Have you ever wondered how audiobooks are created? It’s not just about reading words out loud into a microphone. Audiobooks are more about bringing books to life through tone, pacing, and acting. For example, a thrilling mystery and a heartwarming romance require distinct narration styles to capture their unique moods and emotions.
This is part of the reason audiobooks have exploded in popularity; they offer a new way of enjoying books that can be more immersive and captivating than traditional reading. So, why not try your hand at creating one of your own?
In this article, we’ll show you how to make an audiobook so you can transform the reading experience for your audience. Let’s get started!
What Is an Audiobook?
An audiobook is a recorded version of a book that readers can listen to. They can be narrated by one or more voice actors, which is great for books with multiple points of view. And similar to ebooks, they can be accessed on phones, computers, and tablets in the form of audio files or via streaming services.
Audiobooks are typically adapted from existing books, with a script created from the original text and refined as needed. But even if you haven’t published a book, you can still create an audiobook from scratch. And if you’re a traditionally published author, just make sure your contract gives you the right to create audiobooks independently before getting started.
Why Should You Create an Audiobook?
Audiobooks have created a new, convenient, and accessible way for people to enjoy books. They offer a way, even for the busiest of people, to quickly go through their reading lists and enjoy their favorite books whenever they want. Because of this, audiobooks are highly popular and are quickly becoming a go-to medium for book lovers.
Below are the most significant benefits that audiobooks provide:
- They’re very popular and in demand: Audiobooks are in high demand these days, with a global audience that continues to expand all the time. In the US alone, more than 52% of adults have listened to an audiobook at least once, according to the Audio Publishers Association. This shows an increasing interest in audiobooks, which ensures that you will find plenty of interested listeners.
- They can be an extra stream of revenue: Alongside regular books, you can increase your income by publishing audiobooks. Most major distributors (such as Findaway Voices and Apple Books) offer between 30% and 50% of royalties on audiobooks. And even if you’re a traditionally published author, your audiobook deal can still give you 15% to 25% of the total royalties.
- They can bring your book to life in unique ways: Audiobooks can help you craft an unforgettable experience for listeners. For instance, you can hire multiple narrators to voice the characters in your story, making it more immersive. Alternatively, you can add a few subtle sound effects or even soundscapes to the recordings. This can elevate the quality of your audiobook when done right. However, make sure to research your target audience’s preferences on the topic, as many readers prefer not to hear such sound effects because they can be distracting.
- They’re more accessible to certain demographics: Naturally, having an auditory alternative to your written book can boost its accessibility. And we’re not just talking about your visually impaired audience here; many avid readers prefer listening to audiobooks on the go because they can be more convenient than reading regular ebooks
When to Turn Your Book into an Audiobook
You might think that most books can easily be converted to audiobooks, but sadly that’s not the case. In reality, some books work better in audio format, while others rely heavily on visuals or reference material, making them less suitable. Below, we explore the types of books that work well as audiobooks and those that don’t:
Books That Work Well as Audiobooks
Certain book genres are particularly well-suited for audio formats, such as:
- Fiction: Fiction books, in general, tend to make for great audiobooks. Still, there are particular sub-genres that work better than others, such as horror, romance, comedy, and mystery novels.
- Certain subgenres of non-fiction: There are many sub-genres of non-fiction books that can make for entertaining and informative audiobooks. These can include personal development, history, health and fitness, and business. Additionally, narrative non-fiction, such as memoirs, essays, and literary journals, can also be transformed into engaging audiobooks.
- Poetry: In addition to the other genres, poetry collections can also be entertaining to listen to in audiobook form.
Books That May Not Work Well in Audio Format
On the other hand, some books rely on visual elements or structured content, making them less ideal for audiobooks:
- Books that contain lots of images: There are many genres and subgenres of books that rely on images and graphics, such as picture books, cookbooks, and graphic novels. Because of how they’re structured, it would be difficult to turn them into scripts for an audiobook.
- Technical or instructional publications: Similarly, some books, such as reference books, marketing pamphlets, and instruction manuals, are used mainly for practical reasons, such as instructing new employees or staff. So, they might not translate to a fun listening experience for a general audience.