If you can't do it yourself, hire an expert! That's what I had my publisher do. I read that Audibles were doing well and everyone was listening. So I had two made. One of CORNELIUS GOES WEST, and One of DESERT HEAT, DESERT COLD AND OTHER TALES OF THE WEST. The hired professional narrator did a good job. A narrated story, if done well, enhances a story. I encourage all fellow writers to give it a try. It costs a bit, and you may have to shop around, but it is well worth it. And, they appear to be selling.
EVERYBODY IS LISTENING TO AUDIBLES! Here are 5 hours and 49 minutes of some of the most original and well written stories you'll ever hear. Narrated by a professional for your listening pleasure. (Go to the link below and Click on AUDIBLE SAMPLE and listen.) Sandy, a man of the desert is severely beaten by two thieves and left without water, weapon, or boots. Follow him as he tries to walk some fifty miles, barefoot, and to the nearest water hole. And, with each step he plans on how he will stop the thieves from hurting others ever again.
https://www.amazon.com/Desert-Heat-Cold-Other-Tales/dp/B086XHT1X6/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid&sr&fbclid=IwAR1kKVjC-IQZod95pc_o3m-64P6wy4vbfFsHGqDrFJ7Hq_eEWvYP6rcEhws
Charlie, I have always wanted to do an audible version of some of my books, but never have. I may pick your brain about this before long! I think it really sounds like a fun venture. So glad you posted about it today--you've given me courage! LOL
ReplyDeleteCheryl,
ReplyDeleteI know that Condor Publishing, Inc., went through months of research, perhaps longer, to find a proper narrator for my two books.
Then it was negotiation about price, getting and reviewing each piece and sometimes asking for corrections.
Then a professional was hired to properly layout and submit to AUDIBLES the digital voice narration.
It was not EASY, takes a lot of negotiation and time, and also expense. My publisher did it all.
I will say, for years I have been working on dictating dramatically some of my own stories. I have done a lot of acting in my early years, and one degree, an MA from the University of Michigan is in Speech/Theatre, from the same graduate program James Earl Jones graduated from.
To do a proper reading, record it, and correct mistakes is a large undertaking. One must know or have professionals with the proper software, microphone, and equipment. One day, I just might come out with a reading of my own stories. A proper DRAMATIC reading.
I must say, listening to an audible story one has written and see it come alive is a wonderful experience. AND...the readers seem to like it.
Charlie Steel
Charlie, that would be so awesome to get to narrate your own stories! HOW FUN!
DeleteCheryl,
DeleteI will do one. Have been working on it for years and half the Audible is done. However, the rule with Audibles is a book has to come out first. So it will be a while.
(Then you can hear me act!)
Charlie
Charlie,
ReplyDeleteAudible does seem to be catching on. As with all promotional and marketing endeavors, one has to have time, money, and resources, which means other things must be put aside for a while. Darn life and the choices it requires of us. *wink*
I'll bet it is a a satisfying experience to hear your own story come to life through narration. As you stated, a proper dramatic reading is not the same as a narration. The difference makes all the difference.
I wish you all the best in your audible adventure.
Hey Kaye,
ReplyDeleteHave not heard from you in ages. I hope in the time of virus that you are doing well and staying safe! Write those stories and sell those books!
Just for fun (and everyone else) go to the books mentioned above on Amazon and click on the Audible book and then on Audible Sample.
A lot to hear, and for free!
Thanks for commenting.
Charlie Steel
Charlie I went to listen to the audio sample and it was sooo good. The end of the narration left me on a hook, wanting to hear more. I gather it was the same voice, but he changed the tone to a growl with one of the characters. Very well done. This is so great for people on a long drive or commute or people with eye issues. I wish you much success with this excellent idea of selling audio stories.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elizabeth, I hope it works too. I thought the narrator was great as well.
DeleteCharlie
I have wondered a great deal if audio would be worthwhile. Let us know how this works out for you.
ReplyDeleteHi Livia!
DeleteI will let you know! Hope you are doing well!
Charlie
If you choose to join the Audibles bandwagon, look at ACX.com (It's part of AMAzon)
ReplyDeleteIf you find the "Up-front" costs too HIGH (about $9-10,000), you can arrange a royalty-split with the narrator-producer. Even with a split the author makes $4-5/unit sold.
If you are an Indie like me, you have to create/buy proper covers and promo materials.
Audibles will NOT sell themselves. You need to prime the sales-pump to get reviews. ACX gives the author 25 FREE copies. Use those to get your reviews - they are not party-favors -use them for reviews and track who gets one to know they submitted a review.(Remember Reviews are important for sales.)
An author needs a marketing plan, and you (and your narrator, if your do a split-royalty) need to co-ordinate and promote to make an audible book profitable.
Frank,
ReplyDeleteMy publisher paid for promotion. How effective it is, time will tell. I believe my publisher owns all rights to the Audible. The narrator was paid a flat fee and given name credit only.
I want my work read, my publisher can worry about profit.
Thanks for the suggestions. I will try to look into what you suggest, plus doing more promotion.
Thank you.
Charlie
I've recorded my first story. I'm in the process of getting the files uploaded, etc. (I did my own, having done voice work, etc. ) Doris
ReplyDeleteDoris,
DeleteGood for you! Hope you sell a million copies of each audible!
Charlie
I, too, have heard of the popularity of audio books and am very interested in having a couple of my books made into audio versions. I understand it is expensive and I know my publisher does not make them. Still, I wish I had that opportunity.
ReplyDeleteA very engaging blog, Charlie.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteThank you. You can subcontract and get it done yourself. A lot of work, but it can be done for less.
Charlie