How to Make an Audiobook in 2026: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Authors

The audiobook industry has transformed from a niche market into a billion-dollar ecosystem that's growing by 25% annually. For authors, this isn't just another format anymore. It's a critical channel where readers discover stories during commutes, workouts, and daily routines. But here's what most writing guides won't tell you: creating a professional audiobook isn't just about reading your manuscript aloud. It's about understanding production quality, choosing the right voice, structuring your audio files for distribution platforms, and navigating technical requirements that can make or break your launch.

Whether you've written your first novel or you're a seasoned author expanding your reach, this guide walks you through every single step of audiobook creation in 2025. From manuscript preparation to final distribution, you'll learn exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid the expensive mistakes that trip up most first-time audiobook creators.

TL;DR: Essential Takeaways for Audiobook Creation

Manuscript Preparation is Non-Negotiable: Your written book needs specific formatting for audio, including removing visual elements, rewriting phrases that depend on seeing text, and adding audio-friendly scene transitions. Budget 2-4 weeks for this adaptation work because rushed preparation creates expensive re-recording sessions later.

Voice Selection Determines Your Audiobook's Success: The narrator's voice becomes the emotional core of your story. In 2025, AI voices like Enbee V2 from Narration Box offer studio-quality narration with contextual emotion and accent adaptation. You can now produce professional audiobooks without the traditional $3,000-$8,000 narrator fees, and these AI voices adjust tone, pacing, and emotion based on your content automatically.

Technical Standards Are Strict and Platform-Specific: ACX (Audible) requires specific audio specifications including RMS between negative 23dB and negative 18dB, peak values below negative 3dB, and noise floor at negative 60dB or lower. Your files must be 192 kbps or higher MP3 format with 44.1 kHz sample rate. Understanding these requirements before recording saves you from rejection and costly re-mastering.

Chapter Structure Differs Fundamentally from Print Books: Audiobooks need an opening credits section, clearly marked chapter files with consistent naming conventions, and an end credits section. Each chapter becomes a separate audio file, and listeners navigate differently than print readers, so your chapter breaks need to work for audio consumption patterns.

Distribution Strategy Impacts Your Revenue and Rights: Exclusive distribution through ACX gives you higher royalty rates (40%) but locks you into Amazon's ecosystem. Wide distribution through aggregators like Findaway Voices reaches 40+ platforms but offers lower per-sale royalties (25%). Your distribution choice affects pricing control, promotional options, and long-term rights management for years to come.

Part 1: Pre-Production Planning

Understanding the Audiobook Landscape in 2025

Current Market Dynamics

Audiobook consumption reached 74% of Americans in 2024, with the average listener completing 15 audiobooks per year. This isn't casual background noise anymore. Listeners are engaged, critical, and willing to leave detailed reviews about narration quality, pacing issues, and production flaws.

The market has split into distinct segments:

Fiction Listeners: Prioritize emotional delivery and character voice differentiation. They expect narrators to bring characters to life through distinct voices and emotional authenticity.

Non-Fiction Audiences: Want clear, authoritative narration that maintains engagement without theatrical performance. They value clarity and pacing that aids comprehension.

Genre-Specific Expectations: Romance and thriller genres demand specific vocal qualities that match reader expectations built over thousands of titles. Understanding your genre's norms prevents disappointed listeners.

Part 2: Manuscript Preparation for Audio

Step 1: Identify and Remove Visual Dependencies

Books contain numerous references that only make sense on a printed page. Phrases like "as shown in the diagram above" or "see the chart on page 47" break the listening experience. You need to find every instance where your text assumes visual access.

What to Search For:

• Words like "see," "look," "shown," "illustrated," "chart," "graph," "table," and "diagram"
• References to page numbers or visual layouts
• Footnote markers that readers would glance at
• Formatting cues like bold, italic, or underlined text that carry meaning

Step 2: Rewrite for Spoken Clarity

Written prose uses sentence structures that work visually but create confusion when spoken. Long sentences with multiple embedded clauses force listeners to hold too much information in working memory.

