Sell on Audible: Tips and Strategies To Become a Successful Author
Tips and Strategies To Become a Successful Audible Author
Today, audiobooks have become a popular choice for entertainment and knowledge consumption. Whether you’re an aspiring fiction storyteller or a subject-matter expert, creating an audiobook can open doors to a wide audience eager to listen and learn. With platforms like Audible dominating the market and offering authors and narrators the opportunity to sell on Audible, it’s the perfect time to explore the world of audiobook creation and monetization.
In this guide, we’ll delve into valuable tips and strategies that will empower you to become a successful Audible author. We’ll discuss the intricacies of crafting an audiobook that captivates listeners, the secrets to making money on Audible as a narrator, and the essential techniques for standing out and thriving as a narrator in the competitive world of audiobooks. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a budding narrator, this article will equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to excel in the dynamic realm of audiobook production and selling on Audible.
Choosing Your Path: Fiction or Nonfiction?
The first step in your audiobook journey is choosing whether to dive into fiction or nonfiction. Fiction transports listeners to imaginative realms, weaving narratives with vivid characters and immersive dialogues. On the other hand, nonfiction delivers valuable insights backed by data and sources, enriching listeners’ lives with knowledge. Whichever path you choose, ensure there’s demand for your chosen genre on Audible, and conduct thorough keyword research to make your audiobook discoverable.
Crafting Quality Content: The Heart of Your Audiobook
The backbone of any successful audiobook is its content. For fiction enthusiasts, master the art of crafting engaging characters and captivating worlds. Nonfiction authors, back your claims with credible data and offer solutions that resonate with your audience. If writing isn’t your strong suit, consider collaborating with a skilled ghostwriter who can bring your vision to life.
Reviews and Ratings: The Power of Audience Engagement
Once your audiobook hits the virtual shelves of Audible, encourage your listeners to leave reviews and ratings. Positive feedback not only boosts your book’s visibility but also helps in building a loyal following. These reviews serve as testimonials for potential listeners, enhancing your credibility and potentially attracting more sales.
The Voice Behind the Words: Narration Matters
The narration of your audiobook can make or break its success. Decide whether to narrate it yourself or hire a professional through platforms like ACX. A well-voiced audiobook can add depth and resonance to your story, captivating listeners and keeping them engaged throughout the journey.
Promotion: Getting the Word Out
Before hitting the ‘publish’ button, have a pre-publishing marketing strategy in place. Leverage social media platforms, run promotional campaigns, and make use of Audible’s marketing tools to create buzz around your audiobook. Distributing free promo codes can attract potential buyers and improve your book’s ranking.
Optimization: Boosting Discoverability
As you upload your audiobook, pay close attention to tags and metadata. Utilize keywords relevant to your content and genre, increasing the likelihood of your audiobook being discovered by your target audience.
Eye-Catching Cover Art: A Visual Invitation
Your audiobook’s cover art is its first impression. Design a visually striking cover that aligns with your genre and entices potential listeners. If design isn’t your forte, consider hiring a professional graphic designer to create an eye-catching masterpiece.
Riding the Wave of Trends: Staying Relevant
To thrive in the ever-evolving audiobook market, it’s crucial to stay abreast of industry trends. Listen to your audience’s feedback and look for opportunities to offer something fresh and unique. Adaptability and innovation are key to maintaining your success in the long run.
How To Make Money Selling on Audible as a Narrator
If creating audiobooks isn’t your preference, consider the option of narrating audiobooks instead.
Narrating books can serve as a lucrative professional career, offering opportunities to earn some extra cash and potentially turn it into a substantial income stream.
The beauty of audiobook narration lies in its inclusivity; there’s a niche for every type of voice, whether it be sharp, baritone, or anything in between. With Audible reigning as the leading audiobook platform, numerous authors are constantly seeking collaborations with skilled narrators, resulting in a wealth of opportunities for aspiring artists.
