How to Make an Audiobook

Introduction

Creating an audiobook can significantly boost your revenue as an author, especially with the audiobook market growing over 30% year-over-year. In this article, we'll cover how to effectively and efficiently create audiobooks for your books.

Preparing Your Book for Audiobook Conversion

The first step in transforming your book into an audiobook is to prepare your content. Remember, your audience will be listening, not reading. This means you need to:

Eliminate Visual References: Avoid hyperlinks and imagery unless you describe them. Consider whether your content makes sense when heard.
Modify Sections If Necessary: You might find that some sections of your book require changes for clarity in an audio format.

Recording Your Audiobook

Next, decide if you want to produce the audiobook yourself or hire a professional. Here’s what to consider for both approaches:

DIY Recording

If you choose to record it yourself, keep these points in mind:

Equipment: Invest in quality recording equipment. A list of recommendations can be found below in the resources section.
Recording Environment: Choose a noise-free location, preferably a soundproof space, to avoid interruptions.
Audio Editing: Familiarize yourself with audio editing software or consider hiring an audio engineer to edit your recorded files.
Format and Storage: Ensure you’re recording in the right format and have enough storage to keep your audio files.
Expect a Time Investment: On average, people speak roughly 8,000 to 9,000 words per hour. Factor in breaks, especially if it’s your first recording session.

Hiring a Narrator

If self-recording isn’t appealing, consider hiring a professional narrator. Some popular platforms to find narrators include:

ACX: One of the most common audiobook service platforms where narrators can audition for your project.
Voices.com and Voices123.com: Platforms dedicated to helping you find voice talent.
Voicecrafters.com: Another site with a focus on audiobook narration.
Freelance Sites: Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour also list audiobook narrators.

When searching for a narrator:

Match Narrator to Your Genre: Ensure the voice aligns with your writing style and characters.
Audition Process: Listen to samples to confirm they have the necessary range and style for your book.
Editing Services: Check if the narrator includes audio editing in their package.
Rights to the Audiobook: Make sure you retain all rights related to your audiobook to avoid any future complications.

Distributing Your Audiobook

Once your audiobook is ready, you need to consider where to upload it. The most common distributor is ACX, which is affiliated with Audible:

ACX Advantages: Hosts your audio files, cover, and metadata, and can distribute to iTunes.
Publication Choices: You can choose exclusive or non-exclusive publication deals. Exclusive deals yield higher royalties, while non-exclusive gives you more control.

Other platforms to consider include Overdrive, Audiobooks.com, Downpour, and Chirp. Each has its pros and cons, so research to find the best fit.

Conclusion

In this article, we've discussed the importance of audiobooks, the recording and narration process, and distribution channels. This guide serves as a great starting point for authors looking to venture into the audiobook market.

Keywords

Audiobook
ACX
Narration
Recording equipment
Audio editing
Distribution
Exclusive vs. Non-exclusive publication

FAQ

Q: Why should I create an audiobook?
A: Creating an audiobook can significantly increase your revenue as an author due to the growing popularity of audiobooks in the market.

Q: Can I record my own audiobook?
A: Yes, you can record your own audiobook, but you'll need quality equipment and a noise-friendly environment.

Q: Where can I find affordable narrators for my audiobook?
A: You can find affordable narrators on platforms like ACX, Voices.com, Voices123.com, and freelance sites such as Fiverr and Upwork.

Q: What is the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive distribution on ACX?
A: Exclusive distribution provides higher royalty rates (40%), while non-exclusive allows you to publish on other platforms but at lower royalty rates (25%).

Q: Do I need to edit the audio after recording?
A: Yes, you can either edit the audio yourself using editing software or hire an audio engineer to ensure clarity and quality.