How to Self-Publish an Audiobook in 2026: Complete Production Guide

Learn how to self-publish an audiobook in 2026. Complete guide covering narration options, AI voices, distribution platforms, production costs, and step-by-step publishing process for authors.

Introduction: Why Audiobooks Are Your Untapped Revenue Stream

The audiobook market just surpassed $2.1 billion in annual sales, with growth showing no signs of slowing. Listener hours have increased 300% since 2019, and industry projections suggest audiobooks will reach $3.5 billion by 2027.

Translation for authors: readers are actively seeking audio versions of books, and if you’re not publishing audiobooks, you’re leaving significant money on the table.

Here’s what makes this opportunity even more compelling: the technology barrier that once made audiobook production expensive and complex has essentially disappeared. AI narration, accessible recording software, and simplified distribution platforms mean self-publishing an audiobook has never been easier or more affordable.

I’ve self-published multiple audiobooks using different methods—narrating myself, hiring professionals, and testing AI narration. Each approach has distinct advantages depending on your budget, timeline, and book type.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every decision point, from choosing your narration method to distribution strategy, ensuring you launch a professional audiobook that generates revenue while serving your readers in their preferred format.

Whether you’re working with a $0 budget using AI narration or investing thousands in professional production, you’ll learn exactly how to bring your book to audio life.

The Audiobook Market Landscape in 2026

Understanding current market dynamics helps you make strategic decisions about production and distribution.

Market Size and Growth Trajectory

Current statistics:

55% of Americans have listened to an audiobook (up from 44% in 2019)
Average listener consumes 8-10 audiobooks annually
Romance, mystery/thriller, and self-help dominate sales
Fiction audiobooks outsell non-fiction roughly 2:1
Subscription services (Audible Plus, Scribd) drive 65% of consumption

Who’s Buying Audiobooks?

Primary demographics:

Age: 25-44 most active (but growing across all age groups)
Income: Middle to upper-middle class ($50k-$150k household income)
Lifestyle: Commuters, gym-goers, multitaskers
Gender: Roughly even split with slight female majority for fiction

Audiobook Revenue Potential

Realistic expectations:

Independent authors typically see audiobook sales representing 10-25% of total book sales. If your e-book sells 1,000 copies annually, expect 100-250 audiobook sales.

Price points: Most audiobooks sell between $9.99-$24.99, with average sale price around $15-18.

Royalty reality: After production costs, distribution fees, and platform cuts, expect to net $3-8 per sale depending on your distribution strategy.

Break-even calculation: A professionally narrated 8-hour audiobook costing $2,000 needs approximately 250-400 sales to break even.

Decision Point 1: Choosing Your Narration Method

Your first critical decision determines both your upfront investment and final product quality.

Option 1: Self-Narration

Best for: Non-fiction authors with strong speaking voices, memoir writers, thought leadership books where authentic voice matters

Pros:

Complete creative control
Authentic voice (crucial for memoir/personal development)
Lower upfront costs if you have equipment
No ongoing royalty splits with narrators

Cons:

Time-intensive (plan 20-30 hours for 8-hour audiobook)
Requires technical skills or studio rental
Easy to sound amateurish without experience
Fiction narration is genuinely difficult (character voices, pacing)

Realistic costs:

DIY setup: $300-800 (microphone, pop filter, recording software, acoustic treatment)
Studio rental: $50-150/hour
Audio editing: $50-100/hour or $200-500 per finished hour

Time investment:

80,000-word book = approximately 8 finished hours
Recording time: 20-30 hours
Editing time: 10-15 hours (if doing yourself)
Total: 30-45 hours minimum

Option 2: Professional Human Narrator

Best for: Fiction authors, authors wanting highest quality, books requiring character voices or specific vocal characteristics

Pros:

Professional quality results
Experienced narrators handle pacing, inflection, character voices
Faster turnaround (narrator expertise reduces recording time)
Better listener experience typically means more sales

Cons:

Higher upfront costs ($1,500-$4,000+ for average book)
Less control over final performance
Communication challenges ensuring narrator captures your vision
Royalty share arrangements reduce long-term income

Cost structure:

Per-finished-hour (PFH) rates:

Beginner narrators: $50-150 PFH
Experienced narrators: $200-350 PFH
Award-winning narrators: $400+ PFH

Royalty share:

No upfront costs
Split royalties 50/50 with narrator
Only available through ACX
Narrator maintains earnings forever

