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How to Turn Your Book into an Audiobook & Engage New Audiences

Updated: 2 days ago


Turning your book into an audiobook opens up exciting opportunities to connect with readers who prefer listening over reading. Many audiobook listeners simply don't have time in their day to "sit down with a good book". Audiobooks allow them to consume information and stories in a way that fits their lifestyle. I've heard that book club members will even combine reading and listening to a book at different points as their time permits.

Book and headphones

Audiobooks can bring your story to life in new ways, expanding your reach and enhancing the experience for your audience. One author I have recorded two stories for once told me "Hearing your narration just changes it.  I'm listening and thinking "Dang, I wrote that!" Absolute perfection". To this day I consider that one of the highest compliments I have ever received.


If you’re an author wondering how to make this transition, this guide shares practical insights and personal experience on the process. You’ll learn about different methods to turn your book into an audiobook, the costs involved, and some behind the scenes insight into how an audiobook is created.


Why Turn Your Book into an audiobook?


Audiobooks have grown rapidly in popularity, with millions of listeners worldwide. Some people ask "Is listening to an audiobook considered reading the book?" My thought has always been "Does it matter? They are still absorbing the words and thoughts." Audiobooks offer a convenient way to enjoy stories during commutes, workouts, or chores. For authors, audiobooks provide:


  • Access to new audiences who prefer audio content

  • A fresh way to tell your story with voice acting and sound nuances

  • Additional revenue streams beyond print and ebooks

  • Increased discoverability on platforms like Audible, Apple Books, and Google Play


Creating an audiobook can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding your options helps you choose the best path.


Methods to Create Your Audiobook


There are several ways to turn your book into an audiobook depending on how much work you want to put into it and your budget.


Recording Your Own Voice


Narrating your own book gives you full creative control and a personal connection with your audience. Many authors find this rewarding, especially for memoirs or nonfiction. What many authors don't realize is the amount of work, skill, and costs involved in narrating and producing your own audiobook. Let's be honest, baseball players make hitting a 100 mph fastball look easy because they are professionals. The rest of us might not even see that ball zoom past us.


Things to Consider:


  • It takes a long time to record an audiobook. As an experienced narrator I plan on about 9,100 words equaling about an hour of audio. I am not the fastest narrator around but an hour of audio will take me about 5-6 hours to record. This can vary depending on the amount of dialogue and different characters in the text. The 5-6 hours will include recording the text, proofing and editing the recording, and mastering it to very particular audio standards set by distributors such as ACX/Audible. That last part is often a very difficult to achieve for inexperienced narrators. The 5-6 hours does not include the "prep read". Reading the entire book to take notes on the plot, characters and pronunciations.

  • When you record your own book you have No narrator fees. You will have to invest in good recording equipment and software. There are free software options such as Audacity and good budget friendly microphones such as the Rode NT1 5th Generation (around $250).

  • You need a very quiet area to record your book. Maybe a closet still full of clothing to reduce the amount of echo in the recording. Let's not forget about the other things going on like the kids running down the hall, the dog barking or a truck driving by. Those sounds can't end up in your audiobook. A $3000 microphone in a bad space will sound much worse than a $200 microphone in a good space.

  • There is a learning curve for narration techniques and audio editing. You could easily double the amount of time to record of a seasoned professional narrator. A 8 hour audiobook could easily take 100 hours to record. It's suggested that you sit in your closet for a few hours recording your book with whatever equipment you currently have to see if narrating your own book is for you. You'll be spending a lot of time in a confined space recording. Some people love it but it's not for everyone.


Hiring a Professional Narrator


I work directly with authors on many of the books I narrate. Generally authors reach out directly to me at randy@randymccarten.com or I audition to narrate their book through platforms like ACX.com (Audiobook Creation Exchange), Voices.com, through freelancer sites like Fiverr. ACX has a ton of additional information to help authors through the process. I am always happy to record a page or two from an author's book to ensure that the author feels that I am a good fit for their vision. Getting a custom sample instead of just listening to demos will ensure that the narrator can deliver what they say they can. Not every narrator is right for every story. If I'm not the right fit, that's fine. The author has spent sometimes years creating their book. They deserve to have their audiobook fit their intent and vision.


Things to Consider:


  • The narrator should deliver the book broken into individual files. One for each chapters and they should be edited and mastered to meet ACX/Audible or other standards for loudness, room noise limits etc.

  • Authors will need to set up their book on the ACX website. Narrators can add the audio there. When using sites like Voices.com, Fiverr.com the narrator will send the author the finished files and it will be the author's responsibility to upload the files to their audiobook platform of their choice.

