AudiobookRush launches Narrator Picks video series

AudiobookRush has launched Narrator Picks, a short-form video series where audiobook narrators recommend standout titles they did not help create. The project aims to make audiobook discovery more human and is now live on AudiobookRush and YouTube.

Why it matters: - AudiobookRush is trying to change how listeners find their next audiobook by replacing algorithmic suggestions with recommendations from working narrators. - The format spotlights performances, not just titles, which could help more listeners discover the craft behind audiobooks. - The series also gives narrators a public role as tastemakers in audiobook culture.

What happened: - AudiobookRush launched Narrator Picks, a new video series built around short recommendations from working audiobook narrators. - The first five participants are Helen Laser, Johnny Heller, Julio Maxwell, Ann Richardson and Art Brown. - The videos are available on AudiobookRush and on the AudiobookRush YouTube channel. - The series was announced Sept. 22, 2026, from Los Angeles.

The details: - Each narrator recommends an audiobook they enjoy, with one rule: the narrator had no hand in making it. - Early recommendations include Severance by Ling Ma, narrated by Nancy Wu, and Nick Offerman’s performance of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. - Daniel Henning, AudiobookRush founder and a New York Times bestselling audiobook narrator, compared the idea to staff-pick shelves at independent bookstores. - Henning said the goal is to let narrators recommend work from other storytellers and help listeners find their next great listen. - Narrators are not paid for the recommendations. - Narrator Picks is not sponsored content. - Each pick includes the narrator’s video and a full transcript on AudiobookRush. - AudiobookRush also plans to publish additional Narrator Picks.

Between the lines: - The launch positions AudiobookRush as a curator, not just a publisher of industry news. - The emphasis on human recommendations suggests a bet that listeners want trust, taste and personality in discovery tools. - The project also doubles as audience-building for audiobook narrators, whose work often stays behind the scenes.

What's next: - AudiobookRush says more Narrator Picks are coming. - The company is directing viewers to watch the series on AudiobookRush and on YouTube. - AudiobookRush also points listeners to its site for the latest picks and transcripts.