Creating an Audiobook for Audible: 6 Tips
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 1 мар 2018
- Audio book sales are growing faster than any other kind of book right now. And, if you are a podcaster, your audience is much more likely to listen to your book than read. But, producing a book that Audible, iTunes, Overdrive, and other audio book companies will distribute requires some effort. In this video, Amazon best selling author Julie Broad shares six tips for creating a great audio book that will be published on Audible and beyond.
Subscribe for our weekly videos on self publishing a book on Amazon and bookstores:
ruclips.net/user/booklauncher...
If you are interested in self publishing your book, visit Book Launchers website:
booklaunchers.com/
Connect with us on social media:
/ booklaunchers
/ booklaunchers / booklaunchers
Video transcript:
Creating an audio version of your book is one of the smartest things you can do as a self-publishing non fiction author to create even more credibility, have a book that stands out in more search engines, and will connect with even more people.
Because there are a lot of people who won't read your book, but they will listen to it.
So, how do you create a killer audiobook for Audible without hiring voice talent and totally breaking the bank?
You're a smart author, and you know that more and more people want to listen to your book
and not read it, and some folks like to read it and listen, which does mean you can sell your book twice.
Although, with programs like Whispersync by Amazon, it reduces the rate for the second sale.
But still, it's more money for your book, yay!
Alright, so how do you create a fantastic audio version of your book?
First, you need to know the standards for getting your book approved.
You can't just get a mic, open VoiceNote on your iPhone, and start recording.
Second, you have to know that if you get your book on Audible, you will be rated on performance, story, and the overall book.
In other words, you don't want your book to get panned in the reviews just because you tried
to do your audiobook on the cheap, and didn't get it edited, right?
Right, so, here's my six tips to create a fantastic audiobook that's worthy of five stars on Audible.
NUMBER ONE:
Set up your own studio, or arrange a studio rental. If you're going to use the equipment again, or you live in a remote place, setting up a home studio is easier than you think, and recommended.
If you're a podcaster or you're gonna create online courses, it makes sense for you to do this anyways.
I did it for my book, The New Brand You, with the help of an awesome audio voice coach, audio coach?
With the help of an awesome audio coach and editor.
It cost me about 300 dollars Canadian, but I did need to find a small room where I could basically make it a padded room to lock myself in.
A closet would work, or you can even buy little boxes that will provide the kind of sound-proofing you need.
Lots of options, the big thing is to do some sound tests, run them by an editor to make sure you don't have too many issues that will make editing really expensive.
Basically, I'm saying take the time to set it up right, or shop around for a great sound studio in your area.
You can often rent spaces for 60 to 100 dollars an hour, and most books can be recorded in less than three hours, unless you're terrible.
But that leads nicely into point NUMBER TWO:
Practice, and I don't just mean speak away, and say you've practiced.
I don't just mean practice talking, I mean read your book out loud, at least once, but better to do it twice.
A paid professional would read your book out loud two to three times before sitting down in a studio to record it. You're not a professional, which means even though it's your book, you probably need even more practice reading out loud in an engaging way. So you should absolutely be practicing reading your book.
NUMBER THREE:
While you're reading, record 30 minutes of it, and send it to a voice coach.
Google voice coach, and I'm sure you'll find many. Ideally one that specializes in audiobooks,
or just hire Book Launchers and we have a multiple award-winning sound editor who will coach you. She's taken home the Canadian equivalent of an Oscar twice for her sound work so, she's pretty awesome. She also helped me with The New Brand You, if you wanna hear what she did for my voice.
Anyways, send 30 minutes of your work to a coach and get some coaching. There are definitely things you're doing that will detract from your performance, and guess what?
I already mentioned, Audible listeners rate your book based on performance as well as overall quality, and, of course, its story.
The good news is when it comes to non fiction, Audible listeners are a lot more forgiving.
When it comes to fiction, they expect you to be a professional actor.
Book Launchers helps entrepreneurs and professionals self-publish non-fiction books that grow their business. You own 100% of the content, have total creative control, and keep all the royalties. Our publishing team is YOUR publishing team.
Find out how we can help you write, publish, and sell a book to grow your business:
booklaunchers.com/application
Watch here more videos on selling books on Amazon:
ruclips.net/p/PLh6B5bRioc1yx_ppKeCUD0bOdsWo4pz7L
Awesome Book Launchers ❤❤❤
Thank you so much for this! I think this might be the next step. Very helpful!