  • A professional narrator fees vary. Generally there is a Per Finished Hour (PFH) rate. The author pays for each hour of the final audio, not how many hours it takes to record. The rate can range from about $100 PFH to $700 PFH or more. ACX also has options for Royalties shares between the authors and narrator or a combination of both.

  • When I record an audiobook, the author is sent the chapters as they are recorded to review and make any needed updates as we go. http://Voices.com


If you are interested in my work or would like a custom sample here are several options


  • Email randy@randymccarten.com

  • I am an ACX Approved Producer, a Vetted Pro on Fiverr and on Voices.com. You can search "Randy McCarten" on any of those platforms to find my profile once you have an account and are logged in.


Hiring an AUDIObook PRODUCTION COMPANY


Audiobook Production companies take care of the entire process for authors. Generally they will present the author with a few different choices of narrators and then take care of hiring the narrator, take care of all of the production, and distribute the book on agreed upon platforms like Audible, Apple Play, Google Play Books, Findaway and others.


Things to Consider:


  • This may be your most expensive option and fees can vary from company to company.

  • It may also be the easiest way for authors to turn their books into audiobooks.


I work with several Audiobook Production Companies. Here are some contact links:



Using Text-to-Speech Software


Text-to-speech (TTS) technology is often talked about and offering a budget-friendly option. This is an ever changing option. I am a bit biased on this due to the fact that I am a live narrator, but I also have some experience in this area. I have created an AI version of my voice and tried it on a couple of short business books. Being as objective as I can be, I will say that AI and TTS technology is not as an enjoyable listening experience for your audience as good live narration. While short sentences can sound near human, the storytelling involved in audiobooks including emotions and characters just doesn't come close to a good narrator's ability. You are more welcome to search human and voice replica narrated books and make your own choice.


Benefits of Audiobooks for Authors


Audiobooks offer more than just a new format; they change how your story connects with listeners.


  • Emotional impact: Hearing a story told aloud can create stronger emotional responses.

  • Accessibility: Audiobooks help people with visual impairments or reading difficulties.

  • Multitasking: Listeners can enjoy your book while driving, exercising, or doing chores.

  • Global reach: Audiobooks can cross language barriers with narration styles and translations.


By offering your book as an audiobook, you increase its lifespan and relevance in a crowded market.


Choosing the Right Platform to Publish Your Audiobook


Selecting where to publish affects your audiobook’s reach and earnings. Some popular platforms include:


  • Audible (via ACX): Largest audiobook marketplace, owned by Amazon. Offers wide distribution but takes a significant royalty cut.

  • Apple Books: Growing audiobook section with a loyal user base.

  • Google Play Books: Easy access for Android users.

  • Kobo Audiobooks: Popular in Canada and parts of Europe.

  • Findaway Voices: Distributes to multiple retailers and libraries.


Consider your target audience and where they are most likely to listen. Some platforms require exclusivity, so read terms carefully.


Promoting Your Audiobook Effectively


Promotion is key to making your audiobook a success. Here are practical tips:


  • Leverage your existing audience: Announce the audiobook on your website, newsletter, and social media.

  • Offer free samples: Share the first chapter or a teaser to entice listeners. ACX/Audible can provide free download codes you can give to listeners in audiobook listener groups on Facebook and other platforms to generate reviews.

  • Use audiobook review sites: Submit your audiobook for reviews on platforms like Audiobook Reviewer or Goodreads.

  • Collaborate with influencers: Reach out to podcasters or bloggers who focus on audiobooks or your genre.

  • Run promotions: Discounts or giveaways can boost downloads and visibility.

  • Optimize metadata: Use clear titles, descriptions, and keywords to improve searchability.

  • Promotional Materials: I have also produced promotional videos for several authors' audiobooks for posting on Social Media and Websites. You can see some samples at https://www.youtube.com/@randymccarten5549/videos


Consistency and creativity in promotion help build momentum over time.


Final Thoughts on Creating Your Audiobook


Turning your book into an audiobook is a rewarding way to expand your audience and deepen the connection with your readers. Whether you hire a professional narrator, use text-to-speech software, or record your own voice, each method has its strengths and challenges. Focus on quality, choose the right platform, and promote your audiobook with care.


Start by exploring your options and setting a realistic budget and timeline. Remember, an engaging audiobook can bring your story to life in ways print cannot, opening doors to new listeners and opportunities.


Please feel free to contact me with questions you may have at randy@randymccarten.com.


Thank you!

Randy McCarten

Voice Actor-Audiobook Narrator


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