A r t i c l e s
Placing Respect, Integrity, Honesty & Quality Above All Else.
The Audio Book
Why would an author create an Audiobook? Generally, to expand your market. More specifically, there are three main reasons. First, to reach that segment of the market that does not have the time to read as much as they wish. Secondly, kids. Kids can easily listen to a fun book. Lastly, those who are without sight or visually impaired.
*Who are the primary customers for Audiobooks? The audiobook customer is a frequent book reader who sees audiobooks as a way to "read" more while pursuing other lifestyle activities. They are well educated, have higher incomes than non-listeners, tend to be older (30+) and are attuned to book trends through reviews and bestseller lists. Children's audiobooks are also a formidable part of the market, as many families choose them for in-car entertainment or an at-home hobby, as well as many teachers and schools using them for educational tools.
*When and where do listeners use them? The primary usage is while traveling and commuting. Other uses revolve around lifestyle activities such as exercising, relaxing, cooking, cleaning, gardening, crafting, walking the dog, etc. People whose jobs involve repetitive manual tasks also report using audiobooks at work.
*How are voices chosen? Sometimes it is the author who is considered the best choice to read their own work, predominantly in nonfiction. When an outside voice is called for, the recording studio should have voice talent to choose from. If not, keep looking. The author approves the choice of voice talent. The role of the "voice" is 'cast' as it would be for many other forms of drama, only in most audiobooks, the performer may play all of the parts (although you may also use multiple voices to create a full cast).
*Why do audiobook recording studios offer multiple formats of the same title? Consumers want choices. Differing consumer preferences for abridged and unabridged and the variety of devices consumers are using to listen to audiobooks make multiple formats a necessity. Consumers listen to CDs, MP3s, iPods, Podcasts, Streaming Audio and Cassette tape. The recording studio should provide you with a selection of file formats like .wav, MP3, .wma, and .aiff. If not, keep looking.
Selecting a recording studio. Here is a list of things to look for when selecting a studio to record your book.
· Whether in a Professional home studio or in a commercial building...does it feel good to you?
· You should always personally visit the studio. Is it clean and well organized? You have the right to inspect these places.
· Does the Producer know what he or she is talking about when you interview them? How do you feel about this person?
· Will the studio allow you to do a test reading(recording)? Just for a few minutes, so you can witness the process and hear the quality. (at no charge)
· Does the studio have flexible hours? (like 24/7 at no extra charge)
· Does the studio have a database of voice talent for you to choose from?
· Does the studio have royalty free lead-in/lead-out, background music or sound effects (if required) to choose from?
· Can the studio offer you different file formats to choose from? (of course, at no extra charge)
· Now, when you're all done visiting and listening to the different studios you have been to see...well, you already know which one felt the best for you.
by John Mahoney
*(portions of this article came from the Audio Publishers Board 4/04)
Audio Books for Children
Are you the Author of children’s books? Do you wish to be? The following information is for you who are contemplating becoming part of the incredible and exploding world of Audio Books for Children.
So, here you are, the author of children’s books, or about to be an author of a children’s book. And, you know that marketing your book is critical. Today, authors really must have the book in print, in audio and even in E-book fashion. All three of these items on the menu are equally braided together in today’s marketing plans.
First, your book will be written in the word processor and published. From there your creation is easily uploaded and shazam! The E-Book is born. Now for the fun part...print that book out, find a professional local recording studio, like RavenPheat Productions, sit down with the producer and create that Audio Book.
Listed here are all the things to choose from and do to create an interesting and magnificent audio book for children.
· Who will be the voice or voices reading the book? This is the most important decision you'll make concerning your audio book. Is the reader's voice both pleasant and appropriate for the subject matter? The recording studio that you select should have a data base of voice talent and be willing to search for that appropriate voice.
· Will you choose music and or sound effects to be woven throughout your audio book? Will music enhance the spoken words or detract from the words? Will sound effects enhance the story?
· What about the recording studio and the producer? If the studio and the producer don't feel just right in your gut, keep looking. Your intuition is key.
· Take your time and have your audio book done with excellence.
More insights into the world of Children’s Audio books
The narrators of children’s audio books also often bring the stories to life through different voices, music and sound effects. Children are encouraged to use their imaginations and "paint" their own pictures of characters and places. The overall effect of this is one of entertainment and enjoyment thereby strengthening the link between books and pleasure. This is particularly important for parents struggling with reluctant or problem readers.
Another benefit of children’s audio books is that they can play a vital role in bridging the gap in young children whose understanding and comprehension is greater than their reading skill. Often children who cannot yet read or who are just learning to read become frustrated by their lack of reading ability. In allowing them to "read" along with an audio book, this frustration can be avoided as the child feels as though they're actually reading. This is an enormous benefit when encouraging a life-long love of books and reading in the very young.
Recent research also confirms that while children are having fun listening, they are also on the road to improving their reading ability, vocabulary and comprehension --- all great for getting ahead in classes. And audio books can be a fantastic way to fulfill requirements for summer reading lists from school. Most teachers agree: listening to unabridged recordings (books that are recorded word-for-word from the print version) is not considered cheating.
By listening to audio books, children are presented with an opportunity to hear language, thereby providing them with models for the correct use of grammar and also giving them the chance to hear the correct pronunciation of new or difficult words.
According to a Commission on Reading report, "Becoming a Nation of Readers", "The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children." However, changes in society mean that more and more demands are being made on the parents time. Finding time to squeeze everything in is often not only a challenge but impossible. Audio books can give often exhausted parents a break from reading to their child. What better way to relax and end the day than to cuddle up together and just listen.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. John Mahoney
Contact John Mahoney, RavenPheat Productions, LLC
623 215 8654 ravenaudiobooks@cox.net
Peoria, Arizona
