ENDORSEMENTS

Publishers | Authors | Other Creative Partners

"May Wuthrich is a trusted colleague who was a  Producer/Director at Penguin Audio and has been directing for Penguin Random House Audio for over 10 years.  She has proven herself one of the most skilled audiobook directors out there and is beloved among authors and actors.  If May is working on your project be happy, you're in good hands." — Dan Zitt,  Executive Producer and Vice President, Content Production at Penguin Random House Audio, Listening Library, Living Language

"I’ve had the pleasure of working with May Wuthrich since 2012, first when she was a freelance producer/director at Penguin Audio and now as a directer at Penguin Random House Audio. She has met every project I’ve given her with the utmost care and enthusiasm.   The amount of research and prep-work she does continues to impress me, as does her professionalism and warmth, which puts narrators and authors instantly at ease. I count on May to handle the most sensitive and complex projects, and the result is consistent excellence."  — Diane McKiernan, Executive Producer, Penguin Random House Audio

"When I was the children's and young adult audiobook Publisher at Brilliance, I was among the first audiobook executives to hire May as a director.  Her experience in publishing and film, the work she did with authors, screenwriters and playwrights, as well as her training as an actor, made her a compelling candidate for the job.  And I wasn't disappointed.  The first book she directed for Brilliance, Peace, Locomotion by multi-award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson and narrated by Dion Graham, won many awards, among them an Audio Publisher Association Audie Award and an Odyssey Honor Award.  When I acquired the audio rights to Rick Riordan's trilogy, The Kane Chronicles,  May was my first choice to direct and she delivered in every way.  She directed the National Book Award-winning title Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose, and when then New York Times Tech Columnist David Pogue narrated his first children's book, May was my go to director.  The list goes on.  I had total confidence that if May was directing, every detail would be considered and executed to the highest possible standard."  — Tim Ditlow, VP Content Epic! 

"May has produced and directed a number of audiobook projects for me. I find her to be a pleasure to work with and adept at every aspect of the production process. She invariably casts the right actor for a given project and is skilled at directing them, eliciting their best performance. She instantly establishes rapport with actor and engineer alike, making the experience a positive one for all concerned. As for editing and post production, May is committed to making certain that the final program is flawless.  I have nothing but praise for her work!” — Arnie Cardillo, President and Publisher, Live Oak Media

"May is a great audio book director who is always up for new challenges. She delivers a high quality product with a smile and is a favorite among narrators. I would suggest her for any project." — Aaron Blank, Executive Producer, Penguin Random House Audio

“May is someone who wears many hats, juggles different projects with ease, and handles anything that comes her way with grace, professionalism, and aplomb." — Karen Radner Podhurst, Managing Editor, HarperAudio

"I’ve had the great good fortune to do two audiobooks, both memoirs, with May Wuthrich as my director.  She is smart, gracious, meticulous, and laser-focused on doing it right.    The first time around, recording New Life, No Instructions, she shepherded me through a new world of long days in a studio.  The next time, during the early months of COVID-19,  we recorded Bright Precious Thing — with me in my home, in a closet-turned-sound booth, and May on headphones a couple of states away.   It speaks to her incredible warmth and acuity that the process was seamless, and the end result something we could all be proud of.   I’m trying to think of a word besides ‘fabulous,’ but that will have to do.  I missed her the moment we were done." — Gail Caldwell, Pulitzer Prize-winner and New York Times Bestselling Author of Let’s Take the Long Way Home    

"May Wuthrich is among the top echelon of award-winning audiobook producers and directors working today, superbly skilled in getting the best performance out of authors and actors alike. I had my first experience working with her when she directed me in the unabridged editions of the Big Stone Gap series, pulling threads from one book to the next to create a rich listening experience. She paid attention to every detail – honing in on tone, tension, drama, emotional subtext, as well as humor. So when the opportunity arose to produce new editions of my backlist titles, I wanted May on all of them. To date we've done five additional books, with future titles to come. She once again proved herself an invaluable asset by doing what she always does: digging into the narrative until she knows it inside and out, copiously researching the world of each book, casting glorious talent and directing them with finesse and style. May is a delight to work with and always succeeds in bringing freshness and beauty to the spoken word.” — Adriana Trigiani, New York Times Bestselling Author

“Over the years, I’ve worked with May on five of my books: Better Than Before; The Four Tendencies; Outer Order, Inner Calm; Happier at Home and Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill. She made recording my audiobooks easy and fun. Her professionalism, her good humor, and her careful attention to everything from pacing to pronunciation to energy level ensured that the recording would be the best it could possibly be.” — Gretchen Rubin, New York Times Bestselling Author

