Audiobooks have grown to be a very important part of the publishing industry.
Major publishers typically include producing an audiobook for both fiction and non-fiction titles to be released at the same time as the print version. Sales from audio can help drive print sales and visa versa.
And while some independent authors are opting to publish e-readers, rather than print physical books, more are choosing to be sure to have their work produced for audio. Sometimes, in the current digital publishing environment, only choosing to release the book in audio.
Producing in audio doesn’t mean only creating an audiobook and distributing it through traditional outlets like Audible.
Once your book has been recorded, as long as you have secured all the appropriate rights from the performer(s), you have the option to re-purpose the recordings to better promote your book. For example, you can create short audio promos from the book to be posted on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTock; or release a chapter a week in a podcast-like format; or offer elements from the recordings on your website as fan ‘giveaways.’
So, the answer is, yes, you should consider including an audio release with your book.
What do you need to know before you record your book?
First, take some time and listen to some well-produced audiobooks. What style do you think fits your story (and budget) best?
Would a solo narrator be best? Are you more of a purist electing to have the story told only through the Narrator? Do you think you might want to read your own book? Do you prefer alternating narrators, each playing different characters or each reading a chapter depending upon the POV? Or would your book be best performed by a cast? Do you enjoy when music or sound effects are included in audiobooks?
There are online resources like ACX.com, where you can find a narrator to read your book and even upload your completed audiobook to Audible. However, this typically means you are completely responsible for all aspects of producing the audiobook and getting it to market: choosing and negotiating with the talent, finding a post-production and mastering engineer; submitting your book to the distribution pipeline, and promoting the completed release.
If you would prefer assistance, there are companies like SueMedia Productions and Squeaky Cheese Productions that can offer as much or as little assistance with the process as you need.
What do we do?
The following are examples of the assistance we offer:
- As many independent authors self-fund their audiobooks, in the same way they self-fund publishing books, we can offer assistance with first creating a production budget that fits your story and your anticipated expenses.
Occasionally, depending on your topic / story, there might be funding sources you can apply for to help offset production costs.
Some audio productions are produced based on the number of hours in the completed (a.k.a. running) production – this is called the PFH or per finished hour rate. This rate can vary based on the talent hired and if the performer is a union actor. If you are hiring a full cast with a soundscape to match, that might instead be billed on a PSH rate, or per studio hour rate. Author-read audiobooks can be very effective if you are a good narrator and have a fan base. This likely means going to a professional studio to record. So while you won’t be paying an actor, you might find the cost of a studio is on par with working with an experienced narrator.
- Once you have your narrator, or cast, recording the book on an agreed upon schedule is followed by post-production that can include editing as well as adding sound design elements.
- Then there is QC review (quality control) to ensure the recording is well-performed and correctly represents the finished manuscript.
- Mastering is the final step to ensure your audiobook, or podcast segments, sound as you hoped as well as meets specific platform requirements for loudness and more.
- Distribution and marketing often work hand in hand. There are a number of distribution platforms from which you can choose. We can help you evaluate where to distribute your book to best meet your expectations for the release.
As you can see, just like writing your finished book, there are a number of steps toward ensuring a successful audiobook release.
Let us know if you have questions, we’d be happy to help you find the best voice for your book.
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Sue Zizza, Producer / Director. Owner SueMedia Productions and partner in Radio Waves Studios Sue is an award-winning audio producer / director whose work includes radio plays, podcasts, and audiobooks that often feature ensemble casts and immersive sound design. A Transmedia Storyteller, Sue finds inspiration for productions from original audio scripts as well as the stage and novels. In 2021 she was named the Norman Corwin Award Winner for Excellence in Audio Theatre, and has been awarded two Audies; two Gracies; a Gabriel; three Wilbur Awards; a Bronze NY Festivals, a Golden Reel, and numerous Communicator awards. Among her recent credits:
- Episode 1 of ‘Day by Day,’ was featured in the 2022 Tribeca Festival’s Audio Storytelling programming featuring actors and full sound design.
- ‘Presence, the Play,’ a 9.5 hour audio adaption from the novel featuring actors and full sound design. Won Mary Shelley Award for Original Fiction from Media Ecology Association and won 2022 Gold Communicator Award of Excellence for Writing.
- ‘Mason and Milo: A Journey Through The Stars,’ featuring a 9 year old actor.
Sue began her career specializing in manual SFX and Foley. She is a long-time member of the adjunct faculty at NYU’s Film School where she teaches audio recording and sound design.
