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How To Record An Audiobook Yourself (Or By Using Services)
Michael Adams
You have published your book and would like to create an audiobook of your work but you don’t know how to record an audiobook. How do record your own audiobook? Can you record an audiobook at home? You absolutely can!
This article is the complete guide to recording an audiobook, by yourself or through professional services. It discusses what goes behind creating an audiobook, the different ways to create an audiobook, which approach suits you best, and more. Let’s get started!
How to Make an Audiobook
The first step in audiobook recording is deciding how you want to do it. There are three ways you can produce an audiobook.
- Record it yourself
- Outsource the project
- Hire a sound engineer and narrate it yourself
When it comes to turning your book into an audiobook, you’ve got choices. DIY (do-it-yourself) audiobooks let you do the recording at home and give you complete creative freedom of the project. It’s budget-friendly but needs time and a learning curve.
On the other side, audiobook recording services bring in professionals—narrators, sound experts, and production teams. They handle the recording and editing, ensuring a polished result. It’s convenient but comes with a cost for narration, studio time, and production.
The third option is a hybrid approach between these two methods. You can create a recording space and narrate the audiobook yourself to avoid the cost of renting a studio. The audio can be edited, mixed, and mastered by a professional sound engineer hired through ACX or another platform.
How to Record Books for Audible
A lot goes into creating an audiobook. From the narration to the file quality, everything must be up to the standards of Audible to be published. While it is possible to produce a DIY audiobook that meets the standards set by Audible and other audiobook platforms, it is not an easy process.
Here are some technical requirements your audiobook meets to be published on distribution platforms like Audible:
- Every chapter must have an individual file. No file should exceed 120 minutes
- The chapter should begin with a pause and the announcement of the chapter title and number.
- The audio for each chapter should be between -23 dB and -18 dB.
- The overall audio quality and tone must be consistent throughout the audiobook.
- There should be minimal distortion and unwanted noise.
How to Record an Audiobook
Audiobook recording is a thorough process which requires patience and expertise. Let’s get into each step to ensure you have a solid understanding of how to make an audiobook.
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Creating a Recording Room
When recording audio, it is crucial to have a quiet spot to cut down on background noise. While choosing a recording room, pick a quiet and isolated space in your home that is far from the street and any large household appliances.
Consider using soft furnishings or blankets to dampen echoes and improve sound quality. It helps create a good environment for clear and focused narration. Invest in basic acoustic treatment with acoustic panels, bass traps, or positioning furniture to improve sound quality further.
Acoustic treatment of a room essentially means strategically placing materials like brass traps, panels, and diffusers to improve the room’s acoustics for better quality sound.
Bass traps absorb low-frequency sounds to prevent them from bouncing around the room. Acoustic panels catch and soften mid-high frequency sounds and reduce echoes, whereas diffusers spread sound evenly for balanced audio.
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Getting Sound Recording Equipment
Selecting the right recording equipment is crucial for producing a professional-sounding audiobook. The right microphone, accessories, and software all contribute to clear and consistent narration.
The right equipment ensures high-quality audio and a good overall listening experience for your listeners. Here is the basic equipment you need to record audiobooks yourself:
Microphone
Selecting an appropriate microphone is crucial for capturing clear and high-quality audio. Take into consideration the mic type (i.e. condenser vs dynamic), polar pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, or bidirectional), and frequency into consideration.
The microphone you choose should complement the style of your audiobook and be appropriate for your recording environment. Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 are excellent choices for home recording setups.
Quality Headphones
Invest in a pair of closed-back headphones for monitoring your recordings. Closed-back headphones help isolate your voice from external noises so you can catch unwanted noises without disrupting the recording. Popular choices include the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and SONY WH-1000XM5.
Pop Filter:
A pop filter is a simple but important accessory in your recording setup. It is placed in front of a microphone and helps eliminate plosive sounds (like ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds) that can distort your recording. The Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter is a budget-friendly option that provides effective sound filtering. Shure Popper Stopper is another great option.
Boom Arm or Microphone Stand
A boom arm is a stable support system for your microphone. It allows you to adjust the microphone position to enhance comfort during recording. It maintains a consistent microphone position which is helpful, especially during long recording sessions. Rode PSA1 and the Samson MBA Series are some reliable choices.
Shock Mount
A shock mount suspends the microphone to separate it from vibrations, disturbances, and handling noises, ensuring a cleaner recording. The Rode PSM1 Shock Mount is compatible with various microphones and helps in achieving professional-grade results.
Want to learn how to record audiobooks? Check out our detailed guide to choosing the right audiobook recording equipment.
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Recording Your Audiobook
Before hitting the record button, thoroughly familiarize yourself with the script. Practice reading passages aloud to ensure a smooth and natural delivery. Focus on maintaining a consistent pace and infusing emotion into your narration. Remember that narration is not simply reading. It is a performance. You must perform the character and narrate the words in a way that grabs the listener’s attention.
Choose reliable recording software for your audiobook project. Audacity (free), GarageBand (free, only for Mac), and Adobe Audition (paid) are some of the best audiobook recording software. For a smooth recording and editing process, become familiar with the different features of the software.
