It was late at night when I was tired and drained to the point that I couldn’t muster up the courage or commitment to start a new movie or series on Netflix. But I still needed something to relax my mind and help me unwind. This is when I started listening to The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss – an audiobook about a magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen.
This is when I realized how gripping and absorbing audiobooks can be. I personally believe that every author should get their books narrated—especially those writing in the thriller genre or even psychological suspense. The way tension builds through voice, pauses, and pacing is unmatched. But it doesn’t stop there—romance, fantasy, and memoirs also shine in audio.
If you are wondering what’s the point of doing this – you’ll be surprised to know that Edison Research did a survey for the Audio Publishers Association in 2024 and found that most adults in the U.S. (52%) have listened to an audiobook. This means almost 137 million Americans have tried listening to audiobooks at some point.
I understand this might be something new for many authors; this is why I am here to help you turn your book into an audiobook and self-publish it to expand your reach, audience, and sales.
Key Takeaways
- An audiobook helps an author reach a larger audience, including those who have time constraints or visual limitations.
- Narrate yourself or hire a voice artist to record your audiobook and self-publish it. You can also contact agencies to get custom audiobook creation services.
- Edit and produce your audiobook and self-publish it on platforms like Google Play Books, ACX, and more. You can also contact audiobook creation services online for help.
- Market your audiobook and keep a strict record of sales and the book’s performance.
Why Turn Your Book into an Audiobook?
Before we get into the details, let’s discuss the reasons why audiobooks are important. Audiobooks can help you reach more people because many prefer listening instead of reading, especially when they’re busy. The popularity of audiobooks is on the rise, which means you could make more money from them. They’re also a great choice for those who have trouble seeing.
Creating an audiobook can help you build your brand and attract a bigger audience. You’ll be amazed at how much it can help you gain recognition as an author across many platforms.
Step-by-Step Process: Making Audiobook and Self-Publish It
Preparing Your Book for Audio
Turning your book into an audiobook isn’t just about copying the text—it needs a different approach. What sounds good on paper might not sound as good when spoken. That’s why it’s important to prepare your writing specifically for audio.
One of the key things to consider is highlighting performance cues for the narrator. Think of phrases like
“He whispered.”
“She gasped.”
“He shouted.”
These aren’t just filler—they guide the narrator’s tone, volume, and delivery. Removing these cues or not clarifying them can lead to a flat or confusing performance. If your dialogue includes a lot of back-and-forth, make sure the speaker tags are clear so the narrator knows who’s saying what.
The Right Narrator for Your Book
You have two options when you are turning your book into an audiobook and self-publishing it: do the honors and narrate the book yourself or hire a professional. Narrating it yourself is a great option if you have a distinct voice, storytelling ability, and recording skills, but hiring a professional ensures a polished, high-quality result.
If you decide to go with the latter option, you can find experienced narrators on platforms like ACX, Voices.com, Fiverr, Upwork, and Findaway Voices.
Recording Your Audiobook
If you choose to record the audiobook yourself, you need a quiet space with minimal background noise. A home studio setup requires a high-quality USB microphone like the Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica AT2020, a pop filter to reduce harsh sounds, and audio editing software such as Audacity or GarageBand. If you prefer a more professional sound, you can opt for a recording studio, though it comes at a higher cost.
Besides, it is important to ensure a smooth recording session for which you need to stay hydrated, use a steady pace and natural tone, minimize background noise, and take breaks to maintain voice quality.
Editing and Producing Your Audiobook
Once recorded, your audiobook needs to be edited and mastered. Now, this is the most important part because here you will be correcting your:
- Mispronounced words
- Background noise
- Adjust volume levels
- Set format such as MP3 at 192 kbps.
If editing seems overwhelming, you can hire professional audiobook creation services online. They will not only make your work easier but will guarantee you a polished result. Remember that platforms often reject audiobooks with background noise, uneven volume, or sloppy editing.
Quality matters.
Listeners will not even take a few seconds to click away from anything that sounds unprofessional.
Self-Publishing Your Audiobook
Self-publishing an audiobook puts you in the driver’s seat—but it’s not just about uploading a few files and calling it a day. It takes planning, strategy, and a few smart choices along the way.
Here are a few things you need to think about:
Right Platform: You’ll need to choose the right platform. The most common route is ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), which is distributed to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s popular for a reason—huge reach and streamlined setup. But there are alternatives worth considering, like Findaway Voices, Author’s Republic, and Kobo Writing Life, which give you wider distribution and more control over pricing.
Exclusive or Non-Exclusive Distribution: Some platforms, like ACX, offer higher royalty rates if you agree to sell your audiobook only through them for a set period (usually 7 years). Sounds tempting—but it also means you’re locked out of other retailers. If reaching more listeners is your goal, non-exclusive distribution might be the smarter move.
Audiobook Covers: Audiobook covers should be square, usually sized 2400 x 2400 pixels, instead of rectangle-like print covers. Make sure the text is easy to read even when it’s small since most people listen on their mobile screens.
Marketing: Promotion is essential to maximize sales. Start by leveraging your existing audience—email your subscribers about the launch and share snippets and behind-the-scenes content on social media. Reach out to audiobook reviewers, bloggers, and podcasters. You can also run your ads on platforms like Facebook Ads, Amazon Ads, and BookBub to reach targeted audiobook listeners.
Track of Sales and Distribution: Many distribution platforms offer sales data that helps you track total sales, earnings, listener information, and which marketing methods work best. By looking at this data, you can improve your marketing approach and boost your sales.
Final Thoughts
Turning your book into an audiobook and self-publishing can be a fantastic way to expand your audience and increase your revenue. While the process may seem to be complicated at first, try to break the tasks down.
Take it step by step – from preparing your book and choosing a narrator to recording, editing, and marketing. Breaking them down will make it more manageable and rewarding. So, what are you waiting for? Start transforming your book into an audiobook today and tap into the booming audiobook market!
FAQs
- What is the best audiobook provider?
Some of the best audiobook providers include Kobo, Scribd, Audible, Blinkist, Hoopla, and more.
- How long does the process of transforming an audiobook and self-publishing take?
The duration depends upon the author’s skills in navigating the process, including the speed of the narrator and editor.
- Can I use AI voice to narrate my audiobook?
Yes, some platforms now allow AI narration. Google Play Books and Apple Books are experimenting with it. However, ACX and Audible still require human-narrated audiobooks. But if you are publishing an audiobook for the first, I suggest a human record because it has emotion and nuance. Something audiobook listeners enjoy.