Creating Audio

Audio book sales are growing faster than any other kind of book right now. And, if you are a podcaster, your audience is much more likely to listen to your book than read. But, producing a book that Audible, iTunes, Overdrive, and other audio book companies will distribute requires some effort. In this video, Amazon best selling author Julie Broad shares six tips for creating a great audio book that will be published on Audible and beyond.


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Video transcript:
Creating an audio version of your book is one of the smartest things you can do as a self-publishing non fiction author to create even more credibility, have a book that stands out in more search engines, and will connect with even more people.

Because there are a lot of people who won't read your book, but they will listen to it.
So, how do you create a killer audiobook for Audible without hiring voice talent and totally breaking the bank?

You're a smart author, and you know that more and more people want to listen to your book
and not read it, and some folks like to read it and listen, which does mean you can sell your book twice.

Although, with programs like Whispersync by Amazon, it reduces the rate for the second sale.
But still, it's more money for your book, yay!


Alright, so how do you create a fantastic audio version of your book?
First, you need to know the standards for getting your book approved.

You can't just get a mic, open VoiceNote on your iPhone, and start recording.
Second, you have to know that if you get your book on Audible, you will be rated on performance, story, and the overall book.
In other words, you don't want your book to get panned in the reviews just because you tried
to do your audiobook on the cheap, and didn't get it edited, right?

Right, so, here's my six tips to create a fantastic audiobook that's worthy of five stars on Audible.


NUMBER ONE:
Set up your own studio, or arrange a studio rental. If you're going to use the equipment again, or you live in a remote place, setting up a home studio is easier than you think, and recommended.

If you're a podcaster or you're gonna create online courses, it makes sense for you to do this anyways.

I did it for my book, The New Brand You, with the help of an awesome audio voice coach, audio coach?

With the help of an awesome audio coach and editor.

It cost me about 300 dollars Canadian, but I did need to find a small room where I could basically make it a padded room to lock myself in.

A closet would work, or you can even buy little boxes that will provide the kind of sound-proofing you need.


Lots of options, the big thing is to do some sound tests, run them by an editor to make sure you don't have too many issues that will make editing really expensive.

Basically, I'm saying take the time to set it up right, or shop around for a great sound studio in your area.

You can often rent spaces for 60 to 100 dollars an hour, and most books can be recorded in less than three hours, unless you're terrible.


But that leads nicely into point NUMBER TWO:
Practice, and I don't just mean speak away, and say you've practiced.

I don't just mean practice talking, I mean read your book out loud, at least once, but better to do it twice.

A paid professional would read your book out loud two to three times before sitting down in a studio to record it. You're not a professional, which means even though it's your book, you probably need even more practice reading out loud in an engaging way. So you should absolutely be practicing reading your book.


NUMBER THREE:
While you're reading, record 30 minutes of it, and send it to a voice coach.
Google voice coach, and I'm sure you'll find many. Ideally one that specializes in audiobooks,
or just hire Book Launchers and we have a multiple award-winning sound editor who will coach you. She's taken home the Canadian equivalent of an Oscar twice for her sound work so, she's pretty awesome. She also helped me with The New Brand You, if you wanna hear what she did for my voice.

Anyways, send 30 minutes of your work to a coach and get some coaching. There are definitely things you're doing that will detract from your performance, and guess what?
I already mentioned, Audible listeners rate your book based on performance as well as overall quality, and, of course, its story.

The good news is when it comes to non fiction, Audible listeners are a lot more forgiving.
When it comes to fiction, they expect you to be a professional actor.