Is it TIME you created an audiobook to compliment your ebook or paperback?

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) reported that digital audiobooks accounted for 10.4% of the US book publishing market in 2022. 

The Audio Publishers Association finds in its annual report that audiobook sales generated $1.8 billion in the United States in 2022.

So, where do you go or how do you create your audiobook? 

We can help you and/or guide you on how to do this – no matter where you live or if you want to do it yourself OR hire someone to read your book for you.

#1 – You Can Hire a Voice Over Artist

They read your book for you. There are male and female voice over artists that you pay to do this. Some of them also produce/edit the audio too so it’s ready to upload to Audible or other platforms. (Those platforms are VERY PICKY on sound quality!! You do not want to just wing the recording yourself without a studio and editor – you will most likely NOT be allowed to upload your book if you do.)

Jason Bittenbender, Professional Voice Over Artist, Father, Husband, Cancer survivor and Jack of many trades.

#2 – You Can Find a Production Studio to Go Record Your Book In Yourself

If you have a memoir or a book that’s more logical only to be read by you, the author, then we recommend finding a recording studio that does this with you. You schedule time to record (typically a 5 hour day/period for 30,000 words on average), you show up, read through your book while the recording tech listens in. They note areas that may need to be re-read. They will full edit the book for you, manage any issues that might arise, and then give you the final product that YOU can then upload to Audible or other platforms. (Approx. investment could be $1500-3500 on average but it totally depends on where you go.)

We have a recording studio resource for the San Francisco bay area and surrounding areas if you’re interested. Please send us an inquiry via the contact page! We can also help you locate one in your state/area.

#3 – You Can Transform a Room or Closet in Your Home or Office and Record Your Book Yourself

If you plan on doing multiple audio books and/or recording online courses often then this could be a great option. But if you are only planning on recording one or two books then I would say this is NOT worth the investment of money you’ll need to spend on equipment or in time creating such a sound-proof space. Audible is VERY PICKY on sound quality! 

If you did do this however, unless you want to take a class and learn how to property edit your audio files to be good enough for Audible, you may want to outsource the editing and production for sure.  We can give you referrals for this if you reach out and for what equipment you will need.