Need Audiobook Publishing Services That Truly Deliver?
Who would have thought there would come a time when humans could carry an entire library in their pockets? Today, smartphones and other devices make it possible. They even narrate stories to us, much like our parents did at bedtime.
This is why audiobooks are on the rise. They bridge the gap between written words and spoken narration, offering an immersive audio experience.
Are you thinking about converting your existing or upcoming stories into audiobooks? That’s a wise decision, but you’ll need to do some homework first.
Hiring a professional audiobook production service makes the process 10 times easier. Let’s explore the benefits and services these professional publishing platforms provide.
What is an Audiobook Production?
It involves converting a well-written manuscript into an audio format that narrates the entire content. This offers convenience by supporting an on-the-go learning environment. Audiobooks are becoming increasingly popular for various other reasons, such as:
- Passive Activity: Listening to audiobooks requires less eye strain and mental effort compared to reading books.
- Multitasking Advantage: It allows users to absorb content while engaging in other activities or chores.
- Improve Author’s Reach: Many prominent authors are investing in audiobook production to reach a wider audience.
Benefits & Services Provided by Professional Audiobook Production Platforms
Audiobooks are taking over the industry as people prefer to listen to books while multitasking, such as driving to work or going for a walk.
Are you an author who wants to learn how books work in this domain? This blog will guide you about every aspect.
1. Professional Narration
You can get quality narration for your audiobook. These services have professional voice actors who know and understand the tone, pace, and emotional delivery required for each specific book.
They don’t make it sound like a flat reading. Instead, they voice act according to the genre, the situation, and the scene. They know how to:
- Adapt to a certain mood
- Take dramatic pauses
- Show warmth and authenticity
- Set the tone of fear or excitement
These skilled narrators enhance the listener’s engagement. A few of the audiobook publishing services even connect you with Hollywood actors to voice a book. For example, Kate Winslet narrated Matilda by Roald Dahl & Anne Hathaway narrated The Wizard of Oz.
2. High Quality Production
Audiobooks are required to be listened to, and listeners want the crystal clear sound. They expect a professional recording with no background noise or uneven volume levels.
A high-quality production is done by expert sound engineers who handle everything from recording to audio editing. They use premium tools and production methods to meet the industry standards. These tools remove unwanted sounds, breaths, or fix the natural flow of words.
The table below has a list of a few professional services and the audio quality they provide:
Service | Audio Quality | Supported by which devices? | Library size & research |
Audible | Industry-leading clarity, professional mastery | iOS, Kindle, Android, Microsoft, Alexa | Largest global selection for audiobooks. Provides Exclusive titles. |
Apple Books on Itunes | High-fidelity AAC format | iOS & MacOs | Strong Apple-backed ecosystem & its integration |
Google Play Books | Clear Stereo audio and consistent quality | iOS, Android, Web | Wide availability through seamless Google services. |
3. Distribution to Major Platforms
The most obvious advantage you get by taking a professional audiobook publishing service is that your book becomes widely accessible through multiple platforms. They ensure that people can easily access your book on platforms such as:
- Audible
- Amazon
- ITunes
- Google Play
- Kobo
- ACX
This enables your book to reach millions of listeners worldwide.
4. Royalty Management
Their streamlined process makes everything more convenient for authors, such as:
- Simplify Royalty Management: Handle income from multiple platforms in one place.
- Centralised Dashboard: Combine all the sales data into a single, easy-to-read view.
- Timely Payment: Ensures authors receive royalties without delays.
- Detailed Analytics: Show in which region and platform your book does the best.
- Data-Driven Insights: Help you make informed decisions about marketing and sales.
Here is a comparison of some of the top services and their royalties.
Service | Author’s Royalty Rate | Platform Share |
Audible (ACX exclusive) | 40% | 60% |
Audible (ACX non-exclusive) | 25% | 75% |
Apple Books | Up to 45% | Up to 55% |
Google Play Books | Up to 45% | Up to 55% |
Royalty and its rate vary according to the agreement made with various services.
5. Marketing and Promotion Support
A quality audio book production isn’t of any use if you don’t promote it properly. Some services provide audiobook publishing together with marketing support.
For example, they can help you create audio samples to promote a book, eye-catching cover designs optimised for audio delivery, and press release templates.
To create the hype over the release, some services even collaborate with influencers, podcast hosts, and review sites. This has a big potential to make an audiobook become a bestseller.
6. Multilingual Narration Options
Translation and multilingual narration are provided at some major publishing services. This allows authors to capture international markets.
With an audiobook available in different languages, the audience doesn’t have to buy and read translated versions. Also, this flexibility expands your audience reach and brings more income opportunities.
7. Preservation of Creative Vision
Top publishing services often work hand in hand with the authors in the production process. This will guarantee that the narrator and their voice suit the tone of the author, the rhythm of the story, and the pronunciation is correct.
The writers have the chance to review drafts and approve alterations before the final changes. It shows authors have their say, even though they are hiring professionals.
Here are some of the top publishing services you can seek today:
Service | Cost Model | Key Services | Reach | Library Size |
Audible | Revenue Share | Professional narration & distribution | Global | Largest, exclusive titles |
Apple Books | One-time price | Apple ecosystem integration | Global | Large curated selection |
Google Books | One-time price | Easy to use & self-publishing site | Global | Broad, varied genres |
Kobo | Revenue Share | Wide retail network | 190+ countries | Large eBook + audiobooks mixture |
Scribd | Subscription | Unlimited listening model | Global | Growing curated library |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I record my own audiobook without professional help?
Well, yes, you can do that, but you will require proper recording equipment, editing software, and a large enough space to meet listeners’ audio expectations.
- Does the author hold the copyrights to the audiobook?
The author holds all the rights of the audiobook, as this has already been decided before signing a contract with a professional service provider.
- How long does it take to produce an audiobook?
An audiobook can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the book, the production, editing, and approval by the author.
Final Takeaway
Publishing audiobooks with a professional service is more than simply recording. You need professional narration, the best audio quality, and worldwide distribution. That being said, some agencies also offer effective marketing tools, royalty reporting, and multiply your earning possibilities.
They can bridge the gap between technical excellence and market reach, enabling the authors to reach audiences, increase profits, and maintain their vision of creativity.
Living in a world filled with rapid changes, collaborating with this kind of service is not only helpful, but it is a strong move towards a sustainable literary career.