Our April Insecure Writers Support Group Question is “Have any of your books been made into audio books? If so, what is the main challenge in producing an audio book?”
I confess, I’m not a fan of audio books. Maybe it stems from childhood. Being read to . . . puts me to sleep. I find myself being lulled by the tone of the words instead building pictures from seeing them in print until I . . . nod off. That said, having had one of my titles out in audio format was a unique and profitable venture!
When my first published book, historical Regency, SWEET TEMPEST, written under the pen name Lauren Giddings, was reissued by new publisher, Tell Tale Publishing Group, they not only gave me a gorgeous new cover in trade paperback size, but also provided red carpet promotions to relaunch it. . . things that purely terrified and delighted me. Their taped interview had me quaking - I loathe hearing my recorded voice! But I was assured “extra content” was what hooked new readers. After that, came a wonderful book trailer, which I helped build, and then, the biggest surprise, an audio book. They were a new tool at that time, and, I was assured, a booming market. As long as I didn’t have to read it out loud, I was excited by the opportunity. First decision was whether to have a single narrator or to have male and female voices reading the dialogue. There were voice auditions (!) both with accents and without. I spent my lunch hours as a law office assistant listening to clips, some awful, some comical, and finally, some contenders. Once they were selected, I spent more lunch hours listening to the audio version making notes of mispronunciations and mistakes which was laborious – noting where on the tape by time point, finding the passage in the paperback for reference. Then another version to test. Problems staying awake and familiarity breeding skipped errors. Finally . . . a finished product – with a hefty price tag for readers not in Amazon’s audio program. Who would pay that?
A lot of listening readers!
SWEET TEMPEST in audio was not only the publisher’s best seller, but brought me more royalties than any other form of the book – triple to be exact. Who knew?
Listening readers, that’s who!
Moral of story: Don’t be so intimated by new technology that you overlook its ability to get you out to a wider readership!
Looking forward to tuning in to your experiences!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.The awesome co-hosts for the April 6th posting of the IWSG will be Joylene Nowell Butler, Jemima Pett, Patricia Josephine, Louise - Fundy Blue, and Kim Lajevardi!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
That's great you had such a great experience with your audiobook. Loved reading how the whole process worked out for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Natalie! I went in with no expectations and came out . . . pleasantly surprised. Worth doing to find new readers.
DeleteThat's great it turned out to be their best seller! I don't listen to audio books but I'm glad mine are in audio.
ReplyDeleteI can't listen to them either. Ear problems prohibit headphones. But most of my critique groups devour them.
DeleteWow!! That's amazing and encouraging!! Makes me want to move my "one day" plans up to "soon"
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the success!
You never know in our biz what will prove to be successful and audio was a very pleasant surprise!
DeleteThat's an interesting experience, Nancy--the story of your audio book. It really makes me think...
ReplyDeleteIt made me think, too . . . that maybe it was time to do another one.
Delete"familiarity breeding skipped errors." That resonated with me, Nancy! I often see and hear what I expect to see and hear. Thanks for sharing your experiences with developing an audiobook. Happy writing in April!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Fundy! Heading for a weekend writers retreat on Friday. Can't wait to WORD!!!
DeleteWhat a cool experience with your audiobook. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteIt was so exciting. One of my friends is an indie film actor/maker and when his friends heard about it, they were ready to audition . . . for the film version. If only . . .
DeleteThat was a fantastic experience. I admit I don't like listening to audio books myself, but I know so many people who do, who actually prefer the audio format to the print.
ReplyDeleteA lot of my friends listen while driving or walking. I confess, my concentration would put me in constant peril if I tried that.
DeleteThat is so cool. I liked listening to audio books while driving to & from work or on trips. Lately, we haven't been doing either. Thanks for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteI hear you! Escaping the house for Retreat and so geeked. Wish we were coming.
DeleteYep! Audio is definitely dominating the book market lately and all of the audiobook fans are completely vindicated. It's a solid strategy for authors to consider making an audiobook!
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteWhat a cool experience! I love audiobooks; they account for about half my reading these days. So great for driving, housework, and exercise.
ReplyDelete