How Much Does it Cost to Make an Audiobook? (The 4 Best Options)

1. record and produce the audiobook yourself

many authors assume they will save money by recording their own audiobook.

But unless you already know how to convert books to audiobooks, this option may be more trouble than it’s worth. it can also be less profitable.

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Before you decide to DIY, consider the following:

  • what’s your acting ability? just because you’ve written a great book doesn’t mean you’re the best person to narrate the audio version. professional storytellers know how to keep listeners interested. if you’re not sure you can keep listeners engaged for 5 hours, hire a voice actor who can do your book justice.
  • what technical skills do you have? do you have experience? in audio engineering and production? Do you know how to master audio files to fit distribution specifications? do you know how to make sure your separate chapter files sound consistent from start to finish? if not, then don’t record your own audiobook. retailers like amazon or apple won’t sell a book with low-quality audio.
  • what’s your budget? if you already have sound equipment and understand the technical requirements of audio, record your own book might be the cheapest option. but for most authors, the equipment costs and learning curve make this method inefficient.

and remember that the hard work and expense of an audiobook doesn’t end with the production. Publishing and distribution will also fall on your shoulders if you opt for this method.

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necessary equipment

If you’re serious about DIY, you’ll need the right equipment. here are the essentials:

audio recording software

if you google “how to make an audiobook” chances are you’ll find someone who will tell you that all it takes is a few hours on garageband.

don’t listen.

yes, you may already have garageband. yes, it is relatively easy to use. but it’s not designed for the high-quality dubbing work you’ll need.

here are some best software to record audiobooks:

  • reaper: A discounted license, suitable for most authors’ needs, costs $60.
  • audacity: This is a free, open source program.
  • studioone: The basic version is $99.95, while the pro version is $399.95.
  • twisted wave: After a 30-day demo, a license is $99.90.
  • protools: a one year subscription is $199, or you can subscribe monthly for $34.99.

computer

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Your computer should be new enough to handle whatever software you buy, and it should have enough ram. I recommend at least 16gb, but you can do with less in a heartbeat.

Your computer may also not emit any fan noise. if your computer has a fan, you can’t be in the room where the recording is happening. if you have a sound booth, it should be located outside.

You may need to purchase a new computer to make sure the operating system is compatible with your recording software and the plugins you’ll need to use when editing and mastering your audiobook.

You may also need to buy a new computer to ensure your audiobook has excellent sound quality.

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microphone

You will have to choose between two main types of microphones: usb or xlr.

usb microphones are good plug-and-play options. They are much better than your computer’s built-in microphone, but their sound quality is still inferior to that of an xlr microphone.

xlr microphones are the professional recording standard. they have a standard 3-pin cable that plugs into a preamp instead of plugging directly into your computer (more on preamps below). XLR microphones produce clearer sounds and offer more flexibility if you want to use your microphone for other purposes, such as setting up multiple microphones for a podcast interview.

Not all xlr microphones are created equal. To make a professional-quality audiobook, you’ll need to use a large-diaphragm condenser microphone or a dynamic microphone.

Large diaphragm condenser microphones are more sensitive and will pick up more sound. require a phantom power supply, which may be built into your preamplifier.

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Dynamic mics are less sensitive, so they might be a better choice if your recording environment isn’t ideal. but keep in mind that dynamic microphones require a better quality preamp to avoid noise from the higher input gain.

Microphones come in all price ranges, but you can get a decent usb mic for under $100. entry-level large-diaphragm condenser and dynamic microphones start at a few hundred dollars.

microphone support

To record an audiobook, your mic stand doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, but you’ll need one. expect this to add about $30 to your overall costs.

pop filter

Certain letters such as “p”, “t” or “k” expel air from the mouth quickly and produce a clicking sound in the recording. these are known as “plosives”.

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many retail stores will not accept audiobooks with audible clicks, so you should use a click filter with your microphone.

at the low end, a popup filter costs around $10, but can run into the hundreds at the high end.

headphones

You must use headphones when editing and mastering your audiobook. it will be almost impossible to detect small noises in the audio background, even with high-end speakers.

Budget at least $100 for a good pair of headphones, preferably studio-quality closed-back headphones.

soundproofing or a soundproof room

Soundproofing isn’t just about keeping sound out. it’s also about preventing sound from bouncing around the room. you don’t want to hear an echo or reverberation in the narrator’s voice.

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