Between 2023 and 2028, the global audiobook market is expected to grow by nearly 25%. As digital continues to dominate, audiobooks occupy an increasing market share because they’re easy to take anywhere. Whether you want to get your work into audio without hiring a narrator or your goal is to become a professional narrator yourself, breaking into the world of audiobook recording can seem daunting.
But the potential has never been higher. More people than ever are listening to books rather than reading them in print (or e-print). No time to sit down with a book? Audio offers the option to read while driving, cleaning the house, or walking the dog.
There’s a lot to learn, but recording audiobooks is easier than ever, and we’ll help you break it down. From the equipment you’ll need to the mechanics of publishing your audio, here’s a quick overview of audiobook recording and how you can break into the business.
Step 1: Prepare Your Manuscript
It may sound obvious, but before you set out to read a manuscript, it should be edited, proofread, and polished. It should also match the published text word for word. That means you shouldn’t start recording until your manuscript is final and ready for print. Some audiobook distributors will deny your audio files if they find inconsistencies. (We love Findaway Voices, but you can also distribute via Amazon’s ACX.)
Also, it’s important to consider the audiobook format when preparing your finished audiobook manuscript. Some elements that work well in print may not translate smoothly to audio. Lengthy footnotes, complex tables, or visual elements like maps and diagrams might need to be adapted, omitted, or made available to listeners via a downloadable PDF file. Consider creating an “audio edition” of your manuscript that addresses these issues. This audiobook version might include brief descriptions to replace visual elements or restructured content to maintain flow in the audio format.
Step 2: Get an Audio Editor
Just as a professional editor can take your manuscript to the next level, a professional audio editor can make the difference between a polished audiobook and a new-narrator mishap. Audiobook distributors like ACX have specific standards that must be met for them to accept your audio. If you’re doing this step yourself, make sure you understand the requirements before you hit “record.”
If you’re hiring a pro, try searching “audio editor” on a site like Upwork or Fiverr. Look for people who have worked on audiobooks specifically. The files are long and have a specific structure, so don’t waste time and money on someone unfamiliar with the process.
Offerings vary widely, so be sure to clarify whether the editor you’re hiring will find and fix mistakes or if you’ll need to document them. You should also establish how they charge: per project, per hour worked, or per finished hour (PFH) of audio, meaning the audio has been edited and polished.
Step 3: Decide How You’ll Record the Audiobook
The recording process is where your written words come to life, so audio quality can significantly influence your listeners’ experience. There’s a reason why professional narrators and voice actors are considered the gold standard for audiobook production.
Before diving into specific options, it’s important to consider several factors:
- Your budget: How much are you willing or able to invest in recording equipment or studio time?
- Your technical skills: Are you comfortable with audio recording and editing software?
- The length of your book: Longer books require more recording time, which can impact your choice.
- Your timeline: Some methods are quicker than others, so consider your publication deadlines.
- The genre and style of your book: Some books may benefit from professional narration or special audio effects that require an audio engineer or sound engineer.
With these considerations in mind, there are three common ways to record an audiobook on any budget, from bare-bones basics to professional studios. Let’s dive in.
Option #1: Audiobook AI Narration
Digital audiobook narration, also called AI narration, is so easy and affordable that anyone can use it. For the most part, it’s plug-and-play—just upload your manuscript to a digital narration tool and let the software do the rest.
There are a few “gotchas” to look out for, though, especially if you write sci-fi. AI voices can sometimes pronounce words strangely or read years as numbers (so 2,028 instead of the year 2028). You can usually work around these obstacles by creating special rules or writing a version of your text to be read by AI, but it’s something to be aware of going in.
Popular tools include Apple Books, Deep Zen, and Google Play, with more options always emerging. While AI narration can be controversial, we see it as a reasonable way for indie authors to get their feet in the door of audio, not as a replacement for a human narrator. One strategy is to let an AI voice narrate your audio first. When earnings from that audiobook come in, you can use them to pay a professional narrator down the road.
The key with AI narration is to set reader expectations. Most retailers now allow digital narration, but only if the audiobook is marked accordingly and priced appropriately. As long as readers and retailers know what they’re getting, everyone’s happy.
Option #2: DIY Audiobook Recording
Recording your own audiobook is a great option, especially for non-fiction authors. Going the DIY route means that you don’t have to pay a professional narrator, but there are still a few upfront costs to consider:
Recording equipment
Of course, you want the final product to be a joy to listen to, and your gear can make all the difference. You’ll probably want to invest in a decent microphone and pop filter to minimize those plosives. The better the microphone, the better the sound—but don’t break the bank right out of the gate. You can always upgrade down the line.
Time: Reading and re-reading sections of your book is time-consuming, especially if you don’t already produce audio. Know in advance that recording your own book is a learning process. It can feel arduous, so don’t expect to get everything right on the first take. (Or even the second and third.)