Hybrid (PFH+ royalty share):

Reduced upfront rate + smaller royalty share
Example: $100 PFH + 25% royalty share
Negotiated case-by-case

Option 3: AI Narration

Best for: Budget-conscious authors, testing audiobook market, non-fiction with straightforward delivery, rapid publication timelines

Pros:

Dramatically lower costs ($100-500 total)
Fast turnaround (hours instead of weeks)
Easy to update or revise
No ongoing royalty splits
Consistent quality (no bad recording days)

Cons:

Lacks human emotional nuance
Pronunciation errors require manual correction
Some listeners reject AI narration (though acceptance growing)
Character voices less convincing in fiction
Not yet accepted on all platforms

2026 AI narration landscape:

Technology has improved dramatically. Premium AI voices now sound nearly indistinguishable from humans for straightforward narration, though complex fiction still benefits from human narrators.

Leading AI narration platforms:

Google Cloud Text-to-Speech / WaveNet:

Most natural-sounding
$16 per million characters (roughly $20-30 for average book)
Requires technical setup

Speechki:

Author-focused platform
$99-299 per book depending on hours
Simple interface, no technical knowledge needed

Narration Box:

$9.99/month unlimited
Multiple voice options
Growing narrator library

Murf.ai:

$29-99/month subscription
High-quality voices
Commercial license included

Important: Always disclose AI narration in your audiobook description. Transparency builds trust and prevents negative reviews from surprised listeners.

Decision Framework: Which Narration Method?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What’s your budget?

Under $500: AI narration
$500-$2,000: Self-narration with studio rental
$2,000-$5,000: Professional narrator (PFH)
$0 upfront but willing to split royalties: Royalty share narrator

2. What’s your book type?

Straightforward non-fiction: AI or self-narration works
Memoir/thought leadership: Self-narration for authenticity
Fiction with multiple characters: Professional narrator
Children’s books: Professional narrator essential

3. What’s your timeline?

Need it in days: AI narration
Can wait 2-4 weeks: Self-narration or professional
Flexible timeline: Any option

4. What’s your vocal quality?

Confident speaker, good voice: Consider self-narration
Uncomfortable with your voice: Professional or AI
No strong preference: Let budget decide

Self-Narration Guide: Recording Your Own Audiobook

If you’ve decided to narrate yourself, here’s everything you need to know.

Essential Equipment

Microphone (most important investment):

Budget option ($100-200):

Audio-Technica AT2020 ($100)
Blue Yeti USB ($130)

Professional option ($300-600):

Rode NT1-A ($230)
Shure SM7B ($400) [requires audio interface]
Neumann TLM 102 ($700)

Critical accessories:

Pop filter ($10-30): Reduces plosive sounds (p, b, t)
Shock mount ($20-50): Isolates mic from vibrations
Mic stand ($30-100): Stable positioning
Headphones ($50-150): Monitoring while recording

Recording software:

Free options:

Audacity (PC/Mac): Industry standard for free
GarageBand (Mac only): User-friendly

Paid options:

Adobe Audition ($20.99/month): Professional standard
Reaper ($60 one-time): Powerful, affordable
Twisted Wave ($80 one-time, Mac): Audiobook-specific features

Creating Your Recording Space

Professional studios aren’t required, but you need genuinely quiet space with sound treatment.

Budget acoustic treatment ($100-300):

Acoustic foam panels on walls ($80-150)
Heavy curtains over windows ($50-100)
Blankets creating makeshift vocal booth ($30)
Foam pad under mic stand (reduces floor vibration) ($20)

Mid-range solution ($500-1,000):

Portable vocal booth like Kaotica Eyeball ($200)
Professional acoustic panels ($300-500)
Door seal weather stripping (blocks sound leaks) ($30)
Bass traps for corners ($100-200)

Premium approach:

Rent professional studio time: $50-150/hour, everything included, professional engineer assistance

Recording Best Practices

Preparation:

Script preparation:

Create final audiobook script (not just your manuscript)
Mark challenging pronunciations phonetically
Note where you want pacing changes or emphasis
Include opening/closing credits

Voice preparation:

Hydrate heavily day before and day of
Avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol 24 hours prior
Eat light, bland meals (stomach rumbles record clearly)
Have warm water and throat lozenges available
Warm up voice with vocal exercises

Recording technique:

Optimal recording sessions:

