One question that we often receive from authors is “Should I have an audiobook recorded?”, “Can I have an audiobook made?”. It’s a very valid question indeed, and today we thought we’d address this question, delving into the popularity of audiobooks, how to approach getting one made, and what to expect.
How Popular are Audiobooks?
In short, they’re popular! This is evidenced in audiobook platforms such as Audible, which are extremely well-to-do and attract millions of listeners. Audiobook sales in the United States have been on a steady incline since 2015, having made $1.81 billion in 2022. Have a look at your favourite author’s Amazon page. The likelihood is that you’ll find that a least one of their books has had an audiobook made of it. Audiobooks are treated like podcasts; they’re listened to on road-trips, in the office, on the go, and even whilst people sleep.
Will an Audiobook Strengthen the Popularity of Your Work?
Here’s the first “tough-to-swallow” pill of the article. The answer to this question is “no, not really”. Audiobooks are often released due to the popularity of a book, or as an accompaniment to the publication of a highly anticipated book. To call them “afterthoughts” would be an insult to the vast array of fantastic quality audiobooks out there that are helmed by captivating and professional narrators, but they are never quite the star of the show when a paperback is involved. So, if you’re looking to give a second-wind to some lacklustre sales, you might be looking in the wrong place.
How Should you Approach Getting an Audiobook Recorded?
If you are considering having an audiobook recorded, there are some things to bear in mind. Firstly, your publisher may be able to sort out the whole process for you. Audiobooks are distributed online using ACX, a platform that allows publishers to collect readings from narrators, and shortlist the best ones to find the ideal candidate to narrate your book. From there, the publisher will have a specially re-designed cover made for the audiobook, and there you have it.
If you are embarking on a quest to have the audiobook recorded without the aid of a publisher, there are multiple things to consider. Firstly, be picky! You don’t want a narrator who fails to do your prose justice, so really scrutinise the narrations you receive. Secondly, make sure the audio quality is suitable! This is so, so critical because it’s one thing to make people aware of your work, and it’s another to get them to listen to it. If your final product sounds like a transistor radio in a metal can (we exaggerate but you know what we mean) or it’s riddled with clicks, pops, hissing, background noise or distortion, then this is anything but optimal. Listen to some audiobooks as a reference point. Audiobooks tend to have a very dry sound (often influenced by the environment they are recorded in) and are quite compressed to ensure a smooth listening experience.
If you’re going to record it yourself, consider booking studio time with a professional recording engineer, or having the files edited by an engineer if you record it in your own space. Be mindful of the equipment you use; make sure you have a suitable microphone, a recording space that doesn’t reverberate too much, and maybe a pop shield.