Numbers and Dates:

• Write out numbers that would be spoken: "twenty-three" instead of "23"
• Convert ordinals: "first" instead of "1st" and "second" instead of "2nd"
• Spell out dates: "March fifteenth, two thousand twenty-five" rather than "3/15/2025"
• Write percentages as words: "fifteen percent" instead of "15%"

Step 3: Add Audio-Specific Transitions

Print books use white space, chapter breaks, and page turns to signal transitions. Audiobooks need verbal cues that guide listeners through shifts in time, location, or perspective.

Scene Break Transitions:

• Add time markers: "Three hours later" or "The next morning"
• Include location shifts: "Meanwhile, across town" or "Back at the office"
• Signal perspective changes: "From Sarah's perspective" or "David, however, saw things differently"
• Create verbal breathing room between scenes that would have white space in print

Step 4: Format Your Opening and Closing Sections

Every audiobook needs specific opening and closing credits that meet platform requirements. These sections bookend your content and provide essential publishing information.

Opening Credits Format:

• Start with: "Title by Author Name, narrated by [Narrator Name]"
• Keep it simple and under 10 seconds
• Optional additions: Copyright year, publisher name
• Record as a separate file before Chapter 1

Step 5: Prepare Your Final Audio Script

Create a clean manuscript file specifically for recording. This becomes your master recording script that eliminates all distractions and ensures smooth production.

File Cleanup Checklist:

• Remove all editorial comments and tracked changes
• Delete formatting codes and style inconsistencies
• Strip out any remaining visual references you missed
• Eliminate page numbers, headers, and footers
• Create consistent styling throughout with clear chapter headers

Pronunciation Guide Creation:

• Create a separate document listing unusual names, places, or terms
• Include phonetic spellings for each challenging word
• Note any words where multiple pronunciations exist and specify which to use
• Add context for names that might be pronounced differently in different languages

Part 3: Voice Selection and Narration Setup

Understanding Your Narration Options

Traditional Human Narration

Professional human narrators bring interpretive artistry to audiobooks. They make character voices distinct, adjust pacing for emotional beats, and add subtle performance elements that enhance storytelling.

The Human Narration Path:

• ACX Marketplace: Search for narrators who audition for your project
• Royalty Share: Narrators receive 50% of royalties instead of upfront payment
• Pay Per Finished Hour: $200 to $400 per finished hour for experienced professionals
• Timeline: 4-8 weeks from contract to final delivery

Human Narration Costs:

• 70,000-word novel produces approximately 7-8 hours of finished audio
• Total production cost ranges from $1,400 to $3,200
• Payment covers recording, editing, mastering, and file preparation
• Revisions and pickups may cost extra

Why Enbee V2 Changes Everything for Authors

Most AI text-to-speech tools require technical knowledge about audio settings, pronunciation adjustments, and voice parameters. You spend hours tweaking settings to get acceptable results. Enbee V2 voices from Narration Box work differently and far more intuitively.

The Plain Language Instruction System

Enbee V2 voices respond to simple, natural instructions. You don't need to understand technical audio terminology or adjust complex parameters. You simply tell the voice how to speak.

How It Works:

Want a British accent with emotional depth? Type: "please speak in English with a British accent in a warm, engaging tone" The voice instantly adapts to these instructions

Need to switch to French with a whisper quality? Type: "please speak in French in a soft, whispering tone" The voice changes immediately without any technical setup

Looking for an authoritative business book narrator? Type: "please narrate this book in a confident, professional tone suitable for business content" The voice adjusts to match this description

This approach eliminates the learning curve. You talk to the voice like you'd talk to a human narrator, and it responds exactly as requested. The voice understands context from your manuscript and automatically adjusts emotion, pacing, and emphasis based on what's happening in the story.

Inline Emotion Control Without Technical Complexity

The inline emotion feature gives you precise control over specific moments without adjusting any technical parameters. You insert emotions directly into your text using square brackets.

Practical Examples:

For whispered dialogue: "[whisper] Nobody can know about this" The voice shifts to whispered quality for that specific phrase and then returns to normal narration

For laughter: "She couldn't believe her luck [laughs]. After all these years, she'd finally won" The voice adds natural laughter exactly where specified

For excitement: "[excited] We did it! We actually did it!" The voice conveys genuine excitement without you adjusting energy levels manually

For dramatic emphasis: "You can do whatever you want. For example if you want to whisper you can do [whisper] I have a secret, maybe you would like to laugh [laughs] that's hilarious dude, or be excited about something [excited] oh yeah kid, we did it!"

