Everything You Need to Know about Publishing An Audiobook

Phillip Paquette

As a self-published author, you know it’s a labor of love to get your book out. You’ve got to find time and space so you can get in the flow and write.

Then when you move into the publishing phase, you have to filter out questionable distribution agreements — where some distribution channels want to dictate the price of your book.

On top of that, you're looking at either converting your eBook into an audiobook or publishing an audio exclusive work. Perhaps you’re also weighing recording the audio yourself versus using a production company.

This guide dives into everything you need to know about publishing an audiobook from potential costs to the recording process so you can make the most informed publishing decisions.

First, let’s look at the most popular genres finding success as audiobooks.

TOC:

What Genres Are Popular for Audiobooks?

How To Make A Publish-Ready Audiobook

  1. Create a Script from your eBook
  2. Weigh Using a Recording Partner
  3. Record at Home
  4. Capture In Studio
  5. Hire an Audiobook Narrator
  6. Use An Audiobook Production Company
  7. Prepare Other Assets

What Genres Are Popular for Audiobooks?

As you likely know, not all genres are a good fit for audiobook publishing. Step-by-step instructions from a cookbook or a reference like a travel guide won’t translate well into a published audiobook.

An annual study by the Audio Publishers Association found mystery/thriller/suspense continues to be the most popular genre for audiobook listeners. Other general fiction genres including fantasy account for over 67.3% of sales. The remaining 32.7% spans history, biographies, memoirs, self-help, and other non-fiction books.

How To Make A Publish-Ready Audiobook

Publishing an audiobook is easier than ever thanks to on-demand resources and free tools. For self-published authors, follow these steps.

1. Create a Script from your eBook

Whether you’re converting a published book to an audiobook or creating an audio-exclusive experience, you’ll need a script for the audiobook recording session.

In your script, remove any hyperlinks, images, captions, and call to actions.

2. Decide Your Production Approach

Once you have a script in hand, you’ll need to plan if you’re going the DIY route or hiring someone to record your audiobook.

There are a few potential scenarios:

  • Record yourself at home
  • Rent a studio and record yourself
  • Hire a narrator and handle edits
  • Hire a narrator AND producer
  • Narrate your audiobook yourself and have an audiobook producer edit it
  • Hire an audiobook producer to source narration and complete production

3. Record at Home

Depending on which equipment you already have, self-recording at home can be your most cost-effective option for creating an audiobook.

What you’ll need to record an audiobook at home:

If you’re monetizing a podcast, audio course, or publishing multiple audiobooks, acoustic treatments can be a solid investment. In a smaller room, you can also reduce reflected sounds with Auralex Studiofoam wedgies ($145).

During recording, speak the same distance away from your microphone. You can also keep the recording consistent by being aware when you sound exhausted. Two hours a day may be the most you can do. Or you may need to space out sessions a few days apart. Warm water and honey can help keep your vocal cords from straining.

Record chapters from start to finish to cut down your editing time.

4. Capture In Studio

Lacking the right space or having too many distractions at home? Consider renting a recording studio.

Search by “podcast studios” and “music recording” to find soundproof recording solutions near you. Expect to pay starting at $30 per hour for renting a small studio.

5. Hire an Audiobook Narrator

If you don’t feel like your speaking voice can do your book justice, find a narrator on platforms including Voices.

Then narrow down your selection faster by language, voice age, and other factors.

Ensure the scope of the project is clear when hiring a narrator.  Whether you’re only hiring them to narrate or submit a mastered recording, put the scope in writing.

6. Use An Audiobook Production Company

If doing it all yourself sounds like too much or you’re not ready to learn how to use recording software, you can also hire an audiobook producer.

7. Prepare Other Assets

Beyond the audiobook recording and a great book description, you’ll also need a cover image.

ACX

ACX, operated by Audible, is the largest publishing channel for many good reasons:

  • The Amazon-owned marketplace helps connect authors, publishers, narrators, and engineers together to produce and publish audiobooks.

ACX Limitations

ACX sets specific parameters for pricing your audiobook.

ACX Exclusive Distribution Agreements

If you decide to publish your audiobook exclusively with ACX, you’re tied to a 7-year exclusivity contract.  With this deal, Amazon pays you 40% of the book’s earnings.

ACX Non-Exclusive Distribution Agreements

With a non-exclusive deal with ACX, they penalize your earnings further so they only pay 25% in royalties.  In other words, for a $10 audiobook, you make $2.50.

Findaway Voice

Findaway Voice provides audiobook production and distribution services. Plus audiobook delivery to readers through the Authors Direct mobile app.

Soundwise

Soundwise is the audio platform of choice for independent authors and content businesses looking to deliver premium on-demand audio and grow an engaged audience. On Soundwise you can upload your audiobook for mobile-app and web-based delivery in as little as a half-hour.

Grow Your Listener Tribe

You get each audiobook listener's name and email address with Soundwise. That way, you can reach out and keep them updated on your latest releases.

Wrapping It Up

Selecting the right production and publishing strategies is a delicate balance of time and cost. If you have a marketing plan in place and an email list you want to grow, a hybrid self-publishing / ACX distribution approach might make the most sense.