfront costs, it’s better to wait and focus on building your reader base first.
The key questions to ask yourself:
- Have your ebook sales justified the investment?
- Do you have loyal readers asking for audio versions?
- Does duet narration fit your budget and business goals?
Real Stories, Real Results
Actors Everywhere has been building an impressive portfolio with romance authors like Hannah Hayes, particularly in the Omegaverse genre—stories that blend paranormal elements with intense relationships. They’ve also worked on adventure-driven genres like Isekai and harem tales, proving that their approach works beautifully for character-driven stories of all kinds.
Chris and his team are even willing to create engaging social media content for writers – and they have gone viral (1M+ views) multiple times doing so. They love giving fans behind-the-scenes glimpses of the narration process. It’s that same approachable, authentic energy that makes working with them feel like collaborating with friends rather than just hiring a service.
A Dream Worth Sharing
When asked about his dream project, Chris’s answer reveals so much about his artistic heart: Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He’s fascinated by Heathcliff as “one of the most misunderstood romantic interests in literature”—tragic, flawed, and compelling. The fact that he wants to tackle such complex, emotionally challenging material shows the depth and thoughtfulness he brings to every project.
Why This Matters for Your Story
If you’re writing romance—whether it’s contemporary, paranormal, or any subgenre built on relationships—duet narration offers something truly special. Your characters’ chemistry, those perfectly timed pauses, the way voices can convey emotion that goes beyond words—all of this comes alive in ways that solo narration simply can’t match.
Chris and his team at Actors Everywhere aren’t just another audio production company. They’re passionate storytellers who understand that romance is about connection, emotion, and those magical moments between characters that make readers’ hearts race.
Ready to explore how duet narration could bring your romance to life? Chris and his New York City-based team are raising the standard for romance audiobooks, one authentic performance at a time. Your love story deserves to be heard—not just read, but truly experienced.