The voice responds to these instructions instantly, adding dramatic effect exactly where you specify. You don't adjust sliders, numeric parameters, or technical audio settings. You just write what you want in plain language, and the voice delivers it.

Context-Aware Voice Adaptation

Enbee V2 voices understand your content's context and adjust automatically. When your manuscript describes a tense scene, the voice picks up on contextual cues and adjusts pacing and tone accordingly. When dialogue shifts from serious to lighthearted, the voice follows that emotional arc naturally.

This context awareness means you spend less time manually adjusting every paragraph and more time on creative decisions about your audiobook's overall feel.

Meet the Enbee V2 Voice Cast

Narration Box offers six Enbee V2 voices specifically designed for long-form audiobook content. Each voice has distinct characteristics that work better for different genres and content types.

Ivy: The Versatile Storyteller

Voice Characteristics:

• Warm, expressive female voice
• Natural emotional range from tender to intense
• Excels at narrative fiction with emotional depth
• Automatically adjusts tone for tension, warmth, or urgency

Best For:

• Contemporary fiction
• Romance novels
• Memoir and personal narrative
• Women's fiction
• Stories requiring emotional authenticity

Listening Experience: Ivy creates intimate connection with listeners through natural vocal warmth. Her pacing feels conversational without losing narrative momentum. She handles both dialogue and descriptive passages with equal skill, making transitions seamless.

Harvey: The Confident Authority

Voice Characteristics:

• Professional, confident male voice
• Authoritative tone without sounding stiff
• Clear articulation ideal for complex information
• Maintains engagement during detailed explanations

Best For:

• Non-fiction and business books
• Thriller and suspense novels
• True crime narratives
• Self-improvement and productivity content
• Technical or instructional material

Listening Experience: Harvey commands attention through natural authority. His voice conveys competence and trustworthiness, making listeners feel they're learning from an expert. He emphasizes key points naturally without sounding didactic.

Harlan: The Approachable Guide

Voice Characteristics:

• Warm, friendly male voice
• Conversational delivery that feels personal
• Approachable tone that builds connection
• Natural enthusiasm without forced energy

Best For:

• Self-help and personal development
• Inspirational and motivational content
• How-to guides and practical advice books
• Wellness and lifestyle content
• Books targeting everyday readers

Listening Experience: Harlan feels like a trusted friend sharing valuable insights. His delivery makes complex ideas accessible without talking down to listeners. He creates the feeling of one-on-one conversation rather than lecture.

Lorraine: The Sophisticated Narrator

Voice Characteristics:

• Elegant, polished female voice
• Sophisticated delivery for language-rich prose
• Cultural refinement without pretension
• Excellent for period pieces and literary works

Best For:

• Literary fiction
• Historical novels
• Upscale non-fiction
• Cultural commentary
• Biography and memoir of public figures

Listening Experience: Lorraine brings elegance to your prose without sounding affected. She handles complex sentence structures with grace and makes literary language accessible. Her voice adds prestige to premium content.

Etta: The Dynamic Performer

Voice Characteristics:

• Energetic, engaging female voice
• Natural enthusiasm that maintains momentum
• Youthful quality suitable for younger audiences
• Dynamic range from playful to serious

Best For:

• Young adult fiction
• Adventure and action stories
• Upbeat non-fiction
• Motivational content
• Books with fast-paced narratives

Listening Experience: Etta keeps listeners engaged through natural energy and momentum. She makes exciting scenes feel thrilling and emotional moments feel genuine. Her voice prevents listener attention from drifting during longer passages.

Universal Enbee V2 Capabilities

All six Enbee V2 voices share powerful capabilities that make them incredibly flexible for audiobook production:

Multilingual Speaking:

• All voices speak in 140+ languages
• Instant language switching through simple prompts
• Natural accent adaptation for regional dialects
• Seamless handling of foreign phrases within English text

Accent Flexibility:

• British, American, Australian, and other English accents
• Regional variations within accent families
• Mixed accent capabilities for international characters
• Consistent accent maintenance throughout long projects

Emotional Intelligence:

• Automatic emotion detection from context
• Natural emotional arc following across scenes
• Subtle mood shifts without dramatic overacting
• Authentic emotional responses to content

Making Your Voice Selection Decision

Choosing the right voice for your audiobook impacts listener experience more than any other production decision. Follow this systematic approach to select the best voice for your project.

