 |
| Reading Audio Books is Hot! Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.org by Viacheslav Blizniuk |
So glad you are here. Today I need you to help me make a decision on producing audio books or not.
I certainly enjoy listening to audio books, especially since I can easily download them from my library using Overdrive.com. But, I have to be patient because the waiting time is long due to the popularity of audio books and authors. It's crazy easy to order them from Amazon and read them just a minute after ordering.
Have you tried audio books? When I was a kid, I loved when the teacher read to the class after lunch. Audio books have taken that experience and enlarged it into an entertaining time. Audi books remind me of the plays that were performed on the radio way back when--I was a tiny child at the time. Plays like the Green Lantern and Orson Welles' War of the Worlds (known as radio drama) and of course soap operas.
The Wall Street Journal described audio books as “a rare bright spot in the publishing industry.” According to audio book expert, Robert Reiman, " E-book sales are waning, but, audio book listening on Audible grew 38 percent last year. Audio book sales growth is up 20 percent worldwide two years in a row."
So I am thinking about jumping in on this "rare bright spot". I have a novella I would like to make into an audio book. The whole process is daunting, but then again, I look back at my first experience formatting an e-book to upload to amazon. That was a challenge indeed, but I did it.
One of the many decision I would have to make is to find the narrator. I wouldn't consider narrating my own book, so I would like a voice actor who can use his/her voice to conjure up the many characters via voice inflections when a nasal quality. rich baritone or squeaky voice is needed to portray the character. The narrator has to pull the reader/listener into the story. Owen McCuen narrated my author friend, Miss Mae's, zany story, Ahoy Gum Drop. He certainly knows how to perform amazing characterizations to bring this fun story to life.
Here's a sample from the audio book
Here's a sample from the audio book
Video: Ahoy Gum Drop! Introducing I.B. Nosey
by Miss Mae
Owen and Miss Mae also created a promotional video for my romantic suspense novel, Coda to Murder. You can watch it here on You-tube
An I.B. Nosey Interview with J.Q. Rose
Produced and narrated by Owen McCuen
Written by Miss Mae
Produced and narrated by Owen McCuen
Written by Miss Mae
Owen was my guest on the J.Q. Rose blog. Find out more about this talented, and may I add, handsome, guy here. as well as more about audio book production.
This summer I plan to explore bringing Sunshine Boulevard to life via audio book.
What is your experience as a reader with audio books? If you are an author, have you published an audio book or considered creating an audio book? Please leave your comment below. I look forward to reading them. Thank you.
Read Robert Reiman's article on 5 Common Audio Book Production Misconceptions here on Sandra Beckwith's Build Book Buzz site.
16 comments:
Hey J.Q.,
Thanks so much for writing about Owen's and my work on Ahoy, Gum Drop!
I've discovered that I absolutely LOVE audio books and it's because of amazing narrators such as Owen.
(BTW, Owen also narrated my mini SF novella, "Through a Glass Darkly". He was brilliant.)
I would encourage all authors to go audio, if possible. It's amazing to HEAR your words come to life, especially if your narrator "gets" your characters (which Owen has a sixth sense for).
So yes, J.Q. Get off that fence you're straddling and put on your "I'm Busy" work hat and join the rest of us in this audio pool. The water is just fine. :)
Love, love, love listening to audio books!
Thanks for the great post, JQ. I would love to have audio books for my self-published novels, but like you, I don't really know how to go about it, and I'd find it daunting and time-consuming to learn.
I have one book published by Accent Press in the UK - A Way from Heart to Heart - and they released it in audio last year. They sent me a free copy but I've yet to listen to it. I daren't listen to someone reading my words - silly, I know! Sometime I'll pluck up the courage :)
I loved your video. It would be great if you do get Sunset Boulevard on audio. Good luck with it!
I love listening to audio books. If I don't read I listen to a audio book at night before bed. I have had an audible account since the 90's.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
That's exactly what you need to remember, Janet. You can do this! Formatting an ebook is no easy task. Making an audio book will be a snap. Besides, once you do, you can blog on how to make an audio book. I know I'm looking forward to learning about your experience. I love audio books.
Miss Mae--you are very inspiring. You can be my cheerleader AND coach if/when I decide to hop in to the audio book business. Thanks so much.
Me too, Tess. They've come a long way.
Helena--you should listen to your words. I loved that book and I'm sure on audio it brings the words to life like reading can't do. Thanks for the good luck wish on jumping into audio books. I'll need all the luck I can muster.
Juneta--I read before bed too, but haven't listened to an audio book.I always feel I should be "doing" something like folding laundry or cleaning up the kitchen when I listen. I don't know why.
Joylene--You're very encouraging with the idea that it will be a snap. hee hee. I like your blogging on audio books idea too. Thanks for stopping in.
I've had several people ask if my book will be available in audio format, so that's something I definitely need to look into. It's on my list. I'd love to hear about your experiences with the process if you have an audio book made. Good luck with it!
Lori--yes you can look into it too. Let me know if you decide to go ahead with it. Best wishes.
I listen to them at work and when driving on long trips. Best thing ever invented. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
Hi Anna--we listen to the audio books on long trips too. Makes the time go fast. Thanks for stopping in.
Awesome and interesting article. Great things you've always shared with us. Thanks. Just continue composing this kind of post. Youtube KISS English
Post a Comment