Updated April 17, 2025
You did it—the hard part is over. You wrote your book and have it in your hands. You've spent months, possibly even years, writing this book. But... have you considered publishing the audiobook version of it?
Remember when you were in grade school and your teacher explained that there are all types of learners: visual learners, auditory learners, kinesthetic learners, and those that learn from reading and writing? Well, congrats on knocking off one of those ways to learn from the list—but what about the people who learn or hear stories best from listening?
There's so much power and opportunity in publishing an audiobook. They have consistently been the fastest-growing segment in digital publishing over the past several years. Per Creative Writing News, in 2023, U.S. audiobook sales reached $2 billion, marking a 9% increase from the previous year.
Why People Listen to Audiobooks
Audiobooks allow for the opportunity to multitask—and that's priceless in the busy world we live in! You can listen in the car, while you're going for a job, while you're unloading the dishwasher... the options are endless. For those who are busy juggling kids, a career, and more, they can still listen and enjoy their favorite books. And sometimes, the narrator of a book can really enhance the experience!
How to Publish an Audiobook
- Make sure that you have a digital version of your book. You (or your narrator) don't want to record while turning physical pages—the mic will pick up this noise.
- Are you recording or are you going to hire someone to do this? If you wrote a memoir or nonfiction book, I highly suggest you record the audiobook book yourself. It makes it more relatable for your audience and enjoyable for you. Not to mention, this will lower your cost. However, if you wrote a fiction book, you may need to hire someone with an acting skill set.
- Decide if you'll be recording at home or in a recording studio. Recording studios can get quite pricey, but you don't have to worry about any sound issues such as family, pets, cars outside, etc., which would be a concern if you were recording it from your house.
- Work with an audiobook producer. I know many of us want to have our hands in all aspects of a project like this, but take my advice and let an expert take the wheel. There is a lot more that goes into the producing side of an audiobook than you would think. There is a learning curve when it comes to fixing audio, making sure the volume is the same throughout the book, and adding music. If you record at home, you need a good USB mic. I recommend the Blue Yeti, a well-insulated room or soundbox, and finally a recording software (Audacity is free).
- Once you've finished recording and the producer has finished editing, you can upload your files to an audiobook platform like ACX or Findaway. These platforms then upload your audiobook to listening platforms like Amazon's Audible, Apple, and Scribd. Do your research to find the right platform based on your publisher goals.
No-Nonsense Tips for Recording an Audiobook
If you'll be recording an audiobook yourself, here are some tips and tricks from the pros:
- Make sure your phone is set to airplane mode
- Turn off any fans or your HVAC system; ensure that no pets are near your recording space
- Record in a quiet, treated space such as a small room or a closet; soundproof the room with soft materials to eliminate background noise and echo
- Keep water, cough drops, and chapstick nearby
- Do 5–10 minutes of vocal warm-ups and hydration—a dry mouth will kill your consistency and clarity
- Avoid dairy, caffeine, and sugary drinks before recording
- Stay consistent in distance from the mic and the volume in your voice. Keep your mouth 6–8 inches from the mic. Remain still to avoid variations in volume or tone.
- Fatigue impacts your voice, pacing, and energy, so limit recording to 30 to 60 minutes at a time
- Accept that you're going to make mistakes as you begin the process; don't get frustrated with yourself
Publishing an audiobook will give you an additional stream of income, help you build authority in your space, define your mission, and create an entirely new experience around the stories you're sharing with the world. I hope these tips help you get started!