Step 1: Identify Your Book's Core Emotional Tone

Ask Yourself:

• Is your book primarily informative, entertaining, inspiring, suspenseful, or romantic?
• What emotion should listeners feel most frequently while listening?
• Does your content lean serious and authoritative or warm and conversational?
• Do you want listeners to feel like they're being taught, entertained, or spoken to as friends?

Step 2: Test With Your Actual Content

Generic samples don't tell you how a voice will handle your specific prose. You need to test with actual sections from your manuscript.

Testing Process:

• Select a 500-word section that represents your book's typical content
• Choose a passage with varied elements: narrative, dialogue, and description
• Upload this section to Narration Box and generate audio with each voice you're considering
• Listen to each version at normal speed without distractions

Step 4: Consider Genre Expectations

Your genre's readers have developed expectations through hundreds of audiobooks. Meeting these expectations improves satisfaction and reviews.

Genre Voice Conventions:

Romance: Readers expect warmth, emotional expressiveness, and ability to convey intimacy. Ivy and Lorraine excel here.

Thriller/Suspense: Readers want controlled tension and atmospheric delivery. Harvey and Lenora work well.

Business/Non-Fiction: Readers value clarity, authority, and professional tone. Harvey and Harlan are strong choices.

Literary Fiction: Readers appreciate sophisticated delivery and language appreciation. Lorraine shines in this category.

Young Adult: Readers connect with energy and relatability. Etta and Ivy are excellent options.

Step 5: Trust Your Gut Response

After technical evaluation, your instinctive response matters. The voice you choose will represent your book for years.

Final Questions:

• Do you enjoy listening to this voice?
• Does it make your writing sound better or worse than you imagined?
• Would you recommend this audiobook to readers based on the voice?
• Does the voice honor what you were trying to create with your book?

Part 4: Recording Your Audiobook

Setting Up Your Narration Box Studio

Narration Box provides a dedicated studio environment where you manage all aspects of audio production. Proper setup ensures smooth workflow and prevents technical problems during recording.

Creating Your Audiobook Project

Initial Setup Steps:

• Log into your Narration Box account
• Create a new project specifically for your audiobook
• Name it clearly: "BookTitle_Audiobook_2025"
• Set project parameters for long-form content

Importing Your Manuscript

Narration Box accepts multiple file formats, making it easy to work with your prepared audio script.

File Format Options:

• Microsoft Word documents (.docx)
• Plain text files (.txt)
• PDF files (though Word or text is preferable)
• Direct text paste for shorter sections

Import Process:

• Upload your complete manuscript or work chapter by chapter
• Review imported text to confirm formatting transferred correctly
• Check that chapter headers appear clearly and distinctly
• Verify paragraph breaks match your manuscript
• Ensure no corruption occurred during upload

Configuring Enbee V2 Voice Settings

Once you've selected your Enbee V2 voice and imported your manuscript, you configure how that voice should narrate your specific book.

Creating Your Voice Style Instructions

The voice style instruction field is where you tell your chosen Enbee V2 voice exactly how to narrate your audiobook. These instructions apply to your entire recording session.

Basic Instruction Format:

For a contemporary fiction novel: "Please narrate this book in a warm, engaging tone suitable for a contemporary fiction audiobook. Use natural pacing with appropriate pauses between sentences and paragraphs. The story is character-driven, so bring emotional authenticity to the narrative."

For a business book: "Please narrate this book in a confident, professional tone appropriate for business non-fiction. Speak clearly and authoritatively, as if presenting valuable insights to executives. Maintain engagement during detailed explanations."

For a thriller: "Please narrate this book with controlled tension appropriate for a psychological thriller. Build atmosphere through pacing and subtle intensity. The tone should keep listeners on edge without becoming overwrought."