Thank you for this practical information. Very useful.
I have an overview idea of what is needed to create a 5-star audiobook. Thanks, Julie!
Thanks for the tips! ❤️
You're welcome!
Great video, thank you, how to I make the most of my voice and technique when creating an audio version of my book myself?
How to create a killer audiobook of you book.
You must set up studio in a padded room to avoid echo. Practice your book out loud. While being read hire a audio
Audio
Prepare for pickups editing two or three sentences
Thank you
Thanks great video
Thank you.
I’m just about to start to record my book this is really helpful, thank you! I’m off to find a sound editor snd to practice, practice, practice!
Best of luck!
Found another old one I haven’t seen. A really good one with great tips. Thank you.
Oooh this is the one I recorded in a studio that had the worst sound proofing! Irony ...
Great tips - Any particular microphone one can use for a home type studio?
Awesome vids! So helpful! What bitrate is best for audible?
This should help: www.acx.com/help/encoding/202008310
Great video! Thank you
You are welcome!
What equipment do you recommend? I want to do this myself and learn.
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 thanks for this upbeat tutorial. I learnt a lot.
Question: Do the same principles apply to short 3-5mins children stories...?
I'm not sure as I don't have any experience with children's stories.
Yes it's 2020 and a week from 2021. I'm just getting into the audiobooks now Jullie (Johnny come lately). I'm discovering that I have to think about the dialog tags when I'm writing a book. Hearing he said and she said is noticeable in audible. The things you learn:)
Thanks for the great video. I'm going to practice reading my book.
Are you planning to do an audiobook? Fiction or non-fiction?
Book Launchers Yes, with a memoir.
Wonderful
Tq for this audio
Thanks,,mam
Hello! Is it possible to make my autobiography into an audio-video book witth my own photos pertinent to my story (like a slide show) and my voice?
Love it
Great Video, I think it’s finally time for me to start making an Audio Book after uploading over 700 videos to RUclips over the past 3 years
Wow!! That's a lot of videos. Nice work. :)
Thanks for everything 💖
You are so welcome
ok so I have a question if you have the time. It's about 700 dollars to publish a book in Missouri. Do I have to have a a pre published book before I can turn it into an audio book, or can I go from writing, to edited, to audio?
Hello! Thank you so much for this video. My question is do you recommend the author to record their own audiobook or is hiring someone a better option?
Here's the video I did on that: ruclips.net/video/UtPNDbODePI/видео.html
How much duration and cost would it take to record a non-fiction audiobook for which the ebook is about 15000 words?
🙂🙂I am a budding author thanks! 👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you so much for saying hello!
If you liked this video you will LOVE my new book: Self-Publish and Succeed. You can grab it here: books2read.com/ap/RDOjGr/Julie-Broad
Hope to see you again soon!
Thanks for the tips. Can I include music files within an audiobook to include guided meditations ? Appreciate your reply
I believe you can but it's not something I've had direct experience with. If you want to be published on Audible make sure you review these carefully: www.acx.com/help/acx-audio-submission-requirements/201456300
Srikant sharma bro how can i make ncert audio book??
I love your video it's so colorful
Thank you!!
Tips to you is to sound treat your room. The reverb in your video makes it sound amatuer no matter the picture quality.
Would you recommend an audiobook for a children's book?
Serious question: I noted a running echo in your presentation. What sort of elements do you believe caused that, AND if I were to parallel your type of efforts what would you suggest I do /not do/include / not include, etc., in my studio creation and recording efforts? Thanks!
In this video I rented a studio that had VERY poor sound proofing. Never rented that studio again. Make sure you have sound proofing on the walls or at the very least a well carpeted room.
Five stars for the great advice, but... this listener on this side of the Atlantic was exhausted by the end of clip. We Brits find North American television presenters and video hosts so loud and fast we feel we're being shouted at. A softer, quieter, more relaxed version would find many more fans on this side of the world. But yes, it is very good advice.
Noted! Thanks.
Great advice, could you not have recorder this in a hallway sounding location?
Unfortunately this was a studio - we never used it again. It was very sad that they charged for this.
Great advice, delivered in an easy to listen to, upbeat format. (You should consider recording a book! 😆)
Thank you!! I have recorded one book ... The New Brand You. The next ones are coming out early 2021. :)
I am self publishing on Amazon. Does the audio book version have to be read identical to the text or can I deviate for "flavor"?
