Audio Books: Hiring a Pro

Audiobooks are a fast growing segment of publishing. They are not just for the visually impaired. Many people listen to audiobooks while exercising, driving, doing house or yard work, or just relaxing in a hammock.

Do you need an audiobook version? Need is a strong word, but an audio book expands your customer base. Why not cover all of the bases? 

Here is an article on the pros and cons from NY Book Editors.

If you want the best book possible, turn to the professionals. It really is the difference between singing at a Karaoke bar (where you may find an amazing singer), hiring a wedding singer, and getting Barbra Streisand to blast your sales into the stratosphere.

Budget is always a problem and you may not be able to afford Babs, but there are multiple services that handle the complete process from scripting the novel to the final distribution. This is truly your best bet for a bestseller.

They have access to get your books uploaded to Audible, iTunes, Downpour, Overdrive, and other audiobook providers for libraries.

Audible aka ACX/Audiobook Creation Exchange is the most well known and works directly with Amazon. They can help you produce an audio book, hire a gifted narrator, or just distribute the finished audio book.

Here is an interview with an audible narrator. 

BookBaby is also well known.  Authors can pay a one-time setup fee to upload completed audio files and cover art with sister company CDBaby handling the manufacturing of discs and distribution for both physical and digital editions of your book.

Blackstone is one of the largest independent audio book producers. They have their own recording studio and work with the big five publishers. 

Brilliance Audio has been creating audio books since 1984 and works with big name publishers. 

Dog Ear Publishing gives authors the option to record their own book or hire a professional narrator. They will master the recording and distribute it through all major online bookstores.

eBookIt pairs authors with voice artist and readies the audio book for upload. They provide you with the recording, you take it from there. You can also use this service to convert your print book to e-book.

Graphic Audio in Maryland specializes in action adventure, science fiction, and fantasy titles and has its own production facility. 

Harper Audio/Caedmon  is an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers and produces their audiobooks. 

Infinity Publishing charges by the finished hour which includes professional narration, editing, and distribution of both physical CDs and digital files. ($600 for 10,000 words).

Oakhill was founded in 2005 and has had success with both children's literature, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and crime thrillers. 

Oasis Audio works with fiction, non-fiction, children’s, business, and religious titles. 

Podium is a startup with experience in both audio and publishing.

Recorded Books works with the big five publishers. Join bestselling and award-winning authors such as Danielle Steel, Diana Gabaldon, Francine Rivers, William Kent Krueger, Jeff Kinney, Sarah J. Maas, and many others who have unlocked the true value of their audio rights by working with Recorded Books. 

Strathmore is London based and has been creating award-winning audio books since 1996. 

Especially when you self-publish, and have made sure you have a top notch product, adding an audio book expands your audience. Do it well, and you benefit from good reviews and word of mouth.

Next week, we take a look at the option of hiring a professional narrator to record your book should you choose to do your own production and distribution.