Audiobook Lovers...

I Have a Question...

You’ve probably noticed an explosion of indie authors publishing amazing books over the last few years. Now more than ever before, advancements in technology make it possible for indie authors to do just about everything a traditionally published author can. And in some cases, we can (and do!) do it better.

Why?

Well, because indie authors are small business owners. We know what our readers want because we talk to them directly—like right now!

One issue that’s been on my mind a lot lately is putting my books into audio. As an indie author, I pay for and manage everything myself: writing (of course), editing, formatting, distribution, marketing, and art. I hire human artists and I pay competitive rates because I believe creators and creatives should earn a fair wage for their work.

But the one thing that I haven’t yet reached into is audio. But ooooooh, do I want to!!!

The costs to produce an audio book are intense. As I’ve learned through teaching (planning, staging, recording, and editing lecture content before it goes live to students) and my podcast, audio production is not as simple as whipping out my iPhone and hitting record.

A professional audiobook narrator can (and should!) charge between $200-400 per finished hour for their work. That means if they can read about 9,000 words per finished hour, that a 90,000-word book will cost the author $2,000-$4,000!! Worth it? Yes. Do-able? Not for all of us, and certainly not for every book.

But I’ve been thinking through options for getting my next series available in audio this year. One narrator will be fairly easy since the first book is told in one only POV. But what would I want in terms of voices? A female narrator “acting out” the male voice? Minor changes in tone so the listener can make sense of who’s speaking? A full dramatic voiced production?

What attracts you when you listen to audiobooks? Do you prefer audio over KU, ebook, or paperback?

Thanks to the Libby app (my local library), I listen to dozens of audiobooks a month. I find the ones that are highly dramatized with sound effects and changes from the original book are my LEAST favorite—even though those can be highly entertaining. I want someone to READ to me. With a great voice, good pacing, and a smooth flow. Am I too “easy” to please? What do you listen for when you borrow or buy an audiobook? Do you read more/faster when the book is on audio? I’d love to know!!

Stay tuned... As soon as I make decisions and have news, you’ll be the first to know. In the meantime, HAPPY MAY!!