"When I heard that May Wuthrich would be directing me in the reading of my latest book, Monogamy, I was delighted. We worked together on my previous novel, The Arsonist, and it seems to me she knows wonderfully well what an audiobook should be — some kind of precarious but gratifying cross between acting, and reading aloud. And she knows how to draw both strands out of you in a gentle and immensely skillful way — here pushing for clarity; there working to make the reading live up to the emotion in the words. Always patient, always precise, always kind, and occasionally funny and playful, May is terrific to work with." - Sue Miller, International Bestselling Author and Award-Winning Narrator

“I was nervous about recording my first audiobook.  I had never done anything like it and it was a highly personal project, my memoir Shout, written in verse.  But working with May was a dream come true and it turned out to be one of the most delightful experiences of my creative life. May made me feel comfortable and was a constant source of support and good humor. She brought professionalism, integrity, and kindness to each recording session.  I’m looking forward to working with her again!” — Laurie Halse Anderson, Award-Wining, Bestselling Author

"I absolutely loved working with May on my audiobook, Crazy is a Compliment, and was surprised at what a meaningful part of my publishing experience it became.  I appreciated her obvious passion for my book, her experience and professionalism, and the pure fun she brought to the project.  Although there were points when I started fading and the job got tougher, May was able to keep pushing me forward, spurring me to keep my reading fresh. Four years after publication, I continue to hear from people that listening to my audiobook is as if I’m riding in the car with them, sharing stories. Working with May remains the highlight of my publishing experience and I hope to have the chance to work with her again." — Linda Rottenberg, Bestselling Author and Co-founder & CEO Endeavor Global

"May directed me in the audiobook recording of my memoir, Learning By Heart: An Unconventional Education. Her sensitivity, support and professionalism during a process that became more emotional than I expected, took what could have been a painful experience and made it enjoyable. Through her patient coaching, and working with me on inflection and emphasis, she helped me bring my story to life -- and, in so doing, gave me a remarkable experience. I can't imagine a better director to collaborate with on an intensely personal project like mine.”—Tony Wagner, Bestselling Author of The Global Achievement Gap and Creating Innovators.

"May Wuthrich directed me in the audiobook recording of my memoir, The Gift of An Ordinary Day. Apparent from our very first meeting was her deep connection with me and my work. I got such positive feedback from listeners and was so impressed with how she worked with me in the studio that I requested her to produce the audio for my second book, Magical Journey. I trust her judgment and was grateful for her sensitivity, her thoughtful presence, and her considered attention to the tiniest detail. She calmed my soul, drawing out my own best performance and helping to make the recording experience a pleasure." — Katrina Kension, New York Times Bestselling Author

"Working with May on my audiobook,Clearer, Closer, Better: How Successful People See the World, was an incredible experience! Her laser focus, depth of experience, and constructive approach produced a final product that far exceeded my own thoughts on what this project could be. I won the jackpot getting May to direct this project! — Emily Balcetis, Author and Associate Professor of Psychology, New York University

“May was highly effective in her role as director and producer. Assertive in coaching us while still being encouraging. I had great appreciation for her follow through and proactivity in managing all the moving parts of the process — guiding us to choose recording studios, coaching us in our reading of our individual parts, evaluating our final performance, and helping us think through distribution. And all this was done off site in a seamless and efficient manner." — Shayne Hughes, co-Author, Ego Free Leadership

“I truly appreciated how May helped me through the process. She's direct, but understanding; she allowed for our own creative process, while suggesting best practices. And, most importantly, I felt prepared." — Brandon Black, co-Author, Ego Free Leadership

“Every aspect of working with May Wuthrich on the audio book of Finding Mrs. Ford was delightfully educational and confidence-inspiring! From casting to recording to final placement with the distributor, May guided the process with wise counsel, strategic questions, wisdom, knowledge, and professionalism. May knows what she is doing and she does it well. I could not be happier with the final product and cannot wait to work with May again on my next book!” — Deborah Goodrich Royce, Author

"Can't say enough superlative things about working with May Wuthrich to record my two Young Adult novels, Denton Little's Deathdate and Denton Little's Still Not Dead. May has a keen ear for pacing, character, storytelling, building suspense, and hitting comedic moments, which allowed me to relax and make daring creative choices, knowing she would steer me right if something wasn't working (like when my two main mom characters were sounding too similar, which happened more times than I'd care to admit). I loved the experience of recording with her, and I loved the results, too! Both of these books made the YALSA Amazing Audiobooks list, and May is a big part of why that happened." — Lance Rubin, Award-Winning Author and Narrator

""May directed the audio version of my book, City Of Women, and I was blown away by what a terrific job she did. It was simply pitch perfect, so when it was time to produce the audiobook of my second novel, Annelies, about Anne Frank, I knew I wanted May on that book too. I requested her and was thrilled to have her on board. She's a careful reader and I knew every detail would be attended to. She gives everything to the task at hand." — David R. Gillham, Author