Adding Accent Specifications:

If your book requires a specific accent: "Please narrate this book in British English with a Southern England accent, using a sophisticated, literary tone appropriate for historical fiction set in Victorian London."

Or for American regional accent: "Please narrate this book in American English with a Southern accent, using a gentle, storytelling tone appropriate for this family saga set in rural Georgia."

Including Character Guidance:

For books with multiple characters: "Please narrate this book with distinct vocal characterization for the three main characters: Marcus (30s, assertive businessman), Elena (20s, creative and idealistic), and Dr. Chen (60s, wise mentor figure). Keep character voices consistent throughout."

Voice Instructions That Work

Effective voice instructions are specific without being overly technical. Focus on emotional tone, pacing, and overall approach rather than technical audio parameters.

Strong Instruction Examples:

"Please narrate this self-help book in an encouraging, friend-to-friend tone. Speak as if you're sharing hard-won wisdom with someone you care about. Be warm but not patronizing, authoritative but not preachy."

"Please narrate this science fiction novel with a sense of wonder and intelligence. The story explores big ideas, so give listeners time to absorb concepts. Build excitement during action sequences but maintain thoughtfulness during philosophical passages."

"Please narrate this memoir in an intimate, reflective tone. This is a personal story of overcoming adversity, so bring emotional honesty without melodrama. Let quiet moments breathe and intense moments land with full weight."

Weak Instruction Examples:

Too vague: "Please read this book nicely" Too technical: "Please maintain -20dB RMS with 0.5 second pauses between sentences" Contradictory: "Please be both energetic and calm, fast-paced but also slow"

One-Time Configuration Advantage

The beautiful aspect of Enbee V2's system is that you set these voice instructions once and they apply throughout your entire audiobook. You don't need to repeat them for each chapter or constantly adjust settings.

The voice remembers your instructions and applies them consistently across all your content. This ensures uniform narration quality from opening credits through final chapter.

Adding Inline Emotions for Dramatic Effect

While your main voice instructions set overall tone, inline emotions give you precise control over specific moments that need special emphasis.

Strategic Use of Inline Emotions

Inline emotions are powerful tools, but overuse creates choppy, over-performed narration. Use them strategically for genuinely important moments.

When to Use Inline Emotions:

• Critical plot revelations that need emphasis
• Emotional climaxes where tone shift is essential
• Dialogue that requires specific delivery to work
• Transitions between vastly different emotional states
• Moments where misinterpretation would confuse listeners

Inline Emotion Syntax and Examples

Inline emotions use square brackets placed immediately before the text they affect.

Whispering: Original: "She leaned close and said, 'Nobody can know about this.'" With inline emotion: "She leaned close and said, [whisper] 'Nobody can know about this.'"

Laughter: Original: "She couldn't believe her luck. After all these years, she'd finally won." With inline emotion: "She couldn't believe her luck [laughs]. After all these years, she'd finally won."

Excitement: Original: "'We did it! We actually did it!' Marcus shouted." With inline emotion: "[excited] 'We did it! We actually did it!' Marcus shouted."

Sadness: Original: "'I never thought it would end this way,' she said softly." With inline emotion: "[sad] 'I never thought it would end this way,' she said softly."

Fear: Original: "'Something's wrong. Something's very wrong,' he whispered." With inline emotion: "[fearful] 'Something's wrong. Something's very wrong,' he whispered."

Anger: Original: "'How dare you! How dare you come here!' she screamed." With inline emotion: "[angry] 'How dare you! How dare you come here!' she screamed."

Combining Multiple Inline Emotions

For complex scenes with shifting emotions, you can use multiple inline emotion tags within a single paragraph.

Example: "[excited] 'You're not going to believe what I found!' Sarah burst through the door. But when she saw Marcus's face, her enthusiasm faded. [concerned] 'What's wrong? What happened?' [whisper] 'Is it about the investigation?'"

The voice shifts naturally between these emotional states, creating dynamic, engaging narration.

Recording Chapter by Chapter

Process your audiobook systematically, one chapter at a time. This methodical approach keeps files manageable and makes editing far easier.

