Think Outside the Box . . .

“For us, story is a medicine which strengthens and arights the individual and the community.”

– Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D.

Audiobook Production

Below is an outline of our process, A to Z!
We can customize your project plan to include only the stages you need managed professionally.

Getting Started

Step 1: Discovery Call

We start with a 15-minute Discovery Call. This can happen via phone or video conferencing. If it looks like we’re a good match, then we’ll invite you to email your manuscript for a strategy review.

Step 2: Strategy Call

Next we set up a 30-minute Strategy Call to discuss your project in more detail. Our team will have looked over your manuscript so we can clarify what we can offer you, and discuss any challenges and opportunities regarding the production, and with attention to marketing opportunities.

Step 3: Pre-Production Agreement

Once we decide together that we’d like to go forward, we’ll send a Pre-Production Agreement that will get us started on your project.

Pre-Production

Step 4: Production Planning Session

Some audiobook projects involve enhancements such as multiple voices, music, and/or sound effects. Some involve manuscript modifications such as directions for an activity so listeners know what to do at a given moment, or invitations to visit the website for freebies, or converting a screenplay into a narrative that will work better for an audiobook. Other manuscripts are ready to start casting right away. If you are narrating, this step includes setting you up for success.

Step 5: Casting & Manuscript Prep

As soon as we’re clear on the needs and scope of the project, we start the casting process with a call and/or email from our Casting Team. An audition text is created from your manuscript and our Casting Team will invite narrators from our talent pool to audition. We vet the auditions, then provide 3 or (typically) more narrator samples for you to choose from.

Meanwhile, our Manuscript Prep team gets your manuscript ready for the recording process. This includes info for the narrators, but also clarifies preferences on how to read things like dates, “book” vs “audiobook,” slashes, front and back matter, etc.

Step 6: Pre-Production Finalization

During this call we will confirm all decisions made regarding your manuscript, music, sound effects, narrator(s), and more. We will discuss everything that will be included in your Production Agreement.

Production

You will be assigned a Project Manager who will be your primary contact during the production of your audiobook. They will keep you updated on the schedule and status of your project and will be available for questions that may come up.

Step 7: Meet your Narrator

We offer a call to meet your narrator and recommend this step before production begins. This gives them a chance to ask any questions they have about pronunciations, characters, emotion, and tone before jumping into the recording booth. This is also a great opportunity for you to express the intention and vision for your audiobook.

Step 8: First Chapter

We will prepare the first ~15 minutes of the project for your approval before we move forward in full with the remainder of the project.

Step 9: Audio Delivery for your Review

We will deliver edited audio files for your review via G-Suite Google Drive. At this time, you will have the opportunity to request changes. Replacement files will be uploaded for your final approval. Once all audio files are approved, we move into the Submission process.

Submission Process

Step 10: Digital Distributors

We set up free accounts with Authors Republic (AR) for you. This option is available to authors internationally. Distribution through Audible and iTunes is included through AR. If you prefer to go through ACX.com, we can do that, though it is not our recommendation since it limits your impact and reach.

Step 11: Book Cover Conversion, ISBNs, Description, etc

Audiobook distributors require cover images to meet their technical specifications, which differ from print and ebook specs. We offer graphic design services to convert your book cover image. We also offer our clients ISBNs (you’ll need 2) and a review of your book description from a marketing perspective.

Step 12: Upload and Submission

Once all audio files are approved and submission information is gathered, we submit it for launch! It takes about 10 days to 3 months for your audiobook to populate in the many retail and library channels around the world.

When your production is complete, the journey doesn’t end.

We are here to help you evaluate the best next step so you can reach your biggest goals!