Easy Guide on Crafting an Audiobook (Simplified)

Easy Guide on Crafting an Audiobook (Simplified)

Creating an audiobook from your finished manuscript is a smart move to magnify your reach. Here's a simple guide to help you produce an audiobook, from prepping your script to distributing your masterpiece.

Why Audiobooks?

Audiobooks have gained popularity, significantly during the pandemic. In the United States, audio is one of the fastest-growing formats in publishing. A multitude of readers, individuals and educational institutions alike, have opted for digital works like audio. In 2021, global audiobook revenue was projected to reach a whopping $4.11 billion. With a projected annual growth of 24.4%, the demand for audiobooks shows no signs of slowing down until 2027.

Thanks to digital self-publishing, it has never been easier to handle your audiobook needs from creation to distribution, all from the comfort of your own home. So, let's dive into the details.

Prep Your Manuscript

First things first, prepare your manuscript for recording. A quick read-through and some edits are in order. Remove anything that may not make sense when read aloud. Aim for a manuscript that's easy to narrate. Here are a few things to delete as suggested by Self-Publishing School:

• Hyperlinks
• Captions
• Visuals
• Call to actions or click here prompts (replace with concise links instead)

Once you're done, make sure to review your script. Also, consider if you have difficulty reading aloud. Some sections might read better when spoken, so reword or revise anything to sound as natural as possible.

Record Your Audiobook

With your manuscript prepped, it's time to record! You've got three options at your disposal:

Option 1: Hire a Narrator

Hiring a professional narrator ensures top-notch quality and lessens your workload. Krystal Wascher, an audio expert, shared what to expect when hiring a narrator:

• You can pay a flat rate fee based on the total length of your book, costing anywhere from $50 per finished hour to $400. You can find freelancers on sites such as Upwork or Voices.
• You can hire a narrator from ACX (Amazon's Audiobook Creation Exchange). Rates range from $150 to $250 per finished hour.

Keep in mind that your goal as an author should be to find a narrator who delivers high-quality work, but ensure your narration costs don't consume your profits.

Option 2: Record It Yourself

If you prefer the DIY route, you'll need to invest in audiobook equipment like:

• Computer or iPad
• Recording software such as Garageband or Audacity
• Microphone
• Pop filter for sound equalizing

You'll also need to understand technical specifics such as:

• Exporting to 192 kbps or higher
• Including opening and closing credits that match your title's cover design
• Separating your files into chapters
• Reading the chapter number or title at the beginning of every file
• Adding a pause at the beginning and end of every file
• Keeping a file under 78 minutes (varying across audio stores)

For a comprehensive guide on recording your own audiobook, check out Rob Dirck's detailed guide.

Option 3: Work With a Producer

Hiring a professional producer can help with the technical aspects of producing your audiobook. Audiobook producers will work to create a top-quality final product. Find producers on freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr.

Upload to a Self-Publishing Platform

With your audiobook files in hand, the next step is choosing a self-publishing platform. Here are some top self-publishing companies for audiobooks:

*Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX)*: This is the most popular choice for indies. Publishing on ACX gets your audiobook up on Amazon, Audible, and Apple. ACX manages distribution, but you retain your audio rights. The process to upload is straightforward.

*Google Play Books*: ACX gets you into three massive bookstores. However, don't stop there. As an indie author or publisher, maximize your reach by publishing on multiple channels. Google Play Books is another big player in the digital book market.

Google publishing might be a bit complicated (taking some authors up to two years to publish!) Using an aggregator company can help, leading me to the next platform.

*our website: our website is an aggregator company that helps distribute your audiobook (plus ebook and print) to several platforms globally. With just a few clicks of a button, you can reach Amazon, Audible, Apple, Google, and hundreds of other stores. Discover how easy it is to publish an audiobook* with our website.

Final Thoughts

✅ With one dashboard, you can sell in thousands of bookstores.✅ Benefit from support for formatting, royalties, and beyond.✅ Publish your first ebook for free!

*Start now for free!*

Beyond the major players, several alternative platforms offer unique features, global distribution, and cost-effective production options:

1. Kobo Writing Life:
2. Features: Offers global distribution for both ebooks and audiobooks with the ability to control your royalty rates. It is free to use.
3. Pros: Global reach and control over your content.
4. Cons: Known less for audiobook-specific features compared to other platforms.
5. Google Play Books:
6. Features: Available in 20 regions, it offers digital narration and provides a 52% royalty rate. It is free for publishers and self-published authors.
7. Pros: Wide distribution in several countries, options for digital narration.
8. Cons: Less extensive compared to ebook distribution.
9. ElevenReader Publishing (via ElevenLabs):
10. Features: Allows authors to generate AI-narrated audiobooks and publish them directly on the ElevenReader app. It also offers distribution to Spotify through a partnership with Findaway Voices.
11. Pros: Fast and cost-effective AI narration, global distribution options.
12. Cons: Relies on AI narration, which may not appeal to all listeners.
13. Findaway Voices:
14. Features: Partners with ElevenLabs for distribution and provides a wide range of distribution options across various platforms.
15. Pros: Offers a substantial distribution network, including Spotify.
16. Cons: Not directly involved in AI narration like ElevenLabs.

These platforms provide alternatives to the major players by offering unique features, global distribution, and cost-effective production options. Expand your reach and explore these platforms today!

• Adapting your manuscript to an audiobook format can increase your work's accessibility in the rapidly growing technology-driven lifestyle.
• Incorporating technology such as recording software and a high-quality microphone can help in self-recording an audiobook, providing a more cost-effective solution for authors.

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