2-3 hours maximum per session
Your voice fatigues faster than you realize
Schedule multiple shorter sessions over days/weeks

While recording:

Sit up straight (affects breath support)
Stand if voice sounds fuller (many pros prefer standing)
Keep 6-8 inches from microphone
Stay consistent with mic distance
Smile while reading (yes, listeners hear this)
Use hand gestures to maintain energy
Take breaks every 20-30 minutes

Handling mistakes:

Don’t stop mid-paragraph for small errors
Complete the sentence, pause, re-read clean version
Mark timestamp of major issues for editing
Accept imperfection (minor quirks sound human)

Common beginner mistakes:

Reading too fast (slow down 15% from natural speaking)
Inconsistent volume (maintain steady mic distance)
Breathing directly into mic (angle mic slightly)
Background noise (turn off HVAC, phones, fans)
Editing while recording (just record, edit later)

Post-Production and Editing

Editing workflow:

Step 1: Remove dead space and mistakes

Cut out long pauses between takes
Delete obvious errors you re-recorded
Leave natural breath pauses

Step 2: Normalize audio levels

Target: -23 to -18 LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale)
ACX requires specific technical standards (see their audio submission requirements)

Step 3: Noise reduction

Remove background hum, room tone
Be subtle (aggressive noise reduction sounds unnatural)

Step 4: EQ and compression

Enhance voice clarity
Reduce harsh frequencies
Compress dynamic range for consistency

Step 5: Mastering

Final loudness normalization
Limiting to prevent peaks
Export in required format (192 kbps MP3 or FLAC for ACX)

DIY vs. hiring editor:

Editing requires significant skill. Consider hiring professional editor ($50-100/hour or $200-400 per finished hour) unless you’re committed to learning.

Hiring a Professional Narrator: Complete Process

Finding and working with the right narrator can make your audiobook exceptional.

Where to Find Narrators

ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange):

Integrated with Audible/Amazon distribution
Built-in audition system
Royalty share option available
Largest narrator pool
Website: acx.com

Findaway Voices:

Connects to broader distribution network
PFH arrangements only (no royalty share)
Professional narrator marketplace
Website: findawayvoices.com

Freelance platforms:

Voices.com: Professional voice actor marketplace
Voice123.com: Global voice talent
Upwork: Freelancers offering audiobook narration
Fiverr: Budget options (vet carefully for quality)

Professional studios:

Full-service audiobook production
Handle narration, directing, editing, mastering
Premium pricing ($3,000-10,000+ for full production)
Examples: Deyan Audio, John Marshall Media, Spoken Realms

Casting Process

Step 1: Define your ideal narrator

Consider:

Gender and age of voice
Accent or regional speech patterns
Voice characteristics (warm, authoritative, energetic, soothing)
Experience with your genre
Budget constraints

Step 2: Request auditions

Provide narrators:

2-3 short excerpts (300-500 words each) representing your book’s range
Character descriptions if fiction
Tone/mood guidance
Pronunciation guide for unusual words

Step 3: Evaluate auditions

Listen for:

Voice quality and clarity
Appropriate pacing
Pronunciation accuracy
Character differentiation (fiction)
Energy and engagement
Technical quality of recording

Step 4: Negotiate terms

PFH agreements:

Clarify exact rate per finished hour
Determine revision policy (how many rounds of corrections included)
Establish timeline (typically 2-4 weeks for average book)
Confirm who handles editing/mastering
Define payment schedule (often 50% upfront, 50% on completion)

Royalty share agreements:

Only available through ACX
Narrator must approve your book
Review 7-year commitment (ACX standard)
Understand both parties must be exclusive to ACX for that title

Working with Your Narrator

Provide comprehensive guidance:

Create a pronunciation guide:

Character names
Place names
Technical terms
Foreign words
Brand names

Share character descriptions (fiction):

Physical characteristics
Personality traits
Speech patterns
Voice reference examples if possible

Set tone expectations:

Overall mood and pacing
Emotional beats in key scenes
Energy level desired

During production:

Respond quickly to narrator questions
Listen to checkpoint samples before full recording
Provide constructive feedback diplomatically
Trust narrator’s professional expertise
Limit revision requests to genuinely necessary changes

AI Narration: Setup and Production

AI narration has matured into a legitimate option, especially for non-fiction.