"The experience I had in studio with May Wuthrich directing me in the recording of my book Thinking in New Boxes was a memorable one and I'm so grateful for the process and the end result." — Alan Iny, Author and Associate Director & Senior Global Specialist for Creativity and Scenarios at Boston Consulting Group

"From the first time I was put in touch with May Wuthrich, the director of the audiobook edition of my novel Brass, I couldn't wait to hear how it would translate to audio.   Her questions were thoughtful, and with each conversation I grew more excited about how spot on her ideas were with mine.   I was blown away by Thérèse Plummer and Lauren Fortgang's embodiments of  Elsie and Lulu and the mother/daughter dynamic. And other readers/listeners have felt the same way.  I've gotten consistent raves about  the audiobook (even from the toughest critic I know, my sister, who is an audiobook fanatic)!   May really "got" my book and conveyed it beautifully." — Xhenet Aliu, Author

"I wasted no time listening to the The Wizard's Dog audiobook when it arrived in the mail and loved what I heard.   Creating an audio edition for this particular book was more complex than it might first appear.  Targeting 8 to 13 year olds, it's funny and action packed, it has a contemporary feel with a talking dog, but features iconic characters like Merlin, and imagines Arthur, Morgana and Guenevere as children.  One character speaks in rhyming verse, and an original song is featured. May brought all of the elements of the story together in just the right way.   And...having been an actor myself, I could tell that the talented narrator, Graham Halstead, was directed with a careful ear.  He did a great job with the action scenes, humor, and voicing diverse characters. Most importantly, the pace and energy of the audiobook really syncs with what's on the page.  The Wizard's Dog was a real labor of love (and was inspired by my own dog Bowser), so it was extremely gratifying to see it receive such thoughtful treatment.  I couldn't be more grateful for the conversations May and I had and the attention to detail that was paid." —  Eric Kahn Gale, Author

"May is hardworking, creative and tenacious with amazing follow through. She proved herself to be an undaunted advocate whose organizational skills helped me put the business side of my writing life in order. Whether reading a contract, royalty statement or cover copy, her incredible eye for detail was invaluable." — Jacqueline Woodson, Multi-Award-winning, New York Times Bestselling Author

”I worked with May for over 10 years — first as a producing partner when Disney optioned a book project for development, and later when she was a book scout and George Clooney and I set up Maysville Pictures at Warner Bros. May brought a grace, intelligence and extraordinary energy to all the projects we worked on together. She has an unfailing eye for detail and nothing is good enough until it is the very best it can be. She is literate, articulate and focused in a multi-tasking world. I unhesitatingly recommend her for any endeavor she wishes to undertake." — Robert Lawrence, Film and Television Producer/Writer

“I have known May for over 20 years. Her impeccable taste, warmth and intellect, combined with a tenacious, tell-it-like-it-is personality, are just a few of the attributes that make her a success at whatever she does." — Don Laventhall, former President of  Production, Alan J. Pakula Productions; Red Wagon Entertainment

“As an editor, partner, and collaborator, May quickly becomes the only person on the planet who understands what you're going through ... who believes there's light at the end of your tunnel ... who has the ability and talent and stamina to get you across the finish line... and who honors the journey as much as the destination. She is fiercely devoted, passionate and kind, bright, funny and sharp as a razor blade." — Andy Tenant, Screenwriter and Film Director

"May Wuthrich clearly manifests her belief that a full investment in the writer is the best investment one can make." — DW Gibson, Author and Journalist

“There are editors and then there is May Wuthrich, which is to say that she stands apart as a talent. She "listens" to the page and then goes about asking the right questions. Great technique, combined with heart, are her defining qualities. She is a coach/editor.” — Lori Marie Carlson Hijuelos, Author

"May Wuthrich was a fellow producer of The American National Theatre (ANT) Founders' Celebration in 2005. I first met her when she tracked me down after reading a New York Times article about the organization. That same evening she attended our first-ever cocktail fundraising event. She was completely charming, had great general knowledge of the theatre and enthusiasm for our mission. Nearly a year later she became the only producer of the Founders' Celebration who was not on the organization's Board, and she worked tirelessly towards its success.  May was a true professional, and a kind and caring collaborator, who rolled up her sleeves, gave it her all and got the job done, and stylishly!." — Sean Cullen, Actor;  Founder and Producing Director of The American National Theatre

"May is great at putting things - and people - together. Creative, energetic, and smart.   She helped put the film Wag the Dog together and organized publicity events for some of my other books.  I hope we'll have other opportunities to work together." — Larry Beinhart, Author

"I've heard it said that an editor can make or break a book. Having worked with May Wuthrich on the editing of my book, Get Your Shift Together, I have first hand experience with that.  May's astute observations; her determination to get it right, and ability to get into my head and voice all contributed to a successful and rewarding partnership on an extremely personal project." — Steve Rizzo,  Former Comedian, Author/Speaker (the Attitude Adjuster),  inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame, CPAE