If your goal is to sell on audible via audiobook narration, here are some common payment options:
- Per Finished Hour (PFH): You receive a flat rate fee per hour of the finished recording, typically encompassing around 9,000 words.
- Royalty Share: Under this arrangement, you split the royalties with the book author or rights owner based on the audiobook’s sales.
- Royalty Share Plus: This payment scheme combines both Per Finished Hour and Royalty Share, providing a fixed amount for narrating the book along with future royalties.
Now, let’s explore the essential audiobook narration skills that can set you on the path to success, whether you’re an aspiring newcomer or an experienced narrator looking to enhance your expertise. Developing these skills is crucial for becoming a proficient and sought-after audiobook narrator.
To become a successful narrator, follow these essential tips and strategies:
Clear Speaking: Master clear and precise pronunciation to make sure listeners can understand you easily.
Breathing Technique: Control your breath to keep your narration smooth and uninterrupted, avoiding breaks or sudden inhales.
Matching Delivery: Adjust your tone to fit the content and achieve what the author intended. Keep your pitch consistent and engaging throughout.
Staying Accurate: Stick to the author’s words without changing, adding, or leaving out anything.
Being Reliable: Maintain a consistent level of quality and commitment in your projects. Show enthusiasm, clear speech, the right tone, and good delivery to increase your chances of working with authors and publishers again.
Knowing the Material: Understand the plot, characters, and settings in fictional books. For nonfiction, get a basic grasp of the topic to explain it well to listeners.
Bringing Characters Alive: Make characters come to life, especially in children’s audiobooks. Use different tones, attitudes, and accents for each character.
Separating Voices: Make your narration voice distinct from the characters’ voices. Use tags like “he said” or “she said” in your own voice to avoid confusing listeners.
Building Stamina: Have the energy to record for long periods, as narration can take hours in front of a microphone. Keep up your energy and a steady voice, much like running a marathon.
Emotional Connection: Get emotionally involved in the book to create an engaging narration that vividly conveys events and emotions from the text.
Remember, narration goes beyond merely reading aloud; it involves creating a vivid picture to accurately portray events and evoke emotions from the text. Even with less exciting subjects, maintain an enthusiastic voice, especially in nonfiction works. By implementing these tips and strategies, you can excel as a narrator and craft compelling audiobook experiences for your audience.
Tips and Strategies for Becoming a Successful Narrator
Here are some useful tips and steps to help you become a successful audiobook narrator and even sell on Audible:
Here are some useful tips and steps to help you become a successful audiobook narrator and even sell on Audible:
Create a Professional Recording Space:
Find a quiet spot for recording. Make it sound great with soft materials on the walls and invest in good equipment like a microphone and headphones. Also, get recording software to make your work sound professional.
Make a Demo Reel: Show off your skills by recording a demo reel. Put in parts from different types of books to show how well you can do different voices and emotions.
Record Really Well: Use good software to record and make sure your recordings sound super clear. Edit out any background noises. Do your best and re-record if needed.
Keep Backups: Keep copies of your recordings safe so you don’t lose them. It’s important to be prepared in case anything goes wrong.
Watch What You Drink and Eat: Avoid coffee and dairy because they can mess with your voice. You want your voice to sound its best.
ACX Narrator Profile: Make a cool profile on ACX. Talk about what you’ve done, what you’re good at, and what you can do. Put up a few different demo recordings to show off your skills.
Try Out for Audiobooks: Audition for lots of audiobook projects on ACX. Really get into the story and show that in your reading. The better you match the book, the more likely you are to get picked.
Talk to the Author: If you get a gig, chat with the author. Make sure you know what they want for the audiobook. When do they want it done? How should it sound?
Tell People About You: Let people know you’re a great narrator. Use sites like YouTube, Fiverr, and social media to spread the word. Share your work and ask for reviews.
Keep Learning: Always get better at narrating. Learn new things and keep up with what’s new in the field. The more you learn, the more you’ll stand out.
By incorporating these tips into your narration journey, you can position yourself as a sought-after and successful audiobook narrator, continually growing your expertise and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
