How to Make an Audio Book

My Journey of Self-Publishing an Audiobook: A Personal Experience

In my blog posts, I like to share personal experiences and lessons learned from both my successes and failures. Today, I want to talk about my venture into self-publishing an audiobook. Having already self-published four books in eBook and paperback formats, I decided to explore the world of audiobooks. In this post, I'll share my experience of using ACX.com, owned by Amazon, to develop my audiobook. It was an enjoyable and straightforward process, which is why I would choose them again in the future.

Getting Started with ACX.com:

1. Account setup: Creating an account on ACX.com was a breeze. Once registered, I set my preferences for the type of voice I was looking for, selecting options like female or British accents. ACX.com made it easy with simple drop-down boxes.
   
2. Script sample and auditions: I posted a sample of my script, and soon auditions from voice actors with suitable preferences came flooding into my ACX.com mailbox. Listening to the auditions and choosing the actress was the most exciting part for me. I opted for an actress with a posh/boujee voice to suit my characters, and it was so much fun making the selection. Alternatively, you can even use your own actor or record the audiobook yourself by uploading the correct audio files.
   

 Production Company Option:

1. Multiple actors, music, and sound effects: ACX.com offers the option to choose a production company that can provide multiple actors and actresses, along with music and sound effects. While this can be more expensive, it's worth considering if you prefer a more elaborate production. ACX.com provides this option, or you can find your own production company.

Recording and Approval Process:

1. Chapter-by-chapter recording: Once the actress or actor is selected, they will record your script chapter by chapter. As the chapters come in, you can listen to them and approve the recordings. ACX.com ensures there are time deadlines for the process, and all communication and payment arrangements are done securely through their portal.

Payment Options:

1. Royalties and payment: ACX.com offers two payment options. You can choose to pay the actor in full and keep all the royalties, or opt for a 50/50 split of the audiobook royalties without any upfront payment. I personally chose to pay the actor in full and keep all the royalties, but the split royalties option can be a good choice if you don't have the funds upfront.

Developing my audiobook with ACX.com was an enjoyable experience, and I highly recommend their services. However, it's worth mentioning that there are other companies available as well. I encourage you to research and find the best fit for your needs. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. For more writing advice, you can follow me on Instagram @VixBrowneAuthor and check out my videos under my bio. Good luck and have fun creating your own audiobook!
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Note: This blog post is based on my personal experience, and your journey may vary.
  

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