Well - if you want your book to be available with Whisper Sync you do need it to follow along. audible.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7371/~/what-is-whispersync-for-voice%3F
Many readers will buy both ebook and audiobook version so this is an ideal scenario but not necessary.
Are there parts of a nonfiction book that should be left out of an audiobook, like recipes or lists? My book has a story followed by about ten helpful recipes for each section and I am not sure if it is audio worthy or just print worthy. I love your videos and totally want to work with you for a future book. Thanks for all you do.
Welcome aqueen13! Thank you so much for joining the community and saying hello. That's a great question ... I think as a listener it would be pretty boring to listen to the recipe, that said you want your book to follow along very closely to what is in your book so it can be part of programs like Whisper Sync so I think you still would read those things. Likely people would buy both the e-version and audio version to get the recipe though.
Some audiobooks have companion PDF resources to help with diagrams, tables, etc. I think recipes fit right in there.
Good Evening....Awesome info
I have a couple of more vids about audiobooks coming your way soon.
Hello! I truly enjoy watching your videos!
Would you please help me out with a publishing question(This is slightly long. Please bear with me) -
So basically one of my audiobooks recently went live on audible and the listing didn't have the subtitle. The problem with this was that my audiobook wasn't ranking for a lot of keywords which were in my subtitle. I talked to ACX support and they said that they would make the changes in 5 business days. So the dilemma I have here is that should I start promoting my book now with my promo codes or should I wait for a week until the subtitle shows up so that I can rank for those keywords as well?
I am kind of worried that if I don't promote my audiobook now and get those initial sales, my book would not rank high, as the initial boost would be wasted. How long do you think the initial boost is effective on audible?
If I decide to promote my book and get those initial sales, then I feel that after my subtitle appears, my book won't rank high for those new keywords in the subtitle.
I don't know what to do 😢
Please shower some wisdom upon me 🙏
What should I do? Please help me out! I need your opinion on this please!
I would promote now ... and then later and keep promoting! But yes, promote now.
@@BookLaunchers Thank you!
Hey do you think that if let's say , I were to create a child's book that my grandparents would be a option for free narration of my book and or books ?
Get your Grandparents to narrate? I'm not sure why that would be the approach but it's possible.
Was looking on how to make it
The only good advice there was is the needing for coaching
What does it take to do an audio book for an author? I plan on doing my own, but there are stories I want to reread, that I don't have time or energy to read and would love to hear the audio book. I want to support the author for their great story, and give them a solid audiobook for their story. What does it take to get the permission to make it so?
Can you publish a book read by a very good computer test to speech program (Amazon Polly from AWS)
Not on Audible ... but other platforms will take it.
Hey Julie, i self-published back in 2014 and now know its time to create an audio version. How would i assess the quality of my voice for recording purposes?
We have our audiobook producer do a voice sample and then voice coaching with our authors. You can always contact a local studio that does audiobooks and chat with them about it to get a perspective.
i wood like to use it for preaching or give Bible study ,is it good for this kind off things ?
I would use a Podcast for that
How do you keep a picture up throughout the whole video?
Video editing software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere.
Probably didn't have too many ACX narrators back then or they were too expensive. As now narrators can be hired £90-150 per hour.
Hi its a great vid, anyway is it legal to create audiobook of other authors?
Without their permission - nope?
tx!
Thank you so much for saying hello! If you’re just getting started with writing, I highly recommend our 7 steps to write a non-fiction book. You can get that at www.booklaunchers.com/7steps and if you’re ready to market a book our Gameplan for selling 1000 books with less than $100 is a great way to start planning your book marketing. You can download that for free at www.booklaunchers.com/gameplan
Hope to see you again soon!
@@BookLaunchers any ideas for fiction?
Good Evening...
I was wondering what software should I use to record my book and what type of file to save it as?
I recorded mine in Garage Studio and saved it as an MPG I believe ... that said, home set up of a studio can be very problematic when you get it edited and mastered for distribution IF you care about Audible distribution. They reject a lot of files because they aren't well done. And, many professional editors won't even touch a 'home recorded' file because of how much work it is to get it up to the quality it needs. If you have a studio-like set up in your house then you're probably ok.
