As your publishing strategist, I wanted to share some insights from our recent Author Brainstorming Power Hour about a topic that’s becoming increasingly important in the publishing landscape: AUDIOBOOKS.
With audiobook consumption on the rise, many authors are facing a critical question: How do I get my book into audio format without breaking the bank?
The Economics of Audiobook Production
Let’s talk numbers for a moment:
- Professional voice talent: $3,000+ for a standard-length book
- Studio recording costs: Additional expenses for quality sound
- Editing time: Significant post-production investment
For many authors, especially those with multiple titles or who use books as marketing tools, these costs can be prohibitive. This is where the debate begins: professional narration vs. AI-generated audio.
The AI Option: Amazon’s Approach
Amazon now offers AI-generated audiobooks—a cost-effective alternative that’s gained traction among authors. While this option is essentially free, it comes with considerations:
- Voice authenticity: Does the AI voice match your writing style?
- Personality elements: Can AI capture your humor and mannerisms?
- Reader expectations: Audiobook listeners often develop preferences for certain narration styles
Strategic Considerations for Authors
Before deciding on your audiobook approach, consider your broader publishing strategy:
- What’s your book’s purpose? Marketing tool or primary revenue source?
- Who is your audience? Do they consume content primarily through audio?
- What’s your customer journey? How does your book lead readers to your business?
For my book “Love Yourself Successful,” I’ve hesitated using AI narration because the content contains personal mannerisms and humor that I feel need my authentic voice, but this is a strategic decision each author must make based on their unique circumstances.
Professional Resources
If you decide professional narration is right for your project, I recommend:
- Local production studios
- Professional voiceover artists
- Audio editing specialists who understand Audible’s requirements
Remember: Audible maintains strict quality standards, so DIY solutions need professional execution.
What’s Your Preference?
I’d love to hear from you. Do you prefer to consume content through audiobooks, ebooks, or traditional print? What factors influence your decision when publishing your own work?
Join our next Author Brainstorming Power Hour on the fourth Thursday of the month at noon Pacific. It’s currently free to participate, and we’d love to workshop your book concepts!
Visit jumpstartpublishing.net to register.
Here’s a few places you can join me in the next few weeks!
- WEEKLY Coffee Chats, are starting back up again next week, Tuesday, May 20th at 9am PST – anyone can come network, share what you do, we talk about business, books, and all the things that come with being entrepreneurs. It’s intimate and personal, you have to come on video. Zoom link is here.
- Monthly Author Brainstorming Power Hours, every 4th Thursday at Noon PST –Anyone is welcome to come if you are thinking about writing a book, currently writing one or want to know ways to best utilize the books you do have to build your business, authority and to get clients. Please register here.
- May 23, Friday for lunch. If you’re local to me – come attend our Polka Dot Powerhouse Lunch Connect Meeting! It’s from 11:30-1:30 at Casa del Lago in Granite Bay. You will meet up to 30 members and guests and get to share what you do, plus, learn about how our Polka Dot sisterhood could very well be the group that you’ve been longing for. Learn more and register here!
- May 13th – If you’re in or near Las Vegas, come join me for the Polka Dot Chapter Meetings there – I’m speaking about Maximizing Your Sales! Register Here.
- June 11th – Mark your calendar for the Virtual Summit About Hosting Summits (all day PST) – I’m speaking! More to come on that next week!
Wishing you a productive and impactful week!
I know how to show you how to tweak what you’re doing to get really BIG RESULTS in the next year! Book a 1on1 clarity session with me here now! Here’s to creating and enjoying a life full of lots of Love & Money!
Katrina Sawa, The Jumpstart Your Biz Coach
“I’m really excited about what I’m learning. You can add me to your list of people who wish they had found you 10 years ago. When the student is ready the teacher appears.”
“When I joined the Live Big Mastermind with Katrina Sawa I knew that I would have the support I needed to put the systems in place to be successful! In the time that I have been in LBMM I have created a steady stream of 1-on-1 clients, speaking opportunities, written 1 book myself and been a co-author in 3 others AND created an online course. I relied on Katrina’s clear instructions each step of the way to create a foundation for success. I’ve been able to hire 2 VA’s to delegate the things I don’t want to do to be able to do all things I love to do! I am on my way to a 6+ figure business and this would not have been possible without LBMM.”
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