A Step-by-Step Guide to Making, Publishing, and Selling Your Audiobook

Every year, we’re lucky to have great sponsors for our nonprofit events. Author’s Republic, a NaNoWriMo 2016 sponsor, is an audiobook platform for independent authors and publishers to sell their audiobooks to listeners through 20+ digital audiobook distributors. Today, some of the experts at Author’s Republic share their knowledge of simple and effective tools for publishing your audiobook:

There’s no doubt about it, the audiobooks industry is booming and there are no signs of it slowing down. If you haven’t already, now is the time to jump on the audio train and get your book on the fastest growing market in the industry.

How do I get started?

The most challenging part of jumping into a new project is figuring out where to start. Luckily, there are some great options at your disposal to help you create a beautiful audiobook:

1. Use an A-Z service.

You may want to consider an A-Z service that will take care of the entire audiobook creation process for you. Now legendary in the audiobook industry, Deyan Audio has to its credit multiple Grammy, Audie, Earphone, and Listen Up Awards. The company works with the largest publishers and has handled all aspects of production, including casting and directing, for thousands of audiobooks. Some other great A-Z companies to checkout include Bee Audio, Spoke Media, and more.

2. DIY: Hire a Narrator.

Finding the right voice for your audiobook is critical, and while self-narration is an option (see below), there are some benefits to hiring voice talent. Many professionals who have experience narrating audiobooks have developed a sense of what works (and what doesn’t), allowing them to improve the quality of your recording. Professionals use their artistic abilities to truly bring your script to life, infusing the recording with subtle touches honed through years of experience. Furthermore, voice talent will typically be working from fully-equipped recording studios, resulting in a high-quality audio production. There is no shortage of performers out there to choose from, and services such as Voice.com, Voice123, and VoiceBunny can help you connect with thousands of artists all over the world. For more information on the process of finding and hiring creative talent, head on over here.

3. DIY: Self-Narration.

There’s something special about audiobooks read by their authors. Authors understand the tone, direction and overall feel of a book better than anyone. To create the ideal space for recording, try and setup in a carpeted room and add lots of blankets and cushions for padding (check out the home studio one author made out of her closet).You’ll also need a computer or tablet with some recording software. Audacity is a great option, as it’s free and easy to use. You’ll also want to get yourself a high-quality microphone. The built-in one on your device is an option, but for higher sound quality you may want to invest in a better mic. There are many affordable USB mics available that can plug directly into your computer or tablet—one popular option is the Blue Microphones Snowball. You’ll want to check out our full list of tips & tricks for self-narration to get best result possible. 

4. I’m ready to sell! 

You’ve turned your book into an audiobook, congratulations! The next step is to get it out there for the world to enjoy. There are hundreds of audiobook retailers looking to add to their growing library every day, and they want you! Depending on your location, you can upload your audiobook directly to distributors, but for ease of use and the widest distribution available, Author’s Republic has got you covered. Simply upload your completed audiobook and we’ll do the rest. See your audiobook on the most popular platforms like Audible, and Audiobooks.com, as well as global players outside of North America, such as Storytel and Audioteka.

5. #promotepromotepromote

Your audiobook is out there, ready to be heard by millions around the world! But the job’s not done yet: it’s up to you to promote yourself and your audiobook. Word of mouth can be a fantastic tool, but for the most part you’ll need some marketing to help create buzz (and sales) for your audiobook. Work with your retailers and publisher to setup promotions, and don’t forget the power of social media to help spread the word.

You now have a solid tool belt to help create your audiobook, so don’t settle for just a print/ebook edition. Join the thousands of others contributing to the fastest growing market in the industry, and enjoy the ride.