@@BookLaunchers Thank you.....I found someone the records music....I will be the 1st audio book....I wanted to make sure I know what to ask for.
Hi,
I enjoyed your 6 tools for recording an audio book. It gave me info I didn't have.
I am currently recording my audio book,. Since I can't seem to finish my 'memoir' I thought by recording it I would get more of a handle on what I'm trying to 'say', etc.
I am doing it as an incentive for me to finish my book. I am new to this, yet I am a professional voice talent, Cabaret singer and voice overs.
I tried out doing a section, about 2 hrs long, and then upon listening to it I decided to go back and edit things. We are doing this in a studio and I do have an engineer, and I am paying for this. The engineer, did not take notes of what section I was in, when I made the corrections, so we are editing it starting from the end of the 2 hr piece, which is very 'backward' to me, but for him, it makes sense. It seems to have taken almost 3 hrs to edit very little. I am wondering if this engineer really is doing this efficiently?
Going forward I will practice the reading beforehand so I won't have so many rewrites. It seems almost rediculously slow. Does this sounded totally wrong? Who could I even ask about this? The engineer insists he's doing it 'the way people do these things..." Thank you, Julie
Hi - well first of all, it sounds like your book isn't in it's final condition. I would never go into a studio until the book has been edited, edited, and then proofread.
The more your book is polished before you read it, and if you've read it out loud at least once before you go in, the less editing will be required.
But, the reality is audio editing is very slow. Every hour of your book will take about 6 hours to edit, master and produce. It's why the costs to professionally produce an audiobook are so high.
It's odd that he didn't take notes though.
Good luck,
Julie
I have used my car as a sound studio. The cars are made to isolate outside noises. The downside is that staying there, with the engine off, no air conditioning, and the windows closed, there's no air and it's hot. But it can be recorded in short sections.
Sounds good! I was wondering how to make use of my car that’s just sitting in the yard! Lol Plus I don’t have to worry bout “listeners”
I definitely think it's important to do the read through with a stick horse. Very effective voice coach. :) Sorry - spoiler alert for anyone watching.
My book is science fiction. Can I still create my own audiobook? It sounded a little discouraging.
You absolutely can create an audiobook but professional narration is often encouraged for fiction books .... but do what you can with your budget!
What about a children;s book? How much would that be?
What if you are not self-published but publisher has yet to produce an audiobook. Can you move them forward by doing it yourself?
That 100% depends on your contract. MOST traditional book deal contracts clearly state who owns the rights to the audio and it's usually the publisher, but read your contract! If you have the rights to it then you can do it.
What should i do if i'm gonna make an audiobook by a book of someone else, not me? Do i need something like license or not? or maybe just permission on paper.
If you don't own the rights that is your first step.
do you also read the contents of your book on a audio book or you just start from the first chapter
Typically you read the dedication, introduction and then dive into the first chapter - no need to read the table of contents.
Not sure if you read these, but is audio only desired? In other words audio, with no written form. I am seeing the popularity of audio, and have done a few podcasts. And thought to my self.... hmmm maybe I could do audio only. But is audio only successful? Thank You !
Hey PC - I do read all the comments. Audio only is not something I have experience with but I can tell you that some books are being released audio first. That said, when it comes to non-fiction, we see the numbers and print books are still selling the best. Audio is growing rapidly but print is still the big winner ... so if you have a non-fiction book I would strongly consider doing print, audio, and e-book ....
How would you go about recording another person's book? Is it legal to record an audio book from another author and put it on RUclips?
No that is not legal - you would be infringing on their copyrights. The only way to do this is to contact the author and work it out with them.
To be said, $300 to create an audiobook isn't too bad. My followers have been asking for an audiobook for awhle so going to look into an audio coach :)
It's $300/finished hour typically ... and that's just for production/editing/mastering. If you're selling a decent amount of books right now 50-100/month then it's probably worth the investment to create an audiobook. If you're not selling books, it's an expensive format of book to create.
Book Launchers oh I see now! Thank you for specifying.
How do u post an audiobook you made onto audible?
Via ACX or an aggregator service. I talk about that a bit here: ruclips.net/video/3Kns1WbFkQY/видео.html
I want to start a YT channel in which I upload readings of literature in public domain. Not for any money. Is that problematic? I need some guidance
How do you handle accents in a novel?
I have no idea! I'm not a professional narrator and I only work with non-fiction. I think you'd need a voice coach.
