Blog Post

Turning My Book Into An Audio Book

by Carole Brown


I can’t remember when I didn’t love to write. From childhood up, I enjoyed making up stories. The clapping and enthusiasm from my classmates to the high school study hall sessions where one of my friends and I wrote sad and melodramatic poems to adulthood and ministry with my husband and boys, doing newsletter articles, etc., it was all experience in writing.

It’s time…

But there came a time when I told my hubby, “It’s time. If I’m ever going to use my talent for writing seriously, it’s now.”

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman wasn’t my first book to be written, but it was my debut novel. The editor I approached for publication immediately asked me to send it to them. My agent did so, and it was accepted in a few short months. Publication came with massive promotion. And then, one day…

It’s time…

My editor asked if I was interested in having it done in audible. I was. Very much so. My publication company worked with me on so many decisions, but the main one that we needed to make sure of was choosing a reader.

I chose Becky Doughty as my narrator. She’s did an exceptional job of creating the personalities in the book. Her clear and even tones captured the essence of not only of the characters, but the setting, the depth of meanings in the scenes, and the emotions.
I will be forever grateful for her ability and willingness to do my book.

A few things that are important when choosing a reader to do an audio book.

  • The contract. Make sure you understand what is involved in each detail. The cost, length of production, what type of voice you want, the experience of the reader, their references and reputation.
  • Do they have their own business, or work for another business? This may make a difference in who you can rely on to accomplish what you want.
  • The ability of the reader. There are readers, and then there are readers. Meaning, not everyone’s voice is pleasant to listen to. You want someone to read your book who can bring the heart of it to the listener. They need the ability to capture the life of your book so that the listener will shake with fear, shiver with excitement, cry with sadness and sigh with contentment and happiness.

To me, getting the right reader is the most important part of doing an audible book. But do your research ahead of time to prevent regrets and anger. Research audible book companies. Cover every detail. Take your time. Then when you’ve made your selection, rest in the knowledge, you’ve done your part. And once it’s produced, sit back and enjoy listening to your book.

Then get to work promoting your baby.

(¯`v´¯)ღ About The Author ღ(¯`v´¯)ღ¸

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Connect with Carole

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
FB Fan Page:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/183457429657732/
Amazon Author Page:  https://amzn.to/38Ukljnhttps://amzn.to/38Ukljn
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/browncarole212/?hl=en
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown
Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a/

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3 thoughts on “Turning My Book Into An Audio Book

  1. Kristena, I’d love to learn what you find out about these. I’m signing up for your blog! And thanks for allowing me to visit. I have a book that just released (5th book in the Appleton, WV series and one in July/August) this year, if you’re interested in having me visit either or both of them.

  2. Thank you for explaining the audiobook process. I have been curious about how this works. I have heard that it’s quite expensive to hire someone. I’ll have to explore this further.

    1. It can be expensive but some options are less so than others. AMX Audio is one to look into as well as Findaway Voices. You can also find some good deals on Fiverr. I’ll be doing more blogs about this.

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