Q: What’s the typical timeline for producing an audiobook?
A: This depends on a few factors! First, when you provide us with the word count to your book, we can estimate how long the finished audiobook will run. Based on that, we can estimate how long it will take to actually record it.
Details aside, here’s a broader view: Let’s say you need 4 days of recording sessions. We typically need 2-3 weeks to then go through the quality control and editing process. After which we normally need one short ‘pickup’ session to record corrections.
After that, estimate 3 days for those to be edited in and mastering the audio up to ACX specs to be complete.
In that scenario, the timeline was about 3.5 weeks from the first recording session.
Sessions don’t have to be done all at once, and can be booked around your schedule and the studio’s availability.
Q: I’m new to all this- can you help coach me on what to do?
A: Absolutely! That’s what we specialize in. Getting you up to speed with easy techniques to get your audiobook to draw listeners in, while reading along to catch mistakes as we go.
Q: Is my voice good enough?
A: I hear this question all the time! I have yet to find someone who’s voice wasn’t ‘good enough’. Your audience connects deeply with your audiobook because they are listening to the author read their work!
Q: Should I record my book, or hire a professional narrator?
A: We love both authors and professional narrators.
Here’s where and when I’d recommend one or the other to record:
Author Read: Non-fiction
Is your book a memoir? Are you an expert in your field – business, tech, self help, or etc?
If you are trying to create a connection with your audience, build trust or strengthen your brand, etc. I think author reading is the way to go.
Pro Narrator: Fiction / Non-fiction
If your book is fiction, I highly recommend going the pro narrator route. They are experienced with creating and maintaining character voices, tone, and excel at storytelling.
If your book is non-fiction, and you either don’t have the time or have another reason you think would prevent you from recording the book yourself, hiring a narrator is still a fantastic option. It’s win-win!
Q: Who owns the rights to the audio?
A: Elephant Audiobooks is work-for-hire. You retain all the rights to your audiobook!
Q: How do I get my audiobook for sale at places like Amazon, Audible, iTunes, Spotify, etc?
A: There are several distribution companies that make it easy to sell your audiobook online, like ACX and Author’s Republic. Each company offers different deals in terms of what stores they deliver to and how royalties work.
We can help consult with you on which distributor fits your needs best.
Q: How does pricing work?
A: Pricing breaks down in several ways –
Studio Time (Hourly) Rates vary if you record at our Boston location or at a studio local to you elsewhere in the country.
Post Production (Per Finished Hour) This rate is based on the total runtime of the finished audiobook. This varies on what type of recording is done (‘Punch’ or ‘Roll’)
Author Read vs. Narrator: If you decide to hire a narrator, they will record from their own studio, and we will handle editing, QC and mastering. Narrator rates vary based on experience, union/non-union status.
To get an estimate for your audiobook, click Get Started to schedule a phone call where we can learn about your project’s needs and provide you with a quote!
Q: How do we get started?
A: Click here!