Choosing an AI Platform

Evaluation criteria:

Voice quality and naturalness
Language and accent options
Pricing structure
Ease of use
Commercial licensing terms
Platform reliability

Production Process with AI

Step 1: Prepare your manuscript

Clean formatting (remove extra spaces, unusual characters)
Break into chapters
Add pronunciation guides using phonetic spelling
Note desired pauses or emphasis

Step 2: Select voice

Most platforms offer previews. Test multiple voices with excerpt from your book.

Consider:

Match to content (authoritative for business, warm for self-help)
Listener demographics
Genre expectations

Step 3: Generate initial version

Upload manuscript by chapters to track progress and identify issues early.

Step 4: Quality control

Listen completely, noting:

Mispronunciations
Awkward pacing
Unnatural emphasis
Technical glitches

Step 5: Revise and regenerate

Correct issues through:

Phonetic spelling adjustments
Punctuation changes (affects pacing)
Breaking long sentences
Adding strategic pauses (often using ellipses or em dashes)

Step 6: Professional polish

Even AI narration benefits from light editing:

Normalize volume across chapters
Smooth transitions between segments
Add chapter markers
Export in distribution-required formats

Disclosing AI Narration

Always transparently disclose AI narration in your audiobook description. Example:

“This audiobook uses AI narration technology to provide an affordable audio version. For listeners preferring human narration, the e-book and print versions remain available.”

Transparency prevents negative reviews and respects listener preferences.

Distribution Platforms: Where to Sell Your Audiobook

Your distribution strategy significantly impacts reach, royalties, and long-term revenue.

ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)

Overview:

Amazon/Audible/Apple exclusive or non-exclusive distribution
Largest audiobook marketplace (Audible dominates with 65%+ market share)
Integrated production tools
Strict audio quality standards

Royalty structures:

Exclusive distribution (Amazon/Audible/Apple only):

40% royalties (you produce files yourself or pay narrator PFH)
20% royalties (royalty share with narrator)
7-year exclusivity commitment

Non-exclusive distribution:

25% royalties
Can distribute elsewhere simultaneously
More flexibility, lower per-sale earnings

Requirements:

Book already available on Amazon (Kindle/print)
Audio files meeting technical specifications
Square audiobook cover (2,400 x 2,400 minimum)
10-14 business day approval process

When to choose ACX exclusive:

Higher royalty rate attracts you
Audible dominance makes other platforms less critical
You’re using royalty share narrator (requires exclusivity)

When to choose non-exclusive:

Want maximum distribution reach
Higher volume across platforms compensates for lower per-sale royalty
Philosophical preference for wide availability

Website: acx.com

Findaway Voices

Overview:

Distributes to 40+ platforms including Google Play, Kobo, Apple Books, library systems
No exclusivity requirements
Can combine with ACX non-exclusive
Simple dashboard interface

Royalty structure:

80% of net revenue
Net = retail price minus platform fee (typically 40-50%)
Effective royalty: ~32-40% depending on retailer

Distribution partners include:

Google Play Books
Apple Books (if not through ACX)
Kobo
Nook Audiobooks
OverDrive (libraries)
Scribd
Hoopla
Chirp

Requirements:

No prior Amazon presence required
Meets technical audio specs
Square cover (2,400 x 2,400 minimum)
ISBN (provided by Findaway or bring your own)

When to choose Findaway:

Want library distribution (significant opportunity)
Prefer wide distribution strategy
Combining with ACX non-exclusive for maximum reach

Website: findawayvoices.com

Direct Sales Options

Selling from your website:

Platforms enabling direct audiobook sales:

Payhip
BookFunnel (DRM-free distribution)
Gumroad
Shopify with digital product app

Advantages:

Keep 90-95% of revenue (after payment processing)
Build direct customer relationships
Control pricing completely
Own customer email addresses

Disadvantages:

No discoverability (you drive all traffic)
No subscription service inclusion
Customers expect lower prices without Audible convenience
Requires marketing effort

Best as: Supplement to traditional distribution, not primary strategy

Author’s Republic

Alternative aggregator similar to Findaway, distributing to multiple platforms.

Pros: Free to join, broad distribution Cons: Lower royalties than Findaway (70% of net)

International Considerations

If your book has international appeal:

Ensure distributors reach international markets
Consider accent/dialect of narrator for global appeal
Price appropriately for different markets
ACX and Findaway both offer international distribution

Technical Requirements: Getting Your Files Right

Every platform has specific technical requirements. Meeting these prevents rejection and re-work.

