{"id":206578,"date":"2023-01-24T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-24T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.draft2digital.com\/blog\/?p=206578"},"modified":"2024-08-05T09:04:07","modified_gmt":"2024-08-05T14:04:07","slug":"how-to-record-audiobooks-on-any-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/draft2digital.com\/blog\/how-to-record-audiobooks-on-any-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Record Your Own Audiobooks in 5 Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Between 2023 and 2028, the global audiobook market is expected to grow by nearly 25%<\/a>. As digital continues to dominate, audiobooks occupy an increasing market share because they\u2019re 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<\/a> can seem daunting.<\/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

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Manuscript<\/strong><\/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. 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<\/a>, but you can also distribute via Amazon\u2019s ACX<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Get an Audio Editor<\/strong><\/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<\/a> or Fiverr<\/a>. 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 worked, or per finished hour (PFH) of audio, meaning the audio has been edited and polished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Decide How You'll Record the Audiobook<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The recording process is where your written words come to life, so audio quality can significantly influence your listeners' experience. There\u2019s a reason why professional narrators and voice actors are considered the gold standard for audiobook production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before diving into specific options, it's important to consider several factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Your budget: How much are you willing or able to invest in recording equipment or studio time?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Your technical skills: Are you comfortable with audio recording and editing software?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. The length of your book: Longer books require more recording time, which can impact your choice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Your timeline: Some methods are quicker than others, so consider your publication deadlines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

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

    Option #1: Audiobook AI Narration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Digital audiobook narration, also called AI narration, is so easy and affordable that anyone can use it. For the most part, it\u2019s plug-and-play\u2014just upload your manuscript to a digital narration tool and let the software do the rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are a few \u201cgotchas\u201d 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\u2019s something to be aware of going in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Popular tools include Apple Books<\/a>, Deep Zen<\/a>, and Google Play<\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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\u2019re getting, everyone\u2019s happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Option #2: DIY Audiobook Recording<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Recording your own audiobook is a great option, especially for non-fiction authors. Going the DIY route means that you don\u2019t have to pay a professional narrator, but there are still a few upfront costs to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Recording equipment<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Of course, you want the final product to be a joy to listen to, and your gear can make all the difference. You\u2019ll probably want to invest in a decent microphone and pop filter to minimize those plosives. The better the microphone, the better the sound\u2014but don\u2019t break the bank right out of the gate. You can always upgrade down the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Time: <\/strong>Reading and re-reading sections of your book is time-consuming, especially if you don\u2019t already produce audio. Know in advance that recording your own book is a learning process. It can feel arduous, so don\u2019t expect to get everything right on the first take. (Or even the second and third.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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\u2019s a lot of reading, so drink lots of water to stay hydrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Recording studio space<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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

    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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A home studio doesn\u2019t necessarily require a fancy sound booth. All you need is to make sure it's a very small space that keeps noise out and <\/em>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Recording software<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    The right recording software is crucial for creating a high-quality audiobook and streamlining your editing process. Here are some popular recording software options:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n