Great Tips! I believe I need to hire book launchers.
Do you or someone from Book Launchers to Free phone consultations?.
My fictional self-published book, dYn🌕’s DaNcE ~ on the Eight-Limb Path ~ will be Published in the next few weeks. I will start preparing to make this an Audible book as well. I have many different fictional characters in the story and I will be acting a several characters. My boyfriend George will act out a few characters as well. 🙏
My question is, “when is the best time to hire the Voice Coach?”
Hi - to set up a call we need a few details first. www.booklaunchers.com/application - thanks!
I was told that you could not voice your own book. I was told that if you wanted an Audible audiobook, that you had to use their voice people.
That's 100% not true. They have high standards but almost all our authors narrate their own book.
starts at 1:29
Love from INDIA
Welcome SURESH RAJPOOT! Thank you so much for joining the community and saying hello. If you have a specific question you want to be answered, you can ask at any time. I just might shoot a video to help you out. And, if you haven't already, I highly recommend you check out our free resources at BookLaunchers.com and grab our free guide to plan and write a great book www.booklaunchers.com/7steps
I have a lithp.
Top 1. Learn how to read.
Tip 2 . Don't have a lithsp.
Tip 4 . Remember the correct order of things.
Tip 3. Your listeners are not scum. Don't just cut th..............
Tip 7. Be mildly drunk.
Tip 5. Dont record at a football match.
Tip 9. Dont fart.
Tip 11. Dont skip pages because you've read it before and known the story anyway.
Tip 14. Dont lie and say you wrote it unless you did write it.
Tip 2. Dont get confused and just start making it up as you go along.
Tip 56. Do smoke heavily the night before so people think you have A sexy voice.
Tip 21. Dont smoke heavily the night before if you dont normally smoke or your throat will be too sore to read.
I hope these professional top tips will help you all. Anyone wanna get married ?
that horse 😂👍
:) My publishing company is called 'Stick Horse' soooooo
@@BookLaunchers I like it! Great video 👍
video starts at 1:25
I have just written my first book. Annuity360 - Learn All You Need to Know About Annuities, Which Ones to Avoid and Which One to Buy For a Successful Retirement
. I will likely self-publish, I will upload to Acx/Amazon. Question: What are some tips to properly promote your Audio book on Audible? Also, how should I price my Audible Book? My book is around 14,000 words. Also, does BookLuanchers help authors get their Book on the NY Times Best Sellers List? Thanks! Ford Host of The Active Wealth Show and CEO with Active Wealth Management. activewealthshow.com/
I'm interested in your services, feel free to book an appointment on my calendar at calendly.com/fordstokes
How can I make an audiobook and then sell it legally and with the consent of the authors? 😅
So it's not your content, it is someone else's content?
ACX!
Great info. tinny recording. ironic.
I'm the 999th like lol
Ha! That's awesome. :) Thanks for liking the video.
I have not tried creating audiobooks yet. But long time ago i recorded my voice in my car for a short video clip😅
:) it is a little different that that but getting used to the sound of your voice helps.
10 hours of book takes 30 hours of editing and editing is $300/finsihed hour. that means editors are getting $100/hour and we should budget $3000! are you nuts?
I'm not nuts - just reporting what it costs to produce a professional audiobook. Unfortunately it's VERY expensive and why, in a recent video, I talked about whether it's worth it for authors (and when it is and when it isn't). Some of our clients have had success recording and editing their audiobook on their own - but they had experience with editing previously.
Can I just hire book launchers to record my book for me? I hate the sound of my voice.
:) No, we only work with authors who are recording their own. But I can recommend/refer you to someone that does narration if you'd like.
The echo, and therefore audio quality of this video is terrible. Unbelievable when you give tips for a good audio book.
Imagine how I felt when we'd paid to rent that VIDEO STUDIO ... we were devastated at the quality and never went back. We gave them bad reviews and I hope nobody uses them unless they sound proof in the future. I'd pull it down but it is one of the best performing videos we have - go figure.
@@BookLaunchers that really is devastating. I am sorry to hear that. They should reimburse you.
@ Right?! We tried ... all good. We found a great studio (well, until Covid hit) and have sound much more under control now. Learning as we go. My motto is always be better than I was yesterday. Cheers.
Julie the book broad? What? Lol
I hate being THAT PERSON, but it's anyway, not anyways.