Audiobooks have become increasingly popular over the last decade. An audiobook is a recording of a book being read aloud. Audiobooks allow readers to experience the content of a book by listening rather than reading. For authors, creating an audiobook version opens up your work to a wider audience. According to a survey by The Audio Publishers Association, audiobook revenue grew 10% in 2022 to $1.8 billion, which marks the eleventh straight year of double-digit growth; and more than 50% of listeners consume more books after they start listening to audiobooks. With the rising popularity of audiobooks, now is a great time to convert your book into this format.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to turn your book into a professional quality audiobook. From preparing your manuscript, finding the right narrator, recording, editing, distributing and marketing, we cover the complete process of how to make an audiobook. Follow these tips to successfully transform your book to audiobook and reach a broader audience.
Why Turn Your Book into an Audiobook?
There are many benefits to converting your book into an audiobook format. Here are some of the top reasons:
- Reach a wider audience. Audiobooks expand your potential readership to busy professionals who listen during commutes or multi-taskers who absorb books while exercising or doing chores. It also includes those with visual impairments and learning disabilities like dyslexia who struggle to read print books.
- Tap into the growing audiobook market. The audiobook industry has been exploding with no signs of slowing down. More people than ever are choosing audiobooks for entertainment, education and convenience.
- Generate additional revenue from your content. As both the author and rights-holder, you earn income from every audiobook sale. This provides a lucrative secondary revenue stream beyond your print or ebook sales.
- Gain new fans and visibility. Audiobooks help you find new readers. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth on audiobook platforms can boost your overall book visibility and sales.
- Experience your work in a new way. For authors, it can be extremely rewarding to hear your book brought to life through narration. Audiobooks allow you to enjoy your creation from a fresh perspective.
- Provide accessibility for print-impaired. Audiobooks grant those with visual disabilities or conditions like dyslexia access to your book they wouldn’t otherwise have reading it in print.
Making your book available in the popular audiobook format provides tremendous opportunities to grow your readership and income. The benefits are clear for transforming your “book to audiobook”.
How to Make an Audiobook: Pre-production
The pre-production process lays the groundwork for creating a top quality audiobook. Follow these steps:
Script Preparation
The first step is to prepare your book manuscript for audio conversion. You have two main options:
- Read the book verbatim as-is without adaptation. This retains your book precisely as written.
- Adapt the book for the listening experience. For example, adding extra descriptions if needed to aid the listening experience without visuals.
Most fiction books can be read as-is without issue. But some adjustment may help non-fiction books or complex stories flow better in audio.
Here are some tips for adapting your book manuscript:
- Add brief scene-setting descriptions. Describe characters, settings and actions more vividly.
- Explain visual components like charts and diagrams not visible to listeners.
- Spell out complex terms and names phonetically to aid pronunciation.
- Divide lengthy passages into shorter paragraphs to allow good breathing room.
- Write chapter intros/summaries for context since listeners can’t flip back easily.
The level of adaptation depends on your book’s content and your preferences. But some small tweaks can optimize engagement for the listening experience.
Choosing a Narrator
One of the biggest decisions is who will narrate your audiobook. You have three main options:
- Hire a professional audiobook narrator. This gives you an experienced voice actor who can truly bring your book to life. They have professional home recording setups. The cost is usually a few hundred dollars per finished hour.
- Self-narrate your book. As the author, you can choose to read your own book aloud. This adds a personal touch. But be aware self-narration is very challenging and time consuming to do well. Invest in a pro home recording studio.
- Use text-to-speech software. New AI-powered text-to-speech technology like Amazon Polly can artificially generate audiobooks. But sound quality is not yet as natural as human narration.
Weigh the pros and cons of each option. Professional voice actors are ideal for most fiction books to fully inhabit the characters and drama. Non-fiction authors often self-narrate effectively. Text-to-speech works best for simpler books.
Spend time finding the right narrator voice and style for your book. They make a huge impact on the listener experience. Audition several candidates reading a sample chapter to choose one whose voice fits your book best.
How to Make an Audiobook: Production
The production process is when you actually record and edit your audiobook files. Follow these best practices:
Recording
- Use a high quality microphone in a professional recording studio if possible. For self-narrators, set up a quiet home studio.
