“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.”
~ Albert Einstein
~ ~ ~
Q: What word count does the standard audiobook package cover up to?
A: Our rates generally begin at $300 per finished hour (pfh), and scales with the style and technical difficulty of the book, and word it’s count. A typical novel or short story would go as follows:
- 0 to 10,000 words would be around $300
- 20,000 words would be around $600
- 50,000 words would be around $1,500 – $1,850 and so on.
Q: What does “Per Finished Hour”/pfh mean?
A: “Per Finished Hour” is the way payment is usually calculated in the audiobook industry. Generally, narrators are paid for every hour of finished recording, rather than by studio hour. This includes, “proof reading” (listening back for missed words and phrases), and making corrections and general audio edits, etc.
Q: What is the time frame involved in creating an audio book?
A: Production times vary from book to book, depending on several factors, including length, narration difficulty, and whether or not it is an enhanced audiobook, which includes music and sound effects.
A typical book ranging from 50K to 80K words generally takes 4 to 6 weeks from the signing of the contract to the wrapping up of production, corrections, changes, etc.
From there we help you upload the book files to Audible. Once it is approved, it typically takes up to 14 business days to get the audiobook into stores.
Q: Do you upload to other venues or do I that?
A: Yes, we can help you do that, or do it for you. (As long as you have a non-exclusive exclusive deal with Audible of course.) Once we record it, you own the digital files.
Q: What do you estimate as a financial outlay?
A: We specialize in working with indie authors and try to keep to the price as low as possible. Depending on the narrator chosen and the complexity of the book, our Standard Audiobook Rate starts at $300 per finished hour (pfh), which for a 50k word book would be between $1,500 – $1,850. This price includes – recording, narration, editing and mastering, finished audiobook artwork for Audible, (created from your original book artwork), and uploading your files to ACX/Audible.
Q: How do I “audition” a pro reader, or is that you?
A: Yes, we narrate it, unless you prefer another narrator, or want to record it yourself. We have several very talented professional Voiceover Artists that we work with at this time, and we are in the process of expanding. For a little higher rate you also could come to our studio and read it here if you are comfortable narrating. Though a little more expensive, author-read books are often a nice touch!
Q: Where and how would they be marketed?
A: We help you market through all the usual outlets – Amazon/Audible/ACX, Findaway Voices Marketplace, your email list, social media, along with some “think outside the box” creative marketing as well.
Q: Does Kindle have an outlet for audio, if so, how does that get set up?
A: Kindle supports Audible books for readers to listen to on their device. We help you set that up as part of our package.
Q: Do you offer any discounts for multiple books or a ‘bulk rate’ of any sort?
A: Absolutely! Contact us for a personalized estimate.
Q: What are the contract options?
A: Your contract options are definitely negotiable. For first time, and larger projects (20K words and up), we ask for a portion up front. But we work with every author on their budget and timeline as much as possible.
Q: What kind of equipment do you have or use?
A: We are a full-service recording and production company, using the latest in recording technology, including:
DAW: ProTools 12
Microphones include:
Studio: Rode NT & Rode NT2, M-Audio Nova Condenser Mic, AKG c414, AKG C451B
On location: TASCAM DR-1, Zoom H1
Plugins & FX:
Various ProTools Audiosuite Plugins, including:
- dbx Tube Channel Strip (Pre-compression)
- Maxim (Stereo master) for audio optimization
- Maxim (Limiter) – for maintaining -3dB peak values
- EQ3 1 Band High Pass Filter on all vocals rolled off at 100Hz
- LA-610 (Tube Mic Pre & Compression)
- BF76 (Peak Limiter)
- D-Verb (Reverb)
Q: Do you guaranty customer satisfaction?
A: We guaranty 100% satisfaction with the end result. “Excellence” is our key word at SkyDance Mountain Audiobooks, and customer satisfaction and operating in the “spirit of excellence” is what drives our end results .
We are happy to put you in touch with some of our past clients for references.
What some of our past clients have to say:
“Two highly acclaimed books, two talented narrators, and SkyDance Mountain’s professional quality and added sound effects equals an incredible listening experience. SkyDance Mountain knows how to make a good book even better as an audio production. We could not be more satisfied with the result.” ~ Janet Muirhead Hill/Raven Publishing “Absaroka ~ From War to Wyoming” and “Miranda and Starlight”
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the work SkyDance Mountain did converting my fantasy, “Behind the Mist” into an audio book. From the beautiful narration, to the sound effects and music, it was a treat to the ears and imagination!” ~ Margi Evans, author
“Everyone loves the video. Grand slam, out of the park.” ~ Robert N. Ruesch “In the Warmth of the Shadow” and “When We Were Pioneers”
“…easy and straightforward, and the audiobooks more than met our expectations. We highly recommend Audiobooks at Skydance Mountain.” ~ Tom & Doris Baker / Filter Press LLC
~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~
A little more info: (Overview)
We are a small, independent company in northern Colorado, helping authors create their own audiobooks, and all the creative services necessary to release them on Audible –
- Preparation& Production
- Recording
- Editing
- Mastering
- Design
- Uploading to ACX (Amazon’s Audible Creator’s Exchange)
- Marketing
- Inspiration and continued ongoing support!
We offer affordable, personalized services, working closely with the author and publisher to ensure they are extremely satisfied with the final product. We also produce enhanced audiobooks, featuring sound effects and original music as well.