This book is considered the modern foundation for acting, a must read for all directors: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BPW4648/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0
Hi S. I would start with Bill DeWees -- his book, for sure (you will find much of value there, even if Bill is so successful, having started decades ago, that not all of his thinking or approach will be suitable for you as a new VO in 2021). Also most of his YT videos are helpful.
You will need to decide on a DAW (digital audio workstation), which is where you will record and then adjust (process) your recordings. A great DAW for VO specifically is Audacity: it's user-friendly and it's free. And a great help for learning to use that is VoiceOverMaster, a VO with lots of helpful video tutorials.
Good luck!
I liked Marties book but the one that helped me most with writing is this: eight characters of comedy
The book is aimed at actors and writers but as a writer, just understanding how to write a classic neurotic or other characters really helps you figure out the building blocks of sit coms. As everything it’s springboard for your own stuff and twists but if you’re just struggling to get something workable and funny together like I was, check it out.
Definitely put together some comedy scenes, but make sure you understand comedic structure first so you can really make them pop. A good book for that is The Eight Characters of Comedy by Scott Sedita.
I only act as a hobby but I really enjoyed this book by Michael Caine -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CKNWAM6/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
And of course Stanislavski -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1780938438/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Good luck!
Hey, I would recommend: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Contemporary-Monologues-Good-Audition-Guides-ebook/dp/B00IWUBBWG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484349978&sr=1-1&keywords=contemporary+monologues
It's a good book to get the brain around new-ish monologues. I would also say get a Shakespeare monologue book as well, the wording there is just difficult and if you can master that then contemporary becomes way easier.
Hope this helps!
Are you putting pressure on yourself to make the "right decision?"
There is no right decision. The only "wrong" decision is no decision. Any choice can be made to work. And since you're new, you are more than allowed, nay, ENCOURAGED to make choices and fuck them up. You're learning, so do things to see where they go!
Do not worry about letting the other player down. Remember, they have just as much an idea of what's going on as you do: none. You can't fuck them up. (Anyone who claims you did fuck them up is a jerk, don't listen to them.) Instead, switch your brain to "being supportive." Anything you do, however small, to support your scene partner is more than welcome.
Also, read: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MY67HVI/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
If you really want to know how it is in reality, look here.
https://www.amazon.com/Reality-Show-Interviews-Interview-Techniques-ebook/dp/B016G5T878/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1479532832&sr=1-1&keywords=reality+show+audition
Check out this book by Bill DeWees. He does primarily narration, but lets you in on how he does what he does. The guy works hard, but makes a killing.