- Record each chapter as a separate file for easier editing.
- Coach the narrator beforehand on pronunciation and tone for characters/passages.
- Retake flubbed lines or passages. Take breaks to rest voices and avoid vocal strain.
- Avoid background noises that can ruin takes. Turn off AC, phones, etc.
With rehearsal and attention to the recording environment, your narrator can deliver an engaging performance.
Editing and Mastering
After recording, your audio engineer will:
- Edit out long pauses, mispronunciations, lip smacks etc. using editing software like Avid ProTools
- Ensure consistent volume levels across the audiobook during mastering
- Add in opening/closing credits, time stamps and chapter introductions
- Insert short musical intros/outros and sound effects if relevant
Professional post-production editing ensures your files meet the quality standards expected by retailers and listeners.
How to Make an Audiobook: Post-production
The final steps complete and polish your audiobook.
Quality Control
Listen to the audiobook end-to-end to catch any remaining issues before release:
- Check for inconsistencies in sound levels, tone or pronunciation.
- Confirm no background noises were missed during editing.
- Make sure transitions between chapters are smooth.
- Ensure the audiobook meets required platform specifications like audio format and file size.
One last thorough quality check ensures your audiobook sounds professional.
Cover Art
Great cover art draws in listeners scrolling through catalogs.
- Commission a designer to create attractive, eye-catching cover art that represents your book.
- Make versions in the dimensions required by each platform, like Audible.
- Include relevant images and text like the book’s title and author name prominently.
Investing in pro cover design pays dividends by boosting your audiobook’s visibility and downloads.
Distributing Your Audiobook
Once your audiobook files are completed, it’s time to get them in front of listeners. Here are the top platforms for distribution:
- Audible: The largest retailer of audiobooks. Enroll in ACX to distribute to Audible and Amazon.
- iTunes: Major distribution through Apple platforms. Use ACX or Findaway Voices.
- Google Play Books: Expand reach to the Android user base.
- Scribd: Popular audiobook subscription service.
- OverDrive: Large network of libraries worldwide.
- Kobo: Fast-growing audiobook retailer.
The best distributors like Findaway Voices can disseminate your audiobook quickly across multiple platforms. Take advantage of promotional opportunities like getting featured in newsletters and social media. Finally, be sure to market your audiobook heavily at launch. Let your existing readers know through your website, email lists and social channels. Given audiobooks’ rising popularity, distributing your book in audio format is a great way to expand your audience.
FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to produce an audiobook?
A: The costs vary depending on length, production quality, and whether you self-narrate or hire a pro. Most audiobooks cost $200 – $500 per finished hour. Short books can be $1000 – $3000 total, while long novels might cost $5000 – $15000+.
Q: How long does it take to make an audiobook?
A: For a 10-hour book, expect pre-production to take 2-3 weeks, recording about 5 days full-time, editing 1-2 weeks, and then 1-2 weeks for distribution. So around 2-3 months total.
Q: Can I distribute to audiobook platforms myself?
A: Yes, you can submit your completed audiobook files directly. But working with an aggregator like Findaway Voices will get your book distributed faster and more widely.
Q: When do I get paid for audiobook sales?
A: Audiobook sales are tracked and royalties paid out on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on the platform. Expect payment 45-90 days after the end of the period.
Q: How much money can I make from an audiobook?
A: Income varies based on length, price, platform and listenership. But reasonably successful audiobooks generate $200 – $500 per month. Top sellers can earn thousands per month.
Q: Should I narrate my own audiobook?
A: Self-narrating provides a personal touch, but professional narrators are recommended for best quality and sales. Evaluate your narration skills before committing.
Conclusion
Creating an audiobook is an extremely rewarding way to bring your written work to vivid life in a new format. With strategic preparation of your manuscript, finding the ideal narrator, dedication to high-quality production, and active marketing, you can turn your book into a hit audiobook. Use the detailed guide above covering every step from how to make an audiobook to distribution to successfully transform your own book to audiobook. Soon your audiobook will be delighting listeners and introducing new readers to your writing.