ACX Audio Specifications

File format:

MP3 (192 kbps) or FLAC
44.1 kHz sample rate
Mono or stereo (mono preferred for voice-only)

Audio quality standards:

RMS (Root Mean Square):

Between -23dB and -18dB RMS
Measures average loudness

Peak values:

No individual samples above -3dB
Prevents distortion

Noise floor:

Below -60dB RMS
Measures background noise

Use ACX’s free Audio Lab tool to check your files before submission. It automatically validates technical compliance.

File Naming and Structure

Proper naming convention:

Opening credits: “Title_OpeningCredits.mp3”
Chapters: “Title_01.mp3,” “Title_02.mp3,” etc.
Closing credits: “Title_ClosingCredits.mp3”

Opening credits must include:

Book title
Author name
Narrator name (even if that’s you)

Closing credits must include:

“The End” or “End of [Title]”
Copyright information
Producer credits

Findaway Voices Requirements

Similar to ACX with slight variations:

Accepted formats:

MP3 (192 kbps CBR)
WAV (1411 kbps, 16-bit, 44.1 kHz)

Structure:

Each file represents one chapter
Maximum file size: 500MB
Opening/closing credits required

Cover Requirements

Dimensions:

Minimum: 2,400 x 2,400 pixels
Perfect square aspect ratio
RGB color mode
72 DPI minimum (higher better)

Content requirements:

Book title clearly readable at thumbnail size
Author name
No Amazon, Audible, or iTunes logos
Professional design quality

Design considerations:

Audiobook covers often simplify print covers (better visibility at small sizes)
Bold, high-contrast text
Avoid excessive detail that disappears when scaled down

Pricing Strategy and Royalties

Understanding pricing dynamics helps maximize revenue.

How Audiobook Pricing Works

ACX pricing (you choose retail price):

Under 1 hour: typically $7-10
1-3 hours: $7-15
3-5 hours: $10-20
5-10 hours: $15-25
10-20 hours: $20-30
Over 20 hours: $25-35

Findaway pricing:

You set suggested retail price
Retailers may adjust based on their strategies
Market typically follows similar ranges as ACX

Maximizing Audiobook Revenue

Promotional pricing:

New release promotion (first 30 days at reduced price)
Sale events coordinated across e-book/audiobook
Audible Daily Deal opportunities (if selected by Audible)

Series strategy:

Price first book aggressively to hook listeners
Standard pricing for subsequent books
Bundle options if platform allows

Free Promotional Codes:

ACX provides free US and UK promo codes
Use for reviewers, influencers, launch team
Drive initial reviews boosting visibility

Step-by-Step Publishing Process

Here’s the complete timeline from decision to publication.

6-8 Weeks Before Release

Week 1-2: Pre-production

Finalize narration method
If hiring: begin narrator search and auditions
If self-narrating: acquire equipment, test recording space
If using AI: choose platform, begin test generation

Week 3-4: Production

Self-narration: Complete recording sessions
Professional narrator: Provide materials, answer questions
AI narration: Generate files, quality check, revise

Week 5-6: Post-production

Complete editing and mastering
Prepare opening/closing credits
Create audiobook-specific cover
Validate files against technical requirements

Week 7: Distribution setup

Create accounts on distribution platforms
Upload files
Write audiobook description
Set pricing
Submit for review

Week 8: Publication

Address any issues from platform review
Coordinate release with other formats if possible
Prepare marketing materials

Launch Day and Beyond

Launch activities:

Email announcement to mailing list
Social media promotion
Request reviews from advance listeners
Run promotional pricing if planned
Coordinate with e-book/print promotion

Post-launch monitoring:

Track sales across platforms
Monitor reviews and respond to feedback
Adjust marketing based on performance
Plan ongoing promotion strategy

Marketing Your Audiobook

Publication is just the beginning. Effective marketing drives sales.

Audiobook-Specific Marketing Tactics

Free promotional codes:

Request codes from ACX
Distribute to book reviewers, bloggers, podcast hosts
Share with launch team
Offer to email subscribers

Sample clips:

Create 2-3 minute audio excerpts
Share on social media
Embed on website
Include in email marketing

Audiobook review sites:

AudioFile Magazine
Audiobook Reviewer
Hot Listens
AudioGals
Sound Commentary

Podcast appearances:

Discuss audiobook production journey
Share sample clips during interview
Offer listener discounts or giveaways

Platform-specific tactics:

Audible Romance Package (ARP): If you write romance, apply for inclusion in Audible’s subscription program for additional visibility.

