Loppsit

Good question! Well, it's not really one you can apply for, it is essentially a book by book basis (though I am currently doing a series which is some measure of job security, heh). If you are looking for somewhere to start then I would recommend taking a look at https://www.narratorsroadmap.com/ for a ton of links and articles. I personally got started by recording some short stories on podcasts, but I have been an actor all my life, went to college for it etc etc so this was a different direction of a job I have always done. After doing some short stories I did a book through ACX (audiobook creation exchange) and then started (very sporadically) doing books for publishers. I also had a headstart as my wife is an author and I have recorded a few of her books over the years. You don't need to marry an author though, I promise. I mean I am not saying DON'T marry one. It just isn't mandatory.

If you ever figure out the perfect method please let me know.

There are ENDLESS discussions about this on narrator forums. People recommend hydration, certain foods, not eating other certain foods, bargains with supernatural entities... the list is long.

Yes there has been many dollars spent - though I was incredibly lucky in that the internet chipped in and helped pay for my current booth! I KNOW. But in answer to your question you start with what you have. I recorded a bunch of professional books in a converted closet with much more affordable gear and before that I was in just a regular closet with a USB microphone and a laptop recording some short stories etc. There are lots of forums on facebook and elsewhere where people discuss their set ups. Here is one I like https://www.facebook.com/groups/2117683811849990 (and people do it in apartments in big cities, it just takes some creativity and compromises and... patience when you are starting out.)

Also teachers rock.

Well, paying well is all comparative. Some people can make it pay well! It is a complicated question, because you get paid Per Finished Hour (PFH) so whether or not it 'pays well' essentially depends on how much time you spend getting a finished hour of audio. In terms of reading through the book, making notes, doing research, deciding on any character voices, checking pronunciations, and how much time it takes you to record an hour of audio. Your 'ratio' as it were. It definitely isn't 'easy money' it is work, but many folks have it all worked out so it makes them a good living. I am trying to get there myself.

Re: voice. Yeah sometimes you gotta decide not to go to a bar or talk to your brother in Australia at top volume so you will have a voice to record with the next day.