So, you're interested in bringing your book to audio? Woohoo! Before I go into my process, I found this article very helpful:

creating an audiobook by Tany Eby

She details different routes you can take to get your book into audio as an independent or traditionally published author. (This might be a good time to mention that I work with production companies, publishers and directly with authors, so no matter what route you go, I can narrate for you if I’m the right fit for your book.)

How much does making an audiobook cost?

I can message you directly with my PFH (per finished hour) rate. Narrator math is weird. We charge, not by how long it takes us to record, but by how long the finished book turns out to be. To find out an estimate for how long your book will be, assume that every 9,000 words will be an hour long.

Word Count divided by 9,000 times the PFH = an estimate.

Clear as mud? I base my rate on the industry standard rates found here

Although most of my projects are a flat rate and do not entitle me to any royalties or perpetuities, I will consider a royalty share contract pending seeing your sales data. I only do royalty share PLUS agreements, which means I will charge a lower rate to cover the cost of my proofer and editor, but I will not charge for MY time in recording the book. It’s important that every book I produce has another set of eyes and ears on it to make sure it is word perfect and sounds like it was engineered by a professional.

What is the process?

• You establish a rate and timeline with me directly

• You create an offer for me via ACX, and I accept it (If you don’t want to go through ACX, just let me know.)

• I read the whole book. I do research on pronunciations and other things. Then, I compile a list of questions for you.

• I record the first 15 minutes. You can give me any type of direction you like. (character voices, tone, pacing, etc.) Once you approve the 15 minute sample, I won’t be able to implement any other direction from you because it would mean having to re-record part or all of the book. So, it’s important to make sure you feel good about that initial 15 minute sample.

• I record the book (I like to set aside 2 weeks to record 8 hours)

• I send the files to my editor (she takes 2 weeks to get me the final files)

• I upload the files on ACX

• You review and approve the book

• I invoice you, you pay me, then I confirm payment on ACX. After I confirm the payment, they begin the process of QC and then publish it on Amazon. This process can take a few days or a couple weeks.
  

Should I do exclusive or non-exclusive distribution with Amazon?

Even if you’d like to do non-exclusive distribution, I recommend STARTING with exclusive distribution because it will entitle you to 40% of the royalties, instead of 25% on Audible. Since Audible is the most popular place to buy audiobooks, wait for the initial sales to drop off, then after the first 90 days, you can e-mail support@acx.com and request that you change to wide distribution. They will take up to 30 days to process your request, then you can switch to non-exclusive. Please note that I can’t do royalty share plus contracts on non-exclusive distribution. Here are some helpful articles on distribution:

Home Cooked Books Article

Scribe Media Article

Publish Drive Article A great article, but I disagree with their stance on AI

Audiobooks Unleashed Article

How do I market my audiobook?

I think Karen Commins from Narrators Roadmap did a great job discussing different ideas for marketing in this article. Please note that I’m happy to help you with marketing in the following ways: recording a short soundbite for social media, being interviewed for an article, or talking with you about the book on a podcast. Although marketing isn’t a part of my services that I charge for, I want your book to succeed and am happy to help!

I’m happy to answer any other questions you have, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

xo,

Emily