Audiobook Recording: What I’ve learned recording my audiobook…so far.

Audiobooks are growing in popularity, despite their being more expensive than print or e-books. Why? Because people can listen when they are on the go, walking, running, in the car, on the train. And, truth is, due to our rapid technological world, our attention span is shorter. People read less and listen more.

 

When I learned this, I was convinced. I needed to record an audiobook. First, of course I researched like a fiend and found lots of tutorials  advising authors how to record their books. And it seems like I’ve read them all!

 

I also listened to two webinars. One free and one paid. Both were essentially the same information, but the paid webinar gave me access to a professional to evaluate the quality of the first chapter to determine if it passed Audible compliance requirements. It was approved immediately.

 

Since I was good to go, I jumped right in! And, because I received so many positive comments from writers, readers, and friends, I decided to take a little time out and share what I’ve learned so far. Maybe this will help you, should you decide to record your book.

 

Before we get into how long it takes to record, how fast to read, spaces, breaths, breathing, etc., I suggest these preliminary steps before you get into the actual recording.

1.           Listen to some audiobooks with an ear to analyzing voice, intonations, use of pauses, changes in pace, etc. If you don’t own an audiobook, access Audible on Amazon, choose a book in your genre, and listen to the excerpt. It’s an excellent learning tool.

2.           Edit your manuscript. It was designed to be consumed with the eyes, not the ears. The difference between print and audio is substantial and you’ll need to make appropriate changes.

How do you know where those changes need to occur? It’s easy. Read your book out loud. You will hear at once where you need to edit. For example, paragraph divisions are not apparent when reading and it is often hard to figure out who is speaking. Therefore, you will need to insert the "he said" and "she said," or the character’s name, to make clear who is speaking.

Also, and this is very cool: if your script says, “he stammered,” for example, cut that phrase and you do the stammering when you say his dialogue. Think of it as “showing vs. telling.”  Yes, I’m suggesting a bit of acting! Besides, it’s fun!

3.           Save your script on your computer, iPad or digital notebook to avoid recording the sound of flipping sheets of paper or the pages of your paperback.

4.           Unless you have the space, money, and ability to create a room in your home, rent a professional studio. Yes, it will cost you, but, believe me, it’s well worth it if you want your book to sound professional.

5.           Hire a sound technician. Even though I have been recording my "In the Know!" podcast show for over eight years and am an experienced audio recording editor, I hired a sound technician. He just happens to be Daniel Gomaa, the head engineer and owner of Esco Studios.

He’s in the recording room with me, operating the sound equipment, manipulating the recording, pointing out areas for improvement, helping me fix my errors, and ensuring the quality of the entire recording meets ACX submission requirements for publishing on Audible. With his help, I’m free to focus completely on reading my book.

At the end of each session, Daniel sends the MP4 recording file to me via email. I listen, reviewing carefully and when I find areas I want to rerecord, delete or fix somehow, I mark down the exact minute, explain the changes I want and email them to Daniel.

Then, at the end of our next session, we take the last few minutes to incorporate the changes I requested in my email to him.

Note: I always have access to each recording, chapter by chapter. And, Daniel is excellent. He’s efficient, fast, open to all suggestions, has great suggestions for me beyond what I am aware of, completely willing to make the changes I want and most of all, he is constantly giving me positive feedback, especially when I get down on myself. We are a great team.

6.           Practice reading each part of the script at home before you attend each of your recording sessions. Make sure you are familiar with the script and know where to place the emphasis on words or phrases, and where to insert pauses. This also helps with those tricky sentences with tongue twisters and alliteration. Avoiding these errors will not only save you time and money, but it will also save you from getting overwhelmed with frustration.

7.           Assess your voice for strength. I set up two-hour sessions. During the first few recording sessions, my voice began to turn gravelly at the two-hour mark. Plus, I just got tired. When that happened, I got up from my chair, sipped water, and took a few long, deep breaths. The good news, after a few sessions, my voice got stronger and I was less tired.

Still, limiting my sessions to two hours each is best for me. Any more time than that and I am less effective. I make more errors and my voice falters.

Also, I’m best in the morning. Yesterday, I recorded at 4:00 in the afternoon and I was not as fresh or as energetic. I made more errors and I got frustrated with myself. Lesson learned!

8.           Hydrate. Drink plenty of water every day. I actually got a sore throat and bought some lozenges to lubricate my vocal cords. Avoid foods and drinks that dry your throat. And, of course, always drink water during the recording session.

---

Okay, now let’s look at tips to consider during your recording sessions.

 

1.      It will take longer than you might think, maybe as much twice or three times longer than reading your book. Apart from a short break or two, you will make errors, emphasizing the wrong word, breathing at the wrong time, flubbing words, and more. It happens to all of us, professionals, too.

 

2.      How fast to read? Generally, read much slower than you think or talk. But be aware, you can sound unnatural, wooden, and without emotion. The trick is to read parts which are less important a little quicker and slow down on the parts that need more emphasis. This pacing can also give a sense of gravitas to the recording, especially if you slow down at the end ... of ... sentences!

 

Spacing is also important. Creating spaces by pausing between paragraphs, sentences and phrases can change the mood and help keep the story clear, even when some of the reading is quite fast. When in doubt, leave long gaps.

 

3.      Breaths. I have listened to lots of excerpts and when the breaths are removed, it sounds unnatural, robotic. So, be human and take breaths. Furthermore, breaths are important to convey emotion.

 

Of course, avoid taking breaths just anywhere. Find the right spots in your manuscript where pauses come naturally and breathe. It’s better to overdo this if you are uncertain. Again, reading your book before you record will help you know when and how to manage breaths.

 

Finally, don’t be hard on yourself. No matter how much you prepare, you will make mistakes. Everyone does, even the professionals.

 

Be proud. This is a big deal and when it’s all read and done, it will be an excellent accomplishment!

 

So, relax and have fun!

 

Comments? Questions? Please add below.

 

Thanks for reading and stay tuned to the next installment of my audiobook adventure.

 

Be sure to subscribe and please share.