5 Benefits of Turning Your Book into an Audiobook

5 Benefits of Turning Your Book into an Audiobook

Aerio Staff

Audiobooks are hotter than ever! It might be time to consider publishing an audio version of your book.

Before you leap into that decision, however, first consider whether your book would make a good audiobook. If the answer is yes, think about the benefits of creating an audiobook and what it will take to get started. Then you'll know if the time is right to turn your book into an audiobook.

Is my book content good for an audiobook?

If the story or message of your book depends on charts, diagrams, and graphs, it will be difficult to get it across to listeners as opposed to readers. A page or two of photographs might not make too much of a difference, but if your book contains a section full of photos or you've splattered pictures or artwork throughout, your book won't convert well to audio. Similarly, be advised that any graphic lettering or purposeful book design will be lost on listeners.

Is your book written in a linear fashion? The conversion of linear story or narrative book into audiobook works well. However, if you've written a cookbook, guidebook, reference book, or any other book that has readers skipping back and forth, it's simply not good content for turning your book into an audiobook.

What are the benefits of creating an audiobook?

1. Earn more profits.

Audiobooks are a profitable industry. According to a recent study conducted by Pew Research, almost 20 percent of Americans listen to audiobooks. Because the cost to convert a book into an audiobook is low, the profit margin for audiobooks is on the higher side.

2. Reach a different audience.

You can reach and engage a new and different audience through audiobooks, as not all book lovers like to read. Many people who are dyslexic, blind, or just plain busy are buying audiobooks at an increasing rate. Plus, you can boost your print and ebook sales by adding audio versions as you reach a wider audience.

3. Never worry about stock.

You don’t need to worry about having your book in stock because a downloadable file is always there. One publisher recently released a title early due to the media buzz it was getting. There weren't enough books printed in the first run to meet demand and by the time the media hype had blown over, no one was interested in the book anymore. Fortunately for the author, the book was available in audio version via instant download and, well, let's just say he made a lot of money thanks to his audio version of the book.

4. Be easily discovered.

Audiobooks put you on the digital map, making it easier to find your content. It's easier for book lovers to discover your book among 100,000 other titles at Audible.com than it is to find you among millions of print authors online. You can stand out by being one of the minority of authors who produce their book in an audio version.

5. Budget your time and funds.

Audiobooks today are relatively inexpensive and easy to produce, plus there are now more options for authors who want to produce audiobooks. There are services for hire like the Audiobook Creation Exchange, ACX, which even allows you to create your audiobook for free as long as you share profits with the narrator. You can even record and create your audiobook yourself.

What can I do to get started?

First, prep your content for recording. Create a script from which you or the narrator can easily read. Remove elements such as hyperlinks, captions, anything visual, and calls to action that won't make sense or may trip up the narrator.

Once your content is good to go, choose your recording options, taking into consideration your budget and available resources.

  • Choose a narrator. If you're unsure whether to record your book yourself, or to hire a narrator, consider how personal the story is. Your own voice might be the right one - or not.
  • Gain access to equipment. You'll need a microphone, recording platform, and sound-proof room.
  • Choose your location. If you have access to the proper equipment and plan to narrate the book yourself, you may be able to record at home. However, if you are in need of equipment and/or hiring a narrator, it might work best to purchase time in a recording studio.
  • Evaluate timing. It typically takes about 16 hours to record an average-length book and a minimum of two weeks to edit the recording.

If book selling is your goal, it's wise to offer your book in as many versions as possible: print, electronic, and audio. Turning books into audiobooks is easy and profitable. Not only does the audio market help you reach new readers, it improves your overall sales and can be an important part of your sales and marketing strategy. So, consider your content and take it to the next level by creating an audio version of your book. You'll sell more books!