Audiobooks New Zealand
Menu
Audiobooks NZ Production FAQ
Why work with us?
At Audiobooks New Zealand we have audiobooks on the brain. When we are not producing audiobooks we listen to audiobooks. When we are not listening to audiobooks we are researching and working on new and innovative ways to make and distribute audiobooks. Our core aim is to grow the New Zealand audiobook industry.
Audiobook production step by step
How long does it take to record an audiobook?
How much will it cost to make my audiobook?
How do I distribute my audiobook?
Why hire a professional narrator?
Why narrate your own audiobook?
Reading speed could increase or decrease your costs, but only slightly?
Is two or more audiobooks narrators best?
- Quote production.
- Cast narrator if required.
- Record narrator in studio with sound engineer.
- Edit and proof recordings.
- Mix and master to standard audiobook spec.
- Hand over to client for final approval.
- Set up client with audiobook distribution service.
- Collect Meta Data for book listing.
- Optimise title for widest reach.
- Upload masters to distribution service and pass all quality checks.
- Sales are paid direct to author by us or chosen distribution service.
How long does it take to record an audiobook?
- The average audiobook is 80,000 words in length.
- 80,000 word with have a finished run time of approximately 8 hours.
- 8 hours of finished audio = 20 hours of voice recording in the studio. (2.5 hrs of work per finished hour)
- 20 hours of editing, mixing and mastering.
- 8 hours of proofing.
- 2 to 4 hours for distribution setup and upload. If Cover alterations are required
- 2 to 4 weeks for your book to reach all audiobook platforms.
- Total production time usually 1 to 3 months.
How much will it cost to make my audiobook?
- To have your audiobook professionally made costs vary based on word count and work required. Please fill in the Make a Book application form and we will send you a quote once we have reviewed your specs and we can go from there.
How do I distribute my audiobook?
- Audiobooks NZ can assist you with this. In some cases we may set you up with your own account that you can manage on Findaway Voices or an alternative service, We manage the whole setup process for you. It's up to you. We are happy to talk you through the benefits of both options when we move ahead with the production. We still have a lot to do first. You have time to think it over.
Why hire a professional narrator?
- They’ll add a level of polish and legitimacy that an untrained voice (or AI voice) can’t.
- As storytellers, they will bring your characters and audiobook to life.
- They’ll possess the technical know-how and familiarity with the audiobook process.
- Narrators are physically and vocally prepared for hours of recording.
- Most own their own professional recording equipment and software.
- Credibility and distribution will be impacted, as fans of the particular narrator may discover your audiobook.
Why narrate your own audiobook?
- No one understands your characters’ voices more than you do.
- You could avoid potential communication breakdowns or fallout with voice talent.
- Full financial control of your published book assets.
- It will likely save you money.
Reading speed could increase or decrease your costs, but only slightly?
- While you might think you could save money having the narrator read at a hurried pace, the listening experience will suffer, resulting in an audiobook that sounds like a radio commercial.
- Some more traditional publishers believe it doesn’t sound proper to have a full cast of voice actors for an audiobook as it makes the audiobook feel more like a theatrical drama. Many publishers cite the fact that we grew up listening to a book being read out loud by one voice, such as a parent or teacher. Additionally, traditional publishers may source a talented narrator who can pull off multiple voices for each character.
Is two or more audiobooks narrators best?
- Other publishers would much rather have a full cast of professional voice actors to truly give each character a unique and distinctive voice. Millennials have been shown to gravitate more to audiobooks with a cast of multiple voice actors. Much of the popularity of the full cast option derives from its ability to keep the audience fully engaged for 10+ hours but can push production costs up.
- Make sure you do your research on full cast vs. single narrator audiobooks to determine what makes the most sense for your listeners.