So, you love listening to audiobooks? You will be spoilt for choice if you are an Apple user, as there are many audiobook applications for Macs and iPhones. For instance, the best audiobook app for Mac is Audible or Apple Books. These apps have a massive selection of eBooks and audiobooks, integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, and are easy to use. In addition, you will find millions of bestsellers and titles to keep you entertained during your travels or anytime you want to listen to your favorite books.
How To Recording an Audiobook
If, after many moons of listening to your favorite authors and novelists, you wish to record an audiobook of your own, you have come to the right place. Since people have genuinely warmed up to the idea of listening to books instead of reading them, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to publish your first book as an audiobook. Or, if you have already published your book, you can record an audio version of it. Fortunately, recording an audiobook is a straightforward process. Follow the steps given below.
- Ready The Manuscript
This step is easy if you have already published a book. You will have a ready manuscript, which is already polished and ready to be converted to an audiobook.
But if you are in the process of publishing your book in any format, you must prepare the manuscript before recording the audiobook. This involves editing and proofreading your draft and ensuring your manuscript is finalized for print. In addition, the audiobook must match the paperback version because sometimes readers like to follow along with the book while listening.
The audiobook must match word for word with the published book or eBook.
- Choose The Narrator
This is an important step. Once the manuscript is ready, you must decide whether you will read it yourself or hire a professional narrator. Although the choice is personal, it may be influenced by some factors.
For instance, reading it yourself may be a better choice because you can bring the spirit to the book that nobody else can. Also, readers like to hear the voice of the author when listening to non-fiction books. Moreover, narrating it yourself is less expensive, and all you need to do is invest in a home studio.
On the other hand, you may want to hire a narrator because narrating a book isn’t an easy job. If you aren’t confident in your narrating ability, hiring someone would be better. It is also less time-consuming when a professional narrator is doing the job.
Therefore, weigh the pros and cons of both options before making your choice.
- Create A Home Recording Studio
If you have decided to narrate the book yourself, you must invest in a home recording studio. Setting this up is surprisingly easy, and you will get the highest quality product.
First, identify the quietest part of your home. It must be away from the buzzing of light, the humming of the fridge, and noisy street traffic. Also, restrict this area for your work, and when you are recording the audiobook, don’t let anybody enter this part of the house. Finally, it would be best to keep the area as small as possible because sound travels in larger areas, and these sounds will be picked up by the microphone.
Second, you must get the appropriate equipment to start recording. You must have a computer or a laptop with recording software installed. If you’re using a Mac, GarageBand is a good option, and this software is free. It comes with a plethora of audio recording and editing tools. There are also other audio recording software for Mac, like Audacity and Logic Pro.
Besides the audio recording software, you must get a microphone and mic accessories. You will easily find many affordable options to start your career in recording audiobooks. Ensure the microphone cancels external noises.
Now, you can start recording!
- Publish The Audio Files
The final step is to complete the recording and publish the audio file. You must edit the audio file before publishing it and let your readers access your story.
You must choose a platform and then upload your audio file. Some platforms take a few days to approve the submissions. Sometimes, the quality assurance check may take up to thirty days, and you must keep this in mind before revealing the big launch of your audiobook to your readers.
Planning Your Production:
- Chart Your Course: Before diving in, consider your budget. Will you self-narrate, or enlist a professional voice actor? Factor in equipment costs, editing software, and potentially audiobook distribution fees.
- Script Savvy: Polish your manuscript! Proofread meticulously and highlight pauses, character voices, and any sound effects you envision.
Crafting the Perfect Soundscape:
- Silence is Golden: Locate a recording haven – a quiet space free from background noise. Consider using sound-absorbing materials like blankets or special panels to minimize echo.
- Mic Magic: Invest in a high-quality microphone. Experiment with it to ensure crisp audio, and adjust recording levels for optimal volume.
Capturing the Performance:
- Warm Up Your Voice: Do some practice readings to get comfortable with the script and limber up your vocal cords.
- Record in Bites: Most audiobooks are recorded section-by-section, making editing a breeze. Don’t fret about minor mistakes – you can fix them later!
Polishing Your Masterpiece:
- Editing Enchantment: Editing software empowers you to remove background noise, correct stumbles, insert pauses, and even incorporate sound effects.
- Mastering the Polish: Mastering ensures consistent volume levels throughout your audiobook, giving it a professional touch.
Sharing Your Creation with the World:
- Final Touches: Give your finished product a listen and make any necessary tweaks.
- Platform Power: Once you’re thrilled with your work, explore audiobook distribution platforms like Audible or ACX to connect your creation with eager listeners!
Bonus Tips for Vocal Brilliance:
- Stay hydrated and take breaks to prevent vocal strain.
- Plosive Defense: Consider using a pop filter to minimize those harsh “p” and “b” sounds.
- Project and Pace: Project your voice and maintain a consistent reading pace for optimal listening.
- Embrace the Story: Most importantly, have fun! Let your passion for the story radiate through your narration.
The Bottom Line
Audiobooks are a huge trend nowadays because people don’t find the time to sit quietly with a book. Therefore, it is an excellent alternative for bookworms to get their daily dose of reading done, but with someone reading out the words to them.
So, do you have ideas for your next book? Don’t forget to record it as an audiobook, along with publishing it in other formats.