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Checking the Narration
While recording, monitor the audio in real time through your headphones. By listening to your narration as it happens, you can catch mistakes and adjust pacing which would ensure a high-quality recording. Real-time monitoring helps maintain consistency and address any issues as they happen.
Try to make corrections during the recording process to maintain a smooth flow. You can rerecord parts that you are not happy with. This would reduce the need for extensive post-production edits. However, strike a balance so you do not disrupt the rhythm of your narration so it remains natural and authentic.
Before publishing our audiobook, you need to edit the files post-production. If you are an experienced audio engineer, you can do this by yourself. However, if that is not the case, hire an audio engineer.
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Publishing the Audiobook
Carefully select a distribution platform for publishing your audiobook. Popular choices include Audible, ACX, and various other audiobook retailers. Evaluate factors such as pricing, exclusivity agreements, and royalty structures to determine the most suitable platform for your audiobook.
To learn more about audiobook publishing, check out our article on how to sell audiobooks on Amazon.
How to Hire the Right Audiobook Service
Whether you want to hire independent audiobook producers, post a project on ACX.com , or hire an audiobook production company, here’s what to look for:
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Hiring Audio Engineers & Producers
Quality Matters: Select professionals with experience in audio engineering and production. Look for experience in audiobook creation specifically, as it is much different than music editing. It’s best to look for people who have experience working with your book’s genre so they can truly capture the nuances of the writing and understand your vision.
Listen to Samples: Ask for samples of previous audiobooks they’ve worked on. This allows you to assess the quality of their work and determine if their style aligns with your idea.
Clarify the Process: Interview the sound engineer to understand the workflow they follow. Discuss recording techniques, editing processes, and how they handle narration quality. Communicate your expectations clearly to ensure a smooth collaboration.
Outsourcing the Whole Project
Audiobook production companies have a team of narrators, engineers, and producers, that can do the entire process for you, from recording to post-production.
Evaluate Narrator Options: If the service includes narration, carefully consider the narrator options available. A skilled narrator can enhance the overall listening experience for your listeners. Listen to narration samples and choose someone whose vocals are best for your book’s tone and style.
Check Reviews and Reputation: Before finalizing any service, look at the reviews and user testimonials. In particular, look for reviews and testimonials from authors who have used their services. A reliable service provider would have positive feedback regarding the quality of their work and work ethic. If they have cited any works, listen to the audiobooks on Audible and cross-check the credits.
Agree on Rights and Royalties: Discuss the rights and royalties associated with the audiobook and make the budget for the project. It’s important to discuss exclusivity agreements, distribution rights, and how royalties will be shared before you sign anyone for the project.
Hire BookQuill To Do Your Audiobook!
If you’re looking for an audiobook service company, BookQuill might be a great fit. Get connected with celebrated narrators and sound engineers who can execute your project with perfection. BookQuill can even help you with narrating your audiobook and connect you to sound technicians who can complete it for you.
From producing to distributing your audiobook, BookQuill is there to assist you every step of the way. Check out our audiobook recording services for more information or call us at 1-833-587-7003 book a consultation.
Final Word
An audiobook is a great way to connect with your audience and reach more people. Whether you take the DIY route or hire professionals, our guide offers practical steps to create an engaging audiobook that showcases your storytelling prowess and connects with listeners. Remember to enjoy the process, stay authentic, and deliver a high-quality listening experience that can bring your words to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I record my own audiobook?
Yes, you can record an audiobook on your own. You will need audiobook recording equipment, audiobook recording software, and help from a sound engineer if you don’t have sound editing experience yourself. You can then upload your audiobook on the distribution platform after making sure the audio files meet the technical requirements.
What software is used to record audiobooks?
There are many audiobook recording software out there but the most popular ones are Audacity (free), GarageBand (free, only for Mac), and Adobe Audition (paid).
How do I record an audiobook at home?
To record an audiobook at home, follow these steps:
- Set up a quiet space with minimal background noise.
- Use good equipment: A condenser microphone, pop filter, and headphones.
- Choose recording software like Audacity or Adobe Audition.
- Record in short segments, take breaks, and edit out mistakes.
- Export the final audio in MP3 or WAV format.
With the right setup and some practice, you can create a professional audiobook at home.
How can I self publish an audiobook?
Once you have recorded an audiobook, you can choose a distribution platform to publish your audiobook on. ACX, Findaway Voices, PublishDrive Inc., and Kobo are some popular options. you can simply create an account and upload your files as long as they meet the technical standards set by the distributor.
How long does it take to record an audiobook?
Typically, a finished 10-hour long audiobook can take up to 20 hours to record for a voice actor. This is obviously broken down into multiple recording sessions. Then the audio is edited to enhance voice quality. Overall, audiobook production can take up to a month but it may take more or less time depending upon the length of the book.
How much does it cost to record an audiobook?
The average rate of audiobook production is $500 to $750 per finished hour of audiobook. The total cost would depend upon how long your audiobook is. The price varies depending on how you produce the audiobook.
