How Much Does It Cost to Produce an Audiobook?
Audiobooks have transformed the way people access stories. Whether it’s non-fiction works, public domain books, textbooks, or other types of literature, they have changed the rules of written content consumption. They also allow individuals to listen to stories while engaging in other tasks. Audiobooks even help those with dyslexia and other reading difficulties enjoy compelling narratives just like everyone else. From world-renowned authors to self-published writers, audiobooks are seen as an important addition to the modern literary medium. Similarly, listeners appreciate the convenience and economy of digital narration compared to physical books or Kindle eBooks. However, this doesn’t mean that producing an audiobook is easy or worthwhile for every independent author. Let’s explore the hard work and upfront costs involved in the average audiobook production process.
Costs of Producing an Audiobook
Audiobook sales have significantly increased year after year. However, this does not always mean they are profitable for authors and audiobook production companies. Creating an excellent audiobook involves more than just having a great story. The popularity of audiobooks partly depends on sound quality, making recording the biggest expense in audiobook production. Here are some ways for first-time authors to convert their books into audiobooks and enter a new market:
DIY Audiobook Production
It’s easy to find recording and production software and hardware, but creating a DIY audiobook recording may not always be cheap or recommended. Firstly, not all authors are good narrators, especially those writing in a second language. Additionally, audio production requires many technical skills that most authors do not possess. Furthermore, sound equipment isn’t cheap, and renting it could be unfeasible. Building a studio might be prohibitively expensive if you don’t continue to record and release new audiobooks.
Here are the basic requirements for recording an audiobook:
- Professional recording and production software (e.g., Audacity)
- A large diaphragm condenser microphone
- A pop filter
- High-quality headphones
- Soundproofing
- A high-performance computer
- An audio interface
DIY audiobooks can allow authors to have some control over expenses, but inexpensive equipment rarely translates into a high-quality audiobook. You might spend $1,000 to produce a decent audiobook or over $5,000 without an improvement in sound quality. This does not include distribution service costs.
Renting Time with an Audio Engineer in a Studio
A more popular option is to go to a professional recording studio. Production costs may be lower than purchasing equipment. Additionally, an audio engineer can help produce high-quality audio. However, studio fees can be expensive, and the narrative of an audiobook may require multiple sessions to complete. The hourly cost at a professional recording studio can be as high as $200, excluding post-production costs.
Hiring Professional Producers and Narrators
Experienced producers and narrators can ensure high quality for the audiobook. Voice actors or professional narrators typically have fixed rates or per-finished-hour (PFH) rates. While PFH rates allow you to plan your budget, you need to be financially prepared before the publication.
Collaborating with Professional Audiobook Production Services
If you prefer not to handle the process yourself, you can opt for an all-inclusive audiobook production company. This approach is efficient, facilitates collaboration with professionals, and can provide training on recording and narration. Audiobook production services can assist with publishing and distribution, but the costs might be higher than assembling your own team.
Other Audiobook Expenses
In addition to recording, other costs to consider include:
- Narrator Royalties: Some celebrity voice actors enter contracts with fixed fees plus revenue sharing.
- Publisher Royalties: Companies responsible for recording to distribution may charge royalties.
- Marketing Costs: Advertising is key to an audiobook’s success; without it, generating sufficient interest may be challenging.
- Art Design: Audiobooks require cover art, even if it’s digital.
- Marketplace Commissions: Selling audiobooks on platforms may incur sales commissions.
Profitability in audiobooks is often constrained by potential losses from subscription platforms and issues with piracy affecting sales.
Get Professionally Produced Audiobooks from Yomer
If you want to know more about professional audiobook services, you can import the works you want to listen to through Yomer. Yomer caters to fans of all genres and offers the highest quality AI voices in the market. Download the Yomer app on your device and start listening to professional audiobooks now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is producing an audiobook profitable?
If you can secure good pricing, high-quality voiceovers, and publishing, and if you already have a bestseller, producing an audiobook can be profitable. Transforming a bestseller into an audiobook is more likely to generate income.
Do you need a license to produce an audiobook?
If you’re creating an audiobook based on someone else’s work, you need a license. You must obtain the rights for recording, producing, and publishing.
How long does it take to produce an audiobook?
For a first-time narrator, recording one hour of narration can take four times that length. Experienced voice actors can be faster, but additional editing and post-production can still be time-consuming.
How many audiobooks have been produced to date?
The audiobook industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that continues to grow. There are currently hundreds of thousands of audiobooks, with thousands of new titles published each year.
