How to make an audiobook for your book

Audiobooks have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people turn to audio versions of their favorite books. If you're an author looking to expand your audience, creating an audiobook can be an effective way to do so. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making an audiobook for your book.

What is an audiobook?

An audiobook is a spoken-word recording of a book. It allows readers to enjoy books while doing other activities such as driving, exercising, or relaxing. Audiobooks can be downloaded or streamed from various platforms, including iTunes, Amazon, and Audible.

Books that do not make good audiobooks

Some books may not make good audiobooks, such as books that rely heavily on visual elements, like graphs and charts. Books with complex structures or non-linear narratives may also be difficult to follow in audio form. Additionally, books with a large cast of characters or different accents may be challenging for a single narrator to perform.

Books that make the best audiobooks

Books with a strong narrative and clear structure make great audiobooks. Non-fiction books that offer practical advice or tell a compelling story are particularly well-suited for audiobook format. Memoirs, self-help books, and personal development books are also popular choices for audiobooks.

Benefits of making an audiobook

There are several benefits to making an audiobook. Firstly, it can help you reach a wider audience, including those who prefer listening to reading. It can also generate additional revenue for authors and publishers. Furthermore, audiobooks are a great way to repurpose existing content and create new marketing opportunities.

How to prep your eBook content for audiobook recording

The first step in creating an audiobook is to prepare your eBook content for recording. This involves editing your eBook to ensure that it is suitable for audio, including removing any visual elements such as images or graphics. You'll also want to make sure your book is organized into sections or chapters, making it easier to record and listen to.

Decide who will record your audiobook

Once your book is ready for audio, you'll need to decide who will record it. You can either record the audiobook yourself, hire a professional audiobook narrator, or choose an AI voice over software.

1. Finding an Audiobook Narrator to Hire

If you choose to hire a professional narrator, you can find one on websites such as Fiverr or Upwork. Alternatively, you can work with an audiobook production company or distributor, such as Findaway Voices or ACX. When selecting a narrator, it's important to find someone whose voice fits the tone and style of your book.

2. Recording an audiobook yourself

If you choose to record the audiobook yourself, you'll need a quiet recording space, a high-quality microphone, and recording software such as Audacity or GarageBand. You'll also need to ensure that there is no background noise and use a pop filter to minimize breath and mouth sounds. When recording, it's essential to pace yourself, speak clearly, and take breaks when necessary.

3. Working with an audiobook producer

If you prefer not to record the audiobook yourself, you can work with an audiobook producer who will manage the recording process for you. They will help you find a narrator, direct the recording, and handle post-production tasks such as editing and mastering.

4. Using an AI voice Over for your audiobook

Another option is to use an AI voice over for your audiobook. Tools such as Speechify Voice Over Studio can generate human-like voice overs from text, which can save time and money. With AI voice overs you can create different voices for various characters and captivate your audience.

How to self-publish

As a self-published author, also known as an indie author, creating your own audiobook version of your book can be a great way to tap into the growing audiobook market and make additional income. While hiring a professional producer or voice actor can be costly, creating your own audiobook can be a DIY project with the right equipment and knowledge.

Secure the audio rights

The first step in creating your own audiobook is to ensure that you have the audio rights to your book. Once you have the rights, you can begin the process of recording your audiobook. You can choose to self-record or hire a voice actor to read your book. Hiring a professional audio engineer to help with recording and editing can also be beneficial if you have the budget for it.

Record your audiobook

When recording your audiobook, you'll need recording equipment such as a microphone and a condenser, and a recording studio. You can record your book in an entire book session or break it up into smaller recording sessions to make it more manageable. It's important to have a quiet recording space with minimal background noise. You can also use an AI voice over software like Speechify Voice Over Studio to create stunning voice overs for a fraction of the cost.

Edit your audiobook

Once you have completed the recording process, you'll need to edit and master your audio files to ensure that the sound quality is consistent and makes sense. This can be done with audio editing software such as Audacity or Apple's GarageBand. You can also consider rerecording sections that may need additional work or attention.

Upload your audiobook

Once your audiobook is complete, you can upload it to audiobook publishing platforms such as ACX.com. ACX allows you to publish your audiobook on Amazon, Audible, Findaway voices, and iTunes. When uploading your audiobook, you'll need to provide information such as the book cover design, the finished hour length, and the amount of time it took to produce.

Market your book

Once your audiobook is uploaded and available for sale, it's important to market it effectively to ensure you receive audiobook sales. You can promote your audiobook on social media, through email marketing, and by running ads on platforms like Facebook and Google. You can also use your audiobook to create other content, such as YouTube videos or podcasts, to reach a wider audience and sell your first audiobook.

Recording captivating audiobook voice overs with Speechify Voice Over Studio

If you want to ensure that your audiobook has high-quality voice overs but don't have the budget to hire a professional narrator, you can use Speechify Voice Over Studio. Speechify Voice Over Studio uses advanced text to speech technology to create natural-sounding voices. With Speechify Voice Over Studio, you can choose from over 200+ human-like voices, including male and female options and different accents. You can also adjust the pacing, tone, and volume of the voice overs to ensure perfect delivery. Once you're satisfied with the voice overs, you can download them as an MP3 file and add them to your audiobook. Try Speechify Voice Over Studio for free today and create audiobooks that are sure to leave a lasting impression on your listeners.

FAQ

Is creating an audiobook worth it?

It's important to note that creating your own audiobook can be time-consuming, especially if it's your first time. However, it can also be a great way to reach new readers and make money from your book. With the growing popularity of audiobooks and the ease of self-publishing on platforms such as Kindle ebooks, creating your own audiobook can be a worthwhile investment for any self-published author.

What is Audiobook Creation Exchange payment system like?

ACX offers two options for payment: upfront or royalty share. With upfront payment, you receive a one-time fee for your audiobook. With royalty share, you receive a percentage of each sale.