A Step By Step Guide
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If you are an author and have written a book that is very personal to your story, or you just want to try narrating and recording your own audiobook, read on.
There are a few things you need before you get started though.
- A copy of your book or written material, and the audio rights to record it
- A computer or iPad
- Basic recording equipment (mic, stand, headphones, recording software such as Audacity, etc.)
- A working knowledge of simple recording and editing techniques
- A quiet space to work in, and a little time and patience
- Set Up Your Studio
Depending on how quiet the environment is where you intend to record, this can be a fairly simple process. The most important thing is to reduce or eliminate any unwanted background noise.
For many, a decent-sized clothes closet can be the best place for this purpose. Closets are often in the middle of the house as far away from traffic and other outdoor sounds as possible, and the clothes in it can actually create quite decent sound absorption. This is ideal, because you want to avoid as much echo and slap-back from walls and other hard surfaces as possible when recording.
You will want a music stand or podium to hold your book, computer, device or reading material. Not only will this help keep your arms from getting tired during long hours of reading, but, it gives your hands the freedom to move and “express” as you perform your voice over. Doing so, for most narrators, gives a much more dynamic and authentic delivery.
Recording Equipment & Software
The good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune in order to record your own audiobook. In fact, if you already have a computer, your microphone, mic stand, screen filter and cable bundle investment can be under $100.
Learn more here > Equipment and Software Needed to Record an Audiobook
There are several decent free software recording programs that are relatively easy to use. If you have a Mac you will probably want to use Audacity or GarageBand.
For more detailed information, here is a good resource for recording your audiobook in Garageband.. How to Record and Edit…in Garageband (Complete Tutorial) (opens in a new tab)”> > How to Record and Edit…in Garageband (Complete Tutorial) (opens in a new tab)”>How to Record and Edit…in Garageband (Complete Tutorial)
Note – This tutorial specifically addresses recording a Podcast, but the recording equipment, techniques and principles are the same for recording an Audiobook.
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Audacity
Another user-friendly program that can be used on MAC or PC is Audacity. Download Audacity Here > Audacity
Learn how to use it here > How to Record and Edit…in Audacity (Complete Tutorial)
Now that you have the tools and knowledge you are well on your way…
Next…
- 2. Prepare and Practice
Become very familiar with your content. Practice. Don’t rush. Do whatever it takes to stay comfortable, and read in your most natural, believable, and authentic voice.
Do a test recording and listen back. Mic placement is crucial.
Is the volume at a good level? Is it a bit difficult to hear, or does the microphone distort or “pop” when you say words with plosives like “powerful” or “popular”? This is why you will want a windscreen or “popper-stopper” to place on or in front of your mic.
“S”’s can also create sibilance (hissing) problems. These aren’t necessarily always easy to “fix in the mix” through software and editing, so being aware of them up front can save a lot of time and headache later.
If your voice sounds a little high and thin try stepping in towards the mic a bit, and possibly even consider lowering it just a tad, down from your forehead, and closer to your chest. Head-voice can be higher and more “nasal” sounding, and chest-voice is lower, (boomier), and can help you come across as more “authoritative”.
Experiment with the sound until you are happy with the results. Once you’ve found your “sound” be sure to be consistent and always use the same mic placement. You’d be surprised how just a little difference in distance and mic placement can make huge changes in the sound and feel of your recording.
- 3. Begin Recording
Depending on the length of your book, this can be a very long, tedious and frustrating process. Especially if you have never done it before. (No… even if you have done it before!) So be prepared for the long haul, and just settle in and have fun with it.
Be exceptionally patient with yourself and take your time. Remember, as an author, you are a creator, and this is just another form of the creative process that will last long after you are gone. So make it great!
Editing
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- 4. Listen and Edit
Before beginning each chapter, it’s always a good idea to go back and review the chapter that came before, (or for that matter, the first chapter as well), just to be sure that you are reading with the same vocal tone and intensity.
It’s not uncommon to start reading a book in a higher, more pinched or stressed voice, and then as the project continues, your voice becomes lower, more relaxed and natural sounding. If this happens, you may want to finish the book first, and then return and re-record the parts that need “fixing”.
It’s good to get other ears in on the process, (a friend, spouse or colleague), to help critique your recorded book. Listen for the details such as unnatural breaths, loud or soft phrases, sibilance and plosives, as well as any unwanted background noise or sounds you may not have caught during the recording process. And most importantly, as you listen, be sure to read along with your recording to make sure you haven’t left out any words, phrases, (or even chapters!).
There’s an old carpenter’s adage that says, “Measure twice, cut once”. Apply this to your editing process and you’ll be much happier with the results, I promise. Listen twice, (or three or more times), and edit as you go.
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- 5. Create an ACX Account
Once your audiobook is finished being recorded and edited, you will want to set up an ACX account.
ACX, the Audiobook Creator’s Exchange, is the premier audiobook marketplace created by Amazon’s Audible. Bringing authors, publishers, narrators and studios together for the purpose of creating and publishing audiobooks, ACX is where you will go to upload and sell your audiobook for release on iTunes, Audible and Amazon.
Learn everything you need to know to set up your account here > Create an ACX Account
- 6. Upload Your Content to ACX & Findaway Voices
Congratulations! You’ve reached the final step in creating your audiobook.
Once recorded and edited, your audiobook it is ready for your “readers’” hungry ears. (Yes, listening is also a form of reading!)
The way you get it out to your adoring fans is to upload it in a digital file, (mp3) on ACX.
You will also need to create and upload your cover art. Learn more here > Cover art specs
They take care of it from there.
Learn how to upload your content to ACX here > Upload your digital files to ACX
Next, you will want to sign up with Findaway Voices (the world’s largest audiobook distributor giving you access to 40+ retail and library distribution outlets).
Once your book is made available in all the places people go to find audiobooks, your real work begins – Letting the world know your audiobook is available and where they can find it.
Learn more here > How to Launch and Market Your Audiobook
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Want to leave it to the Pro’s? > Start here!