To figure out how many hours of recording time are ahead of you, on average, you can divide the total word count by 9,000 (the average number of words narrated per hour) and then multiply that number by three. For example, a 60,000-word book will require approximately 20 hours to record. That’s a lot of reading, so drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Recording studio space
You can rent space in a professional recording studio, which will provide the equipment and sometimes even the sound mixing and editing too, or you can record in your own home.
If you record at home, find or create a quiet place. Background noise like fans, furnaces, barking dogs, slamming doors, running refrigerators, etc., can destroy a recording session. The mic will pick up all those sounds, and even light background noise can render your recording useless. Turn off everything you can while you’re recording audio and be aware that electrical interference can occur, even with silent devices like routers. Plug your recording equipment into the same outlet as your workstation and shut down everything you can live without.
A home studio doesn’t necessarily require a fancy sound booth. All you need is to make sure it’s a very small space that keeps noise out and prevents your voice from echoing. Closets make great recording spaces, especially if they store long, sound-buffering clothes like coats or dresses. Many podcasters and narrators convert carpeted closets into audio recording booths.
Recording software
The right recording software is crucial for creating a high-quality audiobook and streamlining your editing process. Here are some popular recording software options:
- Audacity: A free, open-source software with a user-friendly interface and basic editing tools, good for beginners and budget-conscious authors.
- Source-Connect: Professional-grade software often used in the industry for its high-quality audio streaming and session management tools.
- Zoom: While primarily for video conferencing, Zoom can be used for basic audio recording and works well for simple needs or collaborative sessions.
- Adobe Audition: Part of the Adobe Creative Suite. This professional software offers advanced editing and mixing capabilities, including sophisticated noise reduction and audio restoration tools.
- GarageBand (for Mac users): A free software pre-installed on Mac computers has a good balance of features for beginners and intermediate users.
- Hindenburg Journalist: Designed specifically for spoken-word audio, this software has advanced features like automatic level adjustment and built-in loudness normalization.
When selecting software, consider your technical skills, budget, and project needs, and take advantage of free trials to find the best fit for your audiobook production.
Option #3: Professional Audiobook Narration
Professional narrators are still the gold standard of audiobook recording. Most readers prefer them, especially when they’re listening to fiction.
Because they’re pros, audiobook narrators are familiar with the audiobook recording process. They can bring your characters to life in a way you never imagined, incorporating accents and other elements to help your words leap off the page. As a bonus, many narrators even bring along an audience of their own. This can help you market your book to new audiences worldwide.
Of course, all this upside comes with a hefty price tag. The SAG-AFTRA minimum on ACX, for example, is $250 PFH. If we revisit the example used above, where we have a 60,000-word book, you’re looking at spending approximately $5,000 with no guaranteed return on your investment. Of course, this is just an estimate and your mileage may vary. You can also opt for a talented, yet less experienced and less expensive option.
If you can afford to wait for your ROI, there’s still no better way to hear your book than with professional audiobook production and narration.
Step 4: Read Ahead
Before you record your own audiobook—or send it off for narration, for that matter—read through it with a narrator’s lens. And be honest: are you the best person to record the words you’re reading? Sometimes the answer is yes, and sometimes it’s no. Only you will know what’s right for you.
For example, if you’re a romance writer but aren’t comfortable narrating erotic content, you’re probably better off looking for a narrator who is. If your work of fiction calls for characters with a wide range of accents, do a sound test and make sure you’re able to read them in a way that feels right to you. On the other hand, nonfiction listeners love to hear a book that’s read by the author.
Make sure that every manuscript you decide to read is one you feel you can record well, even if it’s your own. If you’re recording for other authors, ask how they want their books to be read. Think about whether you can maintain your delivery for the entire length of the book. Research pronunciations in advance, to be sure you know how to say all the words on the page.
Step 5: Hit “Publish”
Once your audio files have been recorded and edited, all that’s left is to publish them. However, this final step involves more than simply uploading your files. Different audiobook distribution platforms have their own requirements and processes. This can impact your timeline and potentially the final quality of your audiobook.
Platforms like Amazon’s ACX require an audio quality assurance check that can take up to 30 days. Keep that timeline in mind if you’re counting on your audiobook to launch by a specific date. They check for issues such as background noise, volume inconsistencies, or deviations from the manuscript. If any problems are found, you’ll need to address them and resubmit, which can further extend the timeline.
Other platforms like Findaway Voices or Author’s Republic have their own quality control processes, which may vary in duration and stringency. Some may offer faster turnaround times, but it’s always wise to allow for potential delays or revision requests.
Recording your own audiobook can be rewarding to see your words brought to life for listeners. By following these five simple steps, you can create a professional-quality product that expands your reach as an author.