- Creating an audio version of your book
is one of the smartest things you can do
as a self-publishing nonfiction 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?
Stick around, I've got six tips for you.
I'm Julie "the Book" Broad, with Booklaunchers.com.
Alright, 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!
(laughing)
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.
- So, I was telling my friend, I was saying, "Listen, Bob,
this is really important that",
are you even listening to me?
I have to practice my voice
because I'm gonna do an Audible book.
(horse neighing)
- 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 nonfiction,
Audible listeners are a lot more forgiving.
When it comes to fiction, they expect you
to be a professional actor. - Hello.
When it's nonfiction, I think they're just happy to hear it
from the author themselves. - I'm Morgan Freeman.
Tip number four, hire a professional sound editor.
Generally speaking, 10 hours of a book
will take 30 hours to edit.
This is audible's guidelines
and the suggestion of my audiobook editor.
You can hire audiobook editors on Upwork.com, guru.com,
lots of different places.
Generally, audiobooks will cost
about 300 dollars per finished hour of product.
If you wanna guesstimate how long your book will be,
use this tool that you can download
at booklaunchers.com/timertool.
You'll see the link right here.
Tip number five, keep Audible's rating system in mind
when you're making your audiobook.
Success is a balance between a good recording,
strong pacing, and great editing, with good mastering.
And if you don't know what any of that means,
that means you need help.
(laughing)
Final tip, number six, prepare for pick-ups.
What are these?
They're spots where it's faster for an editor
to replace your voice than it is
to try to clean up the mess you made.
(laughing)
I need pick-ups for my house.
I thought I was done, when I finished my book.
I'd spent hours in my padded room that I created.
And then, I was told I had to go back and record more.
The pick-ups were easy, but just know,
you can't take down that studio right away.
You're going to have to go back to the drawing board
and re-record some sentences,
even just sometimes two or three words.
All of this might feel a little overwhelming,
but you just might find that it's really fun
to create an audiobook.
I know I loved it, and the really cool part
is none of my other author friends have done it.
So it's pretty cool to have done something most people,
even those who have written a book,
haven't done, and do it well.
Alright friends, got a question?
If you do, go ahead and post it in the comments below.
I always reply, and, if it's a question others
will benefit from, I'll shoot a video to help you with it.
While you're here, subscribe to my channel
and of course, smash that thumbs up button,
makes me happy and lets me know
I should shoot some more videos to help you.
See ya in the next video.
(upbeat rock music)
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(laughing)