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8 Effective Tips for Publishing Your Own Audiobook

If you are going to publish a book for the very first time, you should really think of publishing in the audiobook format. Although a majority of first time authors will always prefer to publish a physical book, publishing in the audiobook format is also a great option.

By choosing this option, you’ll save up on publishing costs, and you’ll be able to distribute your work in the easiest and most hassle free way possible. However, publishing an audiobook is not as easy as you think. You will need a set plan before you think of publishing an audiobook.

Here are 8 Effective Tips for publishing your own audiobook.

1. Convert your book into a workable script

If you wrote your manuscript in book form, you should make sure that you convert it into a workable script. Remember that the audiobook is a reading of your work, and it can be difficult for the production team to convert it into an audiobook if it follows the more traditional format. It will be especially difficult for the narrator because he or she won’t know what type of emotion to infuse in the dialogue or what part to pause or speed up. So before you have your manuscript converted to an audiobook, you should think of it as a script. Add notes for the narrator to follow and take cues from.

2. Get a quality recording team together

Now that you converted your manuscript into a workable script, you will need to gather a competent recording team. Remember that no matter how good your manuscript is, it still won’t do any good if your audiobook is barely audible. So before you even start, you should make sure that your recording team consists of professionals that will help elevate every aspect of your audiobook.

3. Create an attractive audiobook cover

If you are publishing an audiobook for the very first time, you would think that you would not really need an audiobook cover. This is a misconception. Remember that you will still be advertising your audiobook. You will still show it through your blog site and through various online retailers. If you just use a generic cover for your audiobook, it won’t attract any potential readers. So you should make sure that your audiobook cover is as attractive as possible.

4. Invest in quality recording equipment or a recording studio

One of the biggest expenses in publishing an audiobook is the equipment needed. Not only will you need to have great recording equipment, you will also need a space that is optimum for recording. Buying good quality recording equipment and building a recording studio will cost a small fortune. So your best and most realistic option is to rent a recording studio. By doing so, you will no longer have to worry about equipment maintenance and it is a great deal more affordable.

5. Choose an audiobook format

If you are going to publish an audiobook, you should know that there are various formats that you could use. You will need to familiarize yourself with all of them before you choose which ones to use.

WAV Files

This format is by far the oldest. It is not as efficient or as compressed as MP3 files. It was first created in 1991, and nowadays used as uncompressed files that stores subtle and short sounds during the recording process.

MP3 Files

The MP3 format is technically the final form of most audiobooks and are very efficient. They are compressed and very portable. Because of this feature, the MP3 format could store thousands of audio files. It is this technology that allows smartphones to store thousands of songs, and it is the most widely used format for audiobooks.

M4B Files

This format has many similarities to the MP3 format. The only difference is that the M4B format could be bookmarked. This format is predominantly used by apps such as iTunes. Although your main format for your audiobook should be in MP3 form, you should also convert it to M4B form, so that it could also be downloaded through iTunes.

6. Hire a skilled narrator

The audiobook has many facets to take account of, but if there’s one aspect that you should really be careful with, it is your choice of narrator. The narrator is what brings the whole audiobook together. If your narrator is an amateur, the audience will know right away.

The narrator should not only read your work. He or she should read your book to the audience with as much clarity, emotion and style as possible. The narrator is the one who will deliver your work to your audience. They will interpret your story, concepts and philosophy to your audience.

So when you choose a narrator, he or she should have years of experience. The narrator should also have a distinct voice that is not only clear, but pleasing to the ears as possible. If you have the budget, it is advisable that you hire a professional voice actor because they know how to truly convey words and emotions in the most subtle and effective way possible.

7. Take your time with the process

When you start creating your audiobook, you should know that it will not be an easy prospect. There will be times where you will be faced with setbacks that may delay your publishing schedule and you could lose focus in the long run.

However, like any worthy endeavor, publishing an audiobook does take time. So don’t rush the process. Just take it one step at a time, and be as meticulous as possible. It is better to delay your audiobook release, than to release it and find out that there are many mistakes afterwards.

8. Choose a fitting price for your audiobook

When you do put up your audiobooks for sale, it is important that you know how much you should sell it for. When it comes to pricing your audiobook, it really depends on you. However, if you want your book to stay competitive in the market, it is best that you match the prices of other audiobooks. When it comes to pricing your audiobook, one of the best guides is the length of your book.

Conclusion

Audiobooks are a great publishing option, however it can be tricky if you are doing it for the very first time. Luckily, with these tips you’ll be able to publish your audiobook in the most effective and efficient way possible.

If you want to publish a book the right way, you should reach out to Writers Republic! They have all you need to reach your publishing potential!

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