How to Market Your Self-Published Audiobook

By The Book Marketer

Have you recently self-published an audiobook? Have you found it difficult to promote? Do you want to reach a wider audience and increase your sales? Look no further....
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the tools and strategies you need to promote your audiobook, from social media marketing to email campaigns and more. Whether you're a seasoned, self-published author or just starting out, this book is invaluable for anyone looking to get their audiobook noticed and heard. With practical tips, promotional resources, and expert advice from successful self-publishing authors, this book is the ultimate reference for anyone looking to take their audiobook to the next level.
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• Language: English
• Publisher: Rocket Muse Publishing
• Release date: Aug 4, 2023

Book preview

Introduction

Let’s kick off with a quiz question. Sitting comfortably? Over the past three years, which of the following book formats has had the most growth year over year?

Audiobooks

Paperback publications

Ebooks

If you selected option 1, you are a genius and 100% correct. The audiobook industry has experienced exponential growth over the last decade. Once a niche market, audiobooks have become a multi-billion dollar business, attracting major publishers, acclaimed authors, and A-list narrators. According to recent estimates, audiobook sales in 2023 are projected to generate over $5 billion in revenue, a significant increase from $2.5 billion in 2018.

The origins of audiobooks date back to the 1930s when book publishers first began releasing recordings of authors reading aloud from their works. However, the audiobook market remained small for decades. Digital audio formats and portable listening devices in the late 20th century led to a resurgence in audiobook popularity. In 2003, Audible, now an Amazon company, launched the first digital audiobook store and made buying and sharing audiobooks more convenient. A few years later, in 2008, Audible created ACX, an online platform connecting independent authors, narrators, and producers to create and distribute audiobooks. ACX enabled countless authors to turn their books into audiobooks and reach new audiences. These innovations revolutionised the audiobook industry and set the stage for the meteoric rise over the following 10 years.

Several factors have inspired the recent boom in audiobook popularity. First, audiobooks provide a convenient way to consume literature whilst on the go. People can listen to them during their commute, whilst exercising, doing chores, or other activities. Audiobooks facilitate effective multitasking and allow individuals to make the most of their time. This medium has also made books more accessible to people with visual impairments or reading difficulties, providing an inclusive platform for everyone to enjoy stories. With the ubiquity of smartphones and portable devices, audiobooks have become readily available anytime and anywhere. People can carry entire libraries of audiobooks in their pocket and access them on demand. Digital audiobook stores and subscription services such as Audible, Libro.fm, and Google Play Books have made discovering, purchasing, and listening to audiobooks seamless.

The audiobook experience is also enhanced by professional narrators who bring stories to life with dynamic performances. Celebrity narrators, in particular, have attracted new listeners and generated even more awareness. The familiarity of listening to spoken content through podcasts has likewise made the transition to audiobooks smoother, expanding the potential audience. Immersive and atmospheric, audiobooks create a powerful storytelling experience by incorporating sound effects, music, and other audio elements. This captivating quality fosters deep emotional connections and engagement for listeners.

It is an excellent time for indie authors to be capitalising on this trend, as the audiobook market shows no signs of slowing down. As technology improves, access expands, and more people discover the joy of listening to books, the audiobook industry will probably continue its meteoric rise over the next decade and beyond. Overall, audiobooks have revolutionised how stories are told and shared in the 21st century.

1

Audiobook Creation

How you go about creating your audiobook is not the aim of this book. That said, if considering recording your own audiobook or exploring the option of hiring a narrator, we will give you an overview of the process for an understanding of what’s required. Recording your own audiobook or hiring a narrator requires careful planning and consideration. Always be aware your focus is on creating a high-quality audiobook that captivates your audience. You need to decide if you have the time and resources to achieve that aim. Remember to research equipment options thoroughly and explore platforms for distribution that will meet your needs.

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Recording Your Own Audiobook

Preparing for Recording:

a. Script Preparation:

Review your manuscript and make any necessary edits for audio consumption.

Consider changing dialogue tags and excessive descriptive passages for better flow in audio format.

b. Space Preparation:

Find a quiet and well-insulated room to minimise background noise.

Clear the space of any potential distractions and ensure proper ventilation.

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Essential Equipment

a. Microphone:

Look for a condenser microphone, which is ideal for voice recording.

Affordable options include the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB or the Samson Q2U.

b. Pop Filter and Boom Arm:

A pop filter helps reduce plosive sounds (such as p