{"id":205624,"date":"2022-06-13T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-13T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.draft2digital.com\/blog\/?p=205624"},"modified":"2022-06-17T13:41:33","modified_gmt":"2022-06-17T18:41:33","slug":"how-to-record-your-own-audiobooks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/draft2digital.com\/blog\/how-to-record-your-own-audiobooks\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Record Your Own Audiobook"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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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<\/a> can seem daunting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need more proof that audio is worthwhile? <\/strong>This report<\/strong><\/a> estimates that the audiobook market size will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 24% until 2027. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a lot to learn, but recording your own audiobooks is easier than ever, and we\u2019ll help you break it down. From the equipment you\u2019ll need to how to get your audio published, here\u2019s a quick overview of audiobook recording and how you can break into the biz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 1: Prepare your manuscript<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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, so don\u2019t 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<\/a>, but you can also distribute via Amazon\u2019s ACX.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 2: Get an audio editor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re doing this step yourself, make sure you understand the requirements before you hit \u201crecord.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re hiring a pro, try searching \u201caudio editor\u201d 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\u2019t waste time and money on someone unfamiliar with the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offerings vary widely, so be sure to clarify whether the editor you\u2019re hiring will find and fix mistakes or if you\u2019ll need to document them. You should also establish how they charge: per project, per hour, or per finished audio hour?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 3: Gather your equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t need to get too fancy with recording equipment, especially if you\u2019re on a budget and just starting out. But, of course, you want your books to sound good!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the essentials:<\/p>\n\n\n\n