Audiobooks for Indie Authors: Top Audiobook Platforms & Tips for Success

Audiobooks are a popular way of enjoying stories, whether during your daily commute, a workout, or just some downtime. But are audiobooks only available to big-name authors with traditional publishers? Nope! Even if you're a self-published author, you can bring your tales to life through audio.

In this post, we're diving headfirst into the world of self-published audiobooks—covering everything from understanding audiobook sales to the exact steps you’ll need to take to turn your written gems into a captivating audiobook.

Why publish audiobooks as an indie author?

Let's talk about why taking the self-publishing route for audiobooks is a great way to boost your writing journey. First, the audiobook market can help you get your book in front of a broader audience than ever before. Audiobooks can engage readers who might not usually reach for a paperback or an ebook. Whether they're commuters, joggers, avid listeners, or those who love to multitask, audiobooks offer a chance for readers to immerse themselves in your world hands-free.

And not only do they bring a wider audience, but the potential for an additional revenue stream. Audiobooks also break down barriers, providing access to stories for everyone, regardless of visual impairments, language barriers, or learning disabilities. Audiobooks transcend mere words; they’re a bridge connecting you to a global community of listeners eager for your stories.

Steps to self-publishing audiobooks

Step 1: Research distribution platforms and narrator options

When publishing audiobooks, you'll first need to choose a distribution platform. These platforms act as intermediaries between authors and various retail and library platforms, facilitating the delivery of audiobooks to listeners.

Two major platforms used by most authors are ACX and Findaway Voices. When comparing platforms, you'll want to look at their royalty rates, pricing options, selection of retailers and libraries, the process of publishing your audio files, and the pros and cons of each platform. You’ll also want to know each platform’s reach and their audience's demographics. This can help you decide which platform will best help you in reaching your target readers. 

Now, let's talk about estimating your expenses. You've got a few key areas to consider: narration, editing, and production. If you're narrating your audiobook yourself, you might just need to invest in some decent recording equipment and maybe some software for editing. But if you're planning to hire a narrator, their fee will be a significant part of your budget. Don't forget about sound engineers for that polished finish–they’ll have their own cost too.

While it's essential to manage your budget, remember that quality matters. Your audiobook isn't just a product; it's part of your author branding. Investing in a skilled narrator and proper production can make all the difference in delivering an immersive experience to your listeners. The good news is, if you’re willing to accept a lower royalty share, a platform like ACX can become an affordable option, as you would not have to pay the fee upfront. Instead, you would split your royalties with your audiobook narrator. 

Speaking of narrators, that’s another aspect you’ll have to research and decide on. Do you want to produce the book yourself or hire a professional narrator?

Keep in mind the genre and category you’re writing in. Many non-fiction narratives and memoirs are read by the author themselves, while fiction books tend to have professional narrators that can bring the voices of each character to life. Let’s look at some pros and cons of each option.

With self-narration, you've got total control over the tone, pauses, and the pronunciation of characters’ names and places. It's all in your hands. But the trade-off is that it's time-consuming. You're not just the writer now, you're also the actor, director, and sound engineer. And let's not forget the tech stuff–you'll need some solid recording gear and a bit of know-how to make it sound smooth.

On the other hand, there's the option of bringing in a narrator or a production company. You'll be able to get that silky smooth narration that hooks listeners from the start. But it’ll probably cost you a bit more, and you’ll be handing over the reins to someone else, which means some of that creative control might shift.

Ultimately, it's a dance between control, time, and cost. Are you ready to pick up the mic and shape your story's sound? Or would you rather sit back and let a pro make your words come alive?

Step 2: Audiobook production

If you're hiring a professional narrator or production company, you won't need to worry about these next couple of steps. But if you're narrating the book yourself, read on for tips on setting up your recording environment. Narrating an audiobook requires more than just a good voice. You also need a suitable recording environment, quality equipment, and audio editing software to produce a seamless final product. Invest in a good microphone, headphones, and pop filter to capture the nuances of your voice, and position yourself in a quiet space with minimal background noise. Consistent pacing, enunciation, and emotion all play a crucial role in keeping listeners engaged, so practice reading aloud and experimenting with different styles. Don't worry about making mistakes or needing to retake certain sections; audio editing software makes it easy to splice together the perfect narration. 

Step 3: Editing and post-production

Editing and post-production are crucial steps in creating a high-quality audiobook. This is another step in the process where you can decide to either hire a professional editor and sound engineer or do it all yourself. If you plan to edit and do the post-production yourself, here are some things to know. In order to deliver a polished final product, balancing audio levels and removing background noise are essential. When it comes to sound, every detail counts. Adding subtle sound effects or music can enhance the listening experience and engage the listeners on a deeper level.

Check out the audiobook for The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich to see how great sound effects can enhance the listening experience. As the narrator, it's important to ensure consistent audio quality throughout the production. Don't let poor editing take away from a great performance. 

Step 4: Audiobook cover and metadata

At this point in the audiobook production process, your story is all set to be recorded and produced. But how can you make sure that your audiobook stands out among the sea of other options available to listeners?

One key aspect to focus on is your audiobook cover design. Not only should your cover be visually appealing, but it should also give potential listeners a hint of what they can expect. And don't forget—designing an audiobook cover differs from designing a print or ebook cover. The dimensions and size are different, and you will need to be familiar with the size and file requirements for your chosen distribution platform.

Of course, it’s best to hire a professional cover designer if possible. While it is an additional cost, experienced cover designers make all the difference in how well your book appeals to your target listeners and can help you avoid loads of issues with resizing your covers. 

Crafting an engaging description and metadata–information that describes the content of the audio file–for your audiobook can make or break its success. Make sure your potential listeners are intrigued with a short yet enticing summary of your story and the narrator's style. Finally, don't underestimate the power of keywords. By choosing appropriate terms, you can improve the discoverability of your audiobook and increase your chances of reaching your intended audience.

Step 5: Audiobook publishing and distribution

Once your audio files and cover art are ready, it's time to distribute your audiobook into the world. Remember the audiobook platforms you researched? This is where they come in. Whether it's ACX, Findaway Voices, or another platform you chose, you'll need to upload your files, set pricing, distribution rights, and determine royalties.

Keep in mind factors that influence royalty rates, like sharing royalties with your narrator if upfront payment wasn't made. Also, consider exclusive vs non-exclusive distribution rates. ACX, Amazon's platform for Audible and other retailers, offers higher royalties if you choose exclusivity and place your book as Audible Only. Remember that exclusivity means it won't be available to those without an Audible account. So, weigh the pros and cons of each platform and their offerings carefully.

Ready to publish your audiobook?

In the digital age, audiobooks have become an increasingly popular medium for readers to consume content on-the-go. By following the steps above, you'll have an exciting opportunity to reach a much wider audience than before!