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).
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.
