The skill sets involved in narration are VERY different from those of writing text…but does being a story’s author make you the best person for the narration job? There is a possibility you may not be the person to bring your audiobook to life in sound, but on the other hand you may be the PERFECT person. So how do you know? In this episode, I’ll guide you through the decision making process, starting with your goal for your audiobook. We’ll cover whether recording yourself REALLY saves money and time, and well as recording equipment and space considerations for getting a clean recording. Finally, I’ll help you assess your comfort level with technology so you can decide if the editing process is right for you. Tune in and get a big dose of clarity!
Notes
Notes
Learn:
- How to know if you are the right person to narrate your book
- Will recording yourself save you money & time?
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The audiobook landscape is shifting under the feet of authors, and staying informed is no longer optional—it's essential for your success. In this episode, Becky breaks down the major industry changes hitting platforms like ACX, Spotify, and InAudio, and explains why the old rules of distribution no longer apply.
In this episode, we dive into:
- The ACX Royalty Shift: What the move from "retail price" to "member value" actually means for your bottom line and why the math might be working against you.
- The Findaway/Spotify Split: Navigating the transition from Findaway Voices to the new landscape of Spotify for Authors and InAudio.
- The Power of Direct Engagement: Why traditional retailers prioritize transactions while new models prioritize connection.
- AMPlify Audiobooks: An inside look at how the new version of AMPlify Audiobooks is changing the game by offering up to 4x higher royalties, complete pricing control, and community-building tools designed to turn listeners into fans.
Whether you are an indie author trying to earn back your production investment or a narrator looking to understand the market, this episode provides the clarity you need to navigate these massive changes.
Coming Up in This Series:
- ACX Decoded: Why the math still favors direct platforms.
- Going Wide vs. Going Direct: Weighing your distribution options.
- Building a Winning Distribution Strategy: A roadmap for your audio career.
Resources & Links:
- Amplify Audiobooks: https://amplifyaudiobooks.com/
- Pro Audio Voices: Schedule a call with Becky: proaudiovoices.com
- Authors Republic: For broad distribution alternatives: https://www.authorsrepublic.com/
View the video of this episode
#Audiobooks #IndieAuthor #AudiobookDistribution #ACX #AmplifyAudiobooks #AuthorTips #PublishingNews
In this episode, Becky concludes her series on the Ultimate Audiobook Launch Strategy. Moving beyond the initial setup, Becky dives into how authors can move from "selling" to "storytelling" by activating their existing audience ecosystem.
Learn how to leverage your current following—from friends and family to mailing lists and social media—to build genuine momentum. Becky shares actionable strategies for marketing your audiobook without being a "bullhorn," including:
- Activating Your Ecosystem: Using newsletters, guest blogging, speaking engagements, and podcast interviews to share the "behind-the-scenes" journey of your production.
- Building Strategic Partnerships: How to collaborate with aligned communities, non-profits, and niche groups (like book clubs or advocacy organizations) using targeted discount codes.
- The Power of Storytelling: Moving away from hard sales by sharing the emotional impact and accessibility benefits of your audio content.
- Maintaining Momentum: Strategies for post-launch engagement, including responding to listener reflections and hosting live events.
- The AMPlify Advantage: A deep dive into why launching on AMPlify Audiobooks provides higher royalties, direct listener connection, and unique tools like "Marketing Quests"—gamified, step-by-step guides designed to take the guesswork out of your marketing journey.
Whether you are a new author or an established creator, this episode provides the roadmap to stop whispering into the void and start building a thriving community around your voice.
- AMPlify Audiobooks: AmplifyAudiobooks.com
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Watch the video of this episode!
If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with a fellow author or book lover!
#AudiobookMarketing #AuthorTips #AudiobookLaunch #AMPlifyAudiobooks #SelfPublishing #PodcastForAuthors #Storytelling #BookMarketing
In this episode, Becky sits down with award-winning writer, filmmaker, and solo performer Skylar Lyralen Kaye (fae/they). We dive deep into the complex creative process behind their recently released non-binary memoir, Bachelorx.
The audiobook is a feat of vocal storytelling, featuring 47 distinct characters—including 18 of Skylar's own inner voices. Skylar shares fascinating insights into the technical and emotional challenges of narration, including:
- Mastering Accents: How they utilized mimicry and digital tools to tackle everything from Puerto Rican to Russian-British accents.
- The Recording Journey: Moving from a DIY apartment setup to professional studios in Portugal and the importance of vocal pacing.
- Acting Techniques: Applying the Meisner technique and "Internal Family Systems" to bring authenticity to personal, often painful, memories.
- The Power of Humor: Using comedy as a survival muscle to navigate the heavy themes of a 35-year marriage and the vulnerability of dating in mid-life.
Whether you are an author considering narrating your own memoir or a listener interested in the artistry of voice performance, this episode offers a profound look at how we use art to process trauma, find compassion, and reconnect with ourselves.
Lyralen Kaye: https://lyralenkaye.com/
AMPlify Audiobooks: https://www.amplifyaudiobooks.com
Pro Audio Voices: https://www.proaudiovoices.com
Audiobook Connection: https://audiobookconnection.com
Watch this interview on YouTube
#AudiobookConnection #Bachelorx #Memoir #AudiobookProduction #NonBinaryVoices #Storytelling #VoiceActing #MeisnerTechnique #AuthorLife #IndieAuthors #AudiobookNarration




