Audiobook narration and production course detail
Welcome to Your Audiobook Journey
Who is This Course For?
- Indie authors who want to narrate their own audiobooks and maintain full creative control.
- Writers on a budget looking for a cost-effective way to produce high-quality audio.
- Beginners with little to no experience in narration or recording.
- Authors who value authenticity, wanting to connect with their audience through their own voice.
Preparing Your Manuscript for Audio
Before you begin recording, your manuscript must be optimised for narration.
You’ll learn how to:
- Adapt your writing style for clarity and engagement in audio format.
- Identify and simplify complex passages.
- Use script annotation techniques to enhance pacing, emphasis, and characterisation.
- Rehearse effectively to avoid mistakes and improve delivery.
Mastering Narration Techniques
Your voice is your most powerful tool in audiobook production.
This module covers:
- Vocal warm-ups and breath control techniques for stamina and clarity.
- Narration styles for fiction and non-fiction.
- How to bring characters to life with subtle voice differentiation.
- Common mistakes to avoid, such as robotic reading and repetitive vocal patterns.
Hardware Essentials
A high-quality recording doesn’t require an expensive studio, just the right tools and setup.
This module explores:
- Microphone options (USB vs XLR) and budget-friendly recommendations.
- Essential accessories like pop filters, shock mounts, and headphones.
- Setting up a home studio with affordable acoustic treatment.
- Testing and troubleshooting your recording environment.
Software for Recording and Editing
Mastering the technical side of audiobook production is crucial for professional results.
You will learn:
- How to choose and use a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) such as Audacity, GarageBand, or Reaper.
- Recording techniques to ensure clean, distortion-free audio.
- Editing fundamentals, including noise reduction and seamless corrections.
- How to master your audiobook to meet ACX and other platform standards.
Submission Platforms and Their Guidelines
Once your audiobook is ready, you need to know where and how to publish it.
This module will guide you through:
- Popular audiobook platforms (ACX, Findaway Voices, Kobo, Google Play, etc.).
- File specifications and formatting requirements for submission.
- Metadata and cover art best practices to ensure acceptance.
- Strategies for marketing and promoting your audiobook.
Troubleshooting and Refining Your Workflow
Even experienced narrators encounter challenges.
This final module provides:
- Efficient recording and editing workflows to save time.
- Solutions for common audio problems (hissing, pops, mouth clicks).
- Strategies for maintaining energy and focus during long recording sessions.
- Guidance on gathering feedback and improving future projects.
Course Format & Learning Approach
This course combines written guides, practical exercises, and hands-on projects to ensure you gain real-world experience. At the end of each module, you will complete activities designed to reinforce learning, including:
- Recording exercises to refine your narration style.
- Editing and mastering tasks to perfect your audio.
- A final submission plan, preparing you for real-world audiobook distribution.
For those enrolled in the live group option, additional Q&A sessions, real-time feedback, and peer collaboration will be available.
Why This Course is Different
Many courses focus solely on technical aspects or narration techniques, but this course offers a comprehensive, beginner-friendly approach that integrates both. By the end, you will not only have a fully narrated and edited audiobook, but also the skills to continue producing high-quality audio for future projects.
Whether you’re narrating a fictional masterpiece or an informative non-fiction guide, this course will empower you to take charge of your audiobook journey and bring your story to life in the way only you can.
Let’s get started!