Chirp deals: Submit audiobook for promotional pricing on Chirp (BookBub’s audiobook platform).

Library marketing: If distributed to OverDrive, reach out to librarians in your genre.

Cross-Promoting Formats

Audiobook benefits other formats:

Readers who prefer audio discover your books
Different discovery algorithms on audio platforms
Completists purchase multiple formats
Audio listeners often leave reviews benefiting all formats

Bundle strategies:

Mention audiobook in print book
Link to audiobook from e-book
Cross-promote on social media
Email campaigns highlighting audio availability

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learn from others’ errors to streamline your process.

Mistake 1: Underestimating production time

Reality: Quality audiobook production takes significantly longer than anticipated. Budget 50% more time than initial estimates.

Mistake 2: Poor-quality self-recording

Reality: Amateur recordings get rejected or receive harsh reviews. If self-narrating, invest in proper equipment and space.

Mistake 3: Choosing wrong narrator

Reality: Narrator significantly impacts listener experience. Request auditions, listen carefully, check references.

Mistake 4: Ignoring technical specifications

Reality: Files not meeting platform requirements get rejected, causing delays. Validate before submission.

Mistake 5: No marketing plan

Reality: “Build it and they will come” doesn’t work. Plan promotion before publication.

Mistake 6: Unrealistic pricing

Reality: Pricing significantly above market norms suppresses sales. Research comparable audiobooks in your genre.

Mistake 7: Exclusive distribution without analysis

Reality: Exclusivity means higher per-sale royalty but limits reach. Calculate which strategy maximizes total revenue.

Mistake 8: Inadequate preparation

Reality: Script needs audiobook-specific formatting. Swapping “read” for “listen,” adding credits, and removing page references are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the entire process take?

Self-narration: 6-10 weeks from decision to publication
Professional narrator (PFH): 4-8 weeks
Royalty share narrator: 8-12 weeks (finding narrator takes longer)
AI narration: 2-4 weeks

Can I update my audiobook after publication?

Yes, but it’s complicated. Most platforms allow updates, but you’ll need to re-record affected sections, re-master, and resubmit. Address errors before initial submission.

Do I need an ISBN for my audiobook?

Depends on distribution:

ACX: ISBN optional (they provide ASIN)
Findaway: ISBN recommended for broader distribution (they provide free ISBN or use your own)
Direct sales: Not required but professional

Should I do exclusive or non-exclusive distribution?

Depends on priorities:

Exclusive (ACX): Higher royalty per sale, simpler management, Audible dominance
Non-exclusive: Broader reach, libraries, international platforms, total sales may exceed exclusive despite lower per-unit royalty

How much money can I realistically make?

Highly variable, but realistic expectations:

New author, first audiobook: $500-$2,000 first year
Established author with existing readership: $2,000-$10,000 first year
Popular series with strong marketing: $10,000-$50,000+ annually

Remember: audiobooks have long tails. Sales continue for years after publication.

Is AI narration acceptable to listeners?

Increasingly yes, with caveats:

Non-fiction: Growing acceptance
Fiction: More resistance, especially for character-driven stories
Transparency essential: always disclose AI narration
Quality matters: premium AI voices perform better

Conclusion: Your Audiobook Publishing Journey Starts Now

The audiobook market represents one of publishing’s fastest-growing opportunities. Authors who embrace audio reach new readers, generate additional revenue streams, and future-proof their careers as consumption habits evolve.

Whether you invest thousands in professional production or use AI narration to test the market affordably, having your book available in audio format demonstrates professionalism and meets reader demand.

Your immediate next steps:

This week:

Decide on narration method based on budget, timeline, and book type
Research distribution strategy (exclusive vs. wide)
Calculate break-even point for your chosen approach

This month:

Begin production process (recording, hiring narrator, or setting up AI)
Create audiobook-specific cover
Prepare audiobook script with opening/closing credits

Within 8 weeks:

Complete production and editing
Submit to distribution platforms
Plan launch marketing campaign

Long-term:

Monitor sales and gather listener feedback
Plan audiobooks for other titles in your catalog
Refine strategy based on performance data

The audiobook market isn’t slowing down. The question isn’t whether to publish audiobooks—it’s which production method and distribution strategy serves your goals best.

Your readers are listening. Give them something to hear.

Ready to start? Download our [Audiobook Production Checklist] with platform