Today I’m sharing a guest post from Alicia Gerrard, the director & founder of Audio Quants. Producing an audiobook is not cheap, but Alicia points out some of the reasons why the investment might be worth it. Of course, Audio Quants is just one of many audio book production companies, and like with everything you’re thinking of purchasing, you need to research your options before committing to anything. My advice if you do decide to make an audio book, is to have a good marketing plan in place before taking the plunge. You’ll not get back the money you spend on producing an audio book if you don’t market it.
Now read what Alicia has to say:
Audiobooks now rival print as the format of choice for literary consumers. For good reason too. Reasons, in fact! Here are Audio Quants’ six benefits to turning your book into an audiobook.
1. An Ever-growing Market
A 2020 survey by the Audio Publishers Association (APA) recorded that the number of Americans who have ever listened to an audiobook had increased to 46%, up 2% from the previous year. It’s not a phase either; this was the 9th consecutive survey to record such annual growth. Predictability isn’t usually welcomed in literature but we’ll make an exception here.
2. An Expansive Audience
So who are these avid consumers? Everyone, that’s who! Audiobooks hold universal appeal across ages, genders and backgrounds; great news for any author. Pew noted that while the 18-49 year olds continue to be the chief audience, consumption among children rose 14% between 2020 and 2021. And they’re not full; 38% of the APA’s surveyed participants hold subscriptions to an audiobook platform. Your audience is ready and waiting.
3. Create Something Wonderful
It’s easier than ever before to create a quality audiobook. However, with more than 70,000 audiobooks produced in the United States in 2020, it’s also vital for your project that you stand out. Thankfully, all the help you need is readily available! Publication services assist and advise throughout the finicky production process. The Alliance of Independent Authors offers a list of services to trust, and avoid (hotlink https://selfpublishingadvice.org/best-self-publishing-services/).
4. Boost Paper Sales
Traditional print reading still remains the most common form of literary consumption, with 65% of adults surveyed claiming to have read a print book in the previous year (Pew, 2021). So, certain consumers may wish to read your title but would prefer to put their feet-up in front of the fire with a hard copy. Who are you to deny them?
5. Finding its Voice
Audiobooks allow you to share those sounds and atmospheres that inspired you to tell your story in the first place. Services such as Audio Quants create a multi-dimensional storytelling experience by finding the perfect voices, before adding the finer details that will raise the goosebumps on your arm or send shivers down your spine.
6. Make a Name for Yourself
Once your audiobook has been created, you’ll find an endless list of platforms through which to make it available. From ACX to Storytel, success among listeners feeds back into your own online brand. Through public reviews and engagement with satisfied listeners, potential listeners can see what you have to offer. Before long, you’ll be getting started on that sequel.
About Audio Quants
Audio Quants is a rising name in audio entertainment and digital storytelling. Our passion to create engaging audio stories has charmed audiences all over the world! Authors can be safe in the knowledge that our engaged team offers a tailored experience, allowing their vision to be realised.
We recently partnered with Zebralution, a respected name in audio licensing. Our products are now delivered to over 40 platforms incl. Audible, Spotify and more. Clients can expect excellence and dedication from the creative production right through to platform delivery. At Audio Quants, we make audio products that we want everyone to hear!
Take a listen to some of our recent projects, and reach out to us on our website
Sources: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/01/06/three-in-ten-americans-now-read-e-books/
