How To Self Publish An Audio Book

Audacity Audio Editing Software Preview 03:22

An introduction to the free, open source Audacity audio editing software, as well as an important free Audacity plugin to facilitate in the audio book production process. Links to the software and plugin downloads are provided in Resources.

Updating Your Audacity Software Preview 00:22

Tip for checking to see if you have the latest version of Audacity.

Microphones for Audio Book Recording Preview 07:56

A review of an inexpensive USB microphone and accessories that I have used for my own audio book recording. (I was not compensated for any recommendation and I genuinely like using these mic options.)

Reducing Ambient Noise for Audio Book Recording Preview 07:45

The environment in which you record your audio book can affect the audio quality and how your voice sounds. I share some ways to reduce environmental issues that can show up on your audio recordings.

Recording and Controlling Your Voice Preview 07:37

Learning how to use your voice is a new skill for many authors! It takes practice. From my years as a public speaker and teacher, I offer my tips for developing your vocal skills for narrating and recording your book.

Audio Book Recording Tips for Reading What's There Preview 04:19

One of the toughest things to do when recording an audio book is actually reading what's there! I offer tips for improving your reading and narration skills in this video.

Tips for Reading Web Addresses in Audio Books Preview 03:37

As an author, you likely want to direct your readers to your website to learn more about you and your books. But how you handle web addresses in audio books is very different than print books or eBooks. Here are some audio-friendly tips for web addresses.

Handling Subheadings in Audio Books Preview 02:11

Especially if you publish nonfiction, you probably have lots of subheadings within chapters. How should you handle them when narrating and producing your audio book? I share my tips.

Should You Self Publish Your Kindle eBook or Audio Book First? Preview 03:01

Should you self publish your Kindle eBook edition or audio book edition first? In this lecture, I share a publishing sequence that can improve both your eBook and audio book editions.

Should Your Audio Book Have Background Music? Preview 04:59

While background music and sounds seem like a nice idea for audio books, it actually can complicate the project dramatically. Considerations for background music are discussed.

Trigger Warnings for Audio Books Preview 04:14

Trigger warnings for content that may offend or disturb sensitive audiences are becoming more important for all books, including audio books. I explain what a trigger warning is, where to put them, and what types of content may require them.

ACX Audio Book Submission Requirements Preview 10:53

Though many of these requirements will be discussed in more detail throughout the course, you should be aware of file requirements for your audio book before you start recording.

Handling Front Matter and Back Matter for Your Audio Book Preview 03:51

Print books and eBooks have a LOT of extra material that would not be reader friendly in an audio edition, particularly front and back matter. I explain what front and back matter are and offer some suggestions for handling it in an audio book.

Including Go-To References in Audio Books Preview 03:29

In text-based books or eBooks, it's easy to tell readers to jump to a certain segment or page. But in audio books it's very difficult without disrupting the listening experience. I discuss how to handle suggestions for referencing previous, upcoming, or supplemental material in audio books. Also see the lecture, How to Add PDF Resources to Your Audio Book, for additional tips.

How to Handle Tables, Graphs & Visual Info in Audio Books Preview 03:01

Tables, graphs, and other visuals are sometimes important parts of books, especially for nonfiction. But they represent a huge challenge when converting the book to audio format. I discuss how to handle these situations.

How to Record Your Audio Book Using the Audacity Software Preview 04:46

In this demo video, I explain the basics for using the Audacity software to record your voice reading your book.

For Mac Users: Using Audacity version 2.4.2 should eliminate the the mic and recording issues you may encounter with earlier Audacity versions and the Mac iOS Catalina update. But if you are having issues, watch the "Mac Issues for Audacity" video in Resources for a workaround using the Apple GarageBand app.

Hiring Talent for Your Audio Book: What You Need to Know Preview 04:07

Though this course is geared for self published authors who are doing their audio DIY (do it yourself), if you ever get to a point where you feel you're incapable of doing it, you may consider hiring help. But you need to do it right so you don't lose your rights and royalties. Here are some cautions to be aware of.

Basic Audio Editing Functions in Audacity Preview 08:19

In this demo, I explain the basic audio editing tools available in the Audacity software.

For Mac users: In Resources is a video explaining a workaround for Mac if you are having difficulty with editing caused by the Mac iOS Catalina update. These issues appear to have been solved with Audacity update version 2.4.2 and the regular instructions in the regular lecture video can be followed. So only look at the Resources video if you are still having difficulties.

Importing Audio into Audacity Preview 00:43

If you want to record audio clips outside of Audacity, you'll need to import those clips in order to edit and prepare them for your ACX audio book project. Here's how to get them into Audacity.

How to Edit Bloopers and Mistakes from Your Audio Files Preview 09:02

Bloopers and mistakes are inevitable when recording audio! In the demo, I explain how to edit out mistakes and major extraneous noises.

Reducing Noise and Adding Room Tones to Your Audio Files Preview 07:06

Background noise can be very distracting for audio book listeners... and it can cause your files to be rejected by ACX. In this demo video, I explain techniques for reducing background noise from your computer, as well as how to add necessary silence at the beginning and end of each of your files.

Audio Quality Edits and the Nyquist ACX Check Plugin Preview 08:34

This demo will explain some of the final audio quality edits that will be necessary to make your audio files ready for submission to ACX. Doing a pre-submission file check using the Nyquist ACX Check plugin for Audacity will be reviewed, as well as dealing with challenges you may encounter during this phase.

Special instructions for using the Nyquist ACX Check Plugin for Mac users is included at the end of the video OR you can view them as the ACX Check for Mac video in this lecture's Resources.

Exporting Your Audio Files to MP3 Files Preview 02:05

This demo will show how to export your Audacity files to MP3 files for ACX submission.

ACX Audio Analysis Tool Preview 03:19

In early 2020, ACX introduced the ACX Audio Analysis Tool. Find out what it does and how it can help speed up your audio approval process.

Using ACX's Predefined Basic Audio Book Cover Tool Preview 01:09

No design skills? No cover artwork? No problem! ACX's Predefined Cover Tool has got your audio book covered. It's pretty basic, but it's serviceable if you don't have the skills or ambition to create an audio book cover yourself.

Creating Custom Audio Book Cover Art Using Canva Preview 05:49

If you want something more elaborate than what ACX's Predefined Cover Tool offers, you could use the free Canva graphic design layout program. Also discussed are ACX requirements for custom audio book covers.

How to Add PDF Resources to Your Audio Book Preview 01:16

Sometimes you might want to share additional information or resources with your reader listeners that just can't easily be done with audio, e.g., extensive footnotes, worksheets, etc. You can add PDF files to your audio books on ACX. Here's how to do that.

Making Changes to Your Published Audio Book on ACX Preview 01:20

Sometimes you'll have to make changes to your audio book after you've sent it off to ACX review or even have it fully published. Here's what you need to do if that happens.

Understanding Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Distribution for Audio Books Preview 03:29

Though this is really a marketing question, you'll be asked to choose between exclusive and non-exclusive distribution for your audio book that you self publish on ACX. I explain what each means so you choose which one is right for you.

ACX Promo Codes versus Bounty URLs Preview 06:41

ACX offers a couple of tools that help authors spread the word on their audio books and make some additional money. However, the promotional terminology used on ACX is different than for other online marketing. The differences and opportunities are explained in this video.

Closing Thoughts and Additional Resources Preview 01:11

Thank you and going forward thoughts from your instructor, Heidi Thorne. Plus, in the Resources are links to other courses Heidi offers that may interest you.