How Long Does Audiobook Production Take?
If you’re considering turning your book into an audiobook, one of the first questions you probably have is, “How long will it take?” It’s a fair question, especially if you’re planning your book launch or coordinating with other publishing deadlines.
The good news? Audiobook production is a straightforward process when you understand the steps involved. Let’s break down the timeline stage by stage so you can plan your project with confidence.
- Book Length
- Complexity
- Revisions & Feedback
What Impacts the Audiobook Production Timeline?
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to note that the timeline can vary depending on a few key factors:
- Book Length: Naturally, a 20-hour epic will take longer to record and produce than a 3-hour novella.
- Complexity: Books with multiple characters, technical jargon, or unique pacing require more preparation and recording time.
- Revisions and Feedback: The number of revisions or changes during production can also affect the timeline.
With those factors in mind, let’s explore each stage of audiobook production.
Stage 1: Pre-Production (1–2 Weeks)
Pre-production is all about preparation. This phase ensures the narrator, producer, and author are aligned before recording begins.
What Happens in Pre-Production?
- Script Preparation: Your manuscript is reviewed for any potential pronunciation challenges, character notes, or stylistic considerations.
- Narrator Selection: If you haven’t already chosen a narrator, this is the time to find the perfect voice for your story.
- Initial Consultation: The narrator and producer will discuss tone, pacing, and any specific direction you have for the audiobook.
Tips to Keep Things Moving:
- Be clear about your expectations and share any key details about tone or pronunciation upfront.
- Provide a clean, finalized manuscript to avoid delays later in the process.
Stage 2: Recording (3–10 Days)
Recording is the most time-intensive part of audiobook production, but it’s also where your story truly comes to life.
What Happens During Recording?
The narrator will spend time in the studio reading your book, focusing on delivering a performance that reflects its tone and style. On average, narrators record about 6 to 8 finished hours per week.
- Finished Hours: A “finished hour” is the length of the final recording. For every finished hour, narrators typically spend 2 to 3 hours recording and editing.
- For example, a 10-hour audiobook will take approximately 30 hours of recording time.
Tips to Keep Things Moving:
- Respond promptly to any questions or clarifications your narrator may have during recording.
- If you’re working with a professional narrator, trust their expertise to deliver the best performance possible.
Stage 3: Editing and Proofing (1–2 Weeks)
Once recording is complete, the raw audio needs to be polished. This phase ensures your audiobook is free from errors, distractions, and inconsistencies.
What Happens During Editing and Proofing?
- Audio Editing: Background noise, breaths, and pauses are removed. The audio is balanced to ensure a smooth listening experience.
- Proofing: The recording is reviewed against the manuscript to catch any errors in pronunciation, pacing, or delivery.
Why This Stage Matters:
Editing and proofing are critical for maintaining professionalism and quality. A well-edited audiobook will enhance the listener’s experience and reflect positively on your brand as an author.
Stage 4: Author Review (1–2 Weeks)
After editing and proofing, you’ll have the opportunity to review the audiobook before final production.
What Happens During Author Review?
- You’ll listen to the edited recordings to ensure they meet your expectations.
- If you identify any issues, this is the time to provide feedback for revisions.
Tips to Keep Things Moving:
- Take detailed notes during your review and provide clear, concise feedback.
- Focus on major issues—minor adjustments can sometimes disrupt the overall flow of the performance.
Stage 5: Mastering and Distribution (1 Week)
The final stage of audiobook production is mastering and preparing your files for distribution.
What Happens During Mastering?
- Mastering: The audio is optimized to meet platform requirements, such as those set by Audible or iTunes.
- File Preparation: The finished audiobook is divided into chapters or sections and formatted for upload.
Distribution:
Once your audiobook is mastered, it’s ready to be distributed to platforms like Audible, Google Play Books, and Apple Books. Most platforms have an additional review process, which can take 2–10 days before your audiobook goes live.
How to Plan Your Audiobook Project
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated timeline for each stage:
- Pre-Production: 1–2 weeks
- Recording: 3–10 days
- Editing and Proofing: 1–2 weeks
- Author Review: 1–2 weeks
- Mastering and Distribution: 1 week
In total, you can expect the process to take 4–8 weeks, depending on your book’s length and complexity.
Why Professional Support Makes a Difference
Producing an audiobook can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. That’s where a professional production team comes in.
At Audiobook Voice Studio, we handle every step of the process—from finding the perfect narrator to mastering your audio for distribution. Our goal is to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on what you do best: writing amazing stories.