Chapter Recording Workflow

Step 1: Select Your Chapter

• Start with opening credits, then move to Chapter 1
• Work sequentially through your manuscript
• Complete one chapter fully before moving to the next

Step 2: Final Text Review

• Read through the chapter text one last time
• Catch any remaining typos or formatting errors
• Verify pronunciation guides are included for unusual words
• Check that inline emotions are placed correctly

Step 3: Generate Audio

• Select the chapter text in your studio
• Click the generate audio button
• Wait for processing to complete (typically 2-3 minutes for standard chapters)
• Monitor for any error messages during generation

Step 4: Initial Listen

• Listen to the complete generated audio at normal speed
• Never listen at accelerated speed during quality control
• Take notes on any issues you hear
• Mark timestamps for sections needing revision

Step 5: Quality Assessment

• Evaluate pronunciation accuracy
• Check emotional tone matches content
• Verify pacing feels natural
• Confirm no audio artifacts or technical glitches

Step 6: Save and Document

• Save the chapter as a separate audio file immediately
• Use consistent naming: "BookTitle_Chapter01.mp3"
• Log completion in your tracking document
• Note any issues that need correction

Handling Pronunciation and Pacing Issues

Even with preparation, you'll encounter words that the AI voice doesn't pronounce as you intended. Enbee V2 gives you multiple ways to fix these problems.

Pronunciation Correction Methods

Method 1: Phonetic Respelling in Text

The simplest fix is respelling the word phonetically directly in your manuscript.

Example:

• Character name "Siobhan" mispronounced → Change to "Shi-vawn" in the text
• Place name "Des Moines" mispronounced → Change to "Duh-MOYN" in the text
• Technical term "epitome" mispronounced → Change to "ih-PIT-oh-mee" in the text

This works best for words that appear infrequently or only once. For names and terms used throughout your book, use the pronunciation guide method instead.

Method 2: Voice Style Instruction Pronunciation Guide

Add pronunciation guidance directly to your voice style instructions for frequently used terms.

Note these pronunciation guides: The character name Siobhan is pronounced 'Shi-vawn.' The city Albuquerque is pronounced 'Al-buh-kur-key.' The scientific term 'epitome' is pronounced 'ih-PIT-oh-mee.' Use these pronunciations consistently throughout."

Enbee V2 reads and applies these instructions across your entire recording, ensuring consistency.

Method 3: Context Clues

Sometimes adding context around a word helps the AI understand how to pronounce it.

Instead of: "They traveled to Reading" Use: "They traveled to Reading, the historic English town"

The additional context helps the AI understand this is the British town (RED-ing) rather than the act of reading a book.

Part 5: Editing and Post-Production

Understanding Audiobook Technical Requirements

Before editing a single file, you need to understand the exact specifications your audiobook must meet for platform acceptance.

ACX Technical Standards (Industry Standard)

ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) technical requirements have become the de facto industry standard. Even if you're not distributing through ACX, meeting these specs ensures acceptance on virtually all platforms.

File Format Specifications:

• Format: MP3
• Encoding: Constant Bit Rate (CBR) only
• Bit Rate: 192 kbps minimum (higher is acceptable)
• Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz (CD quality)
• Bit Depth: 16-bit minimum
• Channels: Mono or stereo (mono is standard and creates smaller files)

Audio Quality Standards:

• RMS (Root Mean Square) Loudness: Between negative 23dB and negative 18dB
• Peak Levels: Must stay below negative 3dB at all times
• Noise Floor: Background noise at negative 60dB or lower
• No clipping, distortion, or audio artifacts

Structural Requirements:

• Opening room tone: 0.5 to 1 second of silence/ambient sound before narration begins
• Closing room tone: 0.5 to 1 second of silence/ambient sound after narration ends
• No added music or sound effects (unless integral to content)
• No long periods of silence exceeding 3 seconds

Assembling Chapter Files

If you recorded sections separately or made corrections to parts of chapters, you need to assemble these pieces into complete, cohesive chapter files.

Choosing Your Audio Editing Software

You need audio editing software capable of precise editing, multiple tracks, and effects processing.

Free Option: Audacity

• Download from audacityteam.org
• Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Handles all necessary editing tasks
• Includes ACX Check plugin for compliance verification
• Learning curve manageable for beginners

Paid Options:

• Adobe Audition: Industry standard with powerful features ($20.99/month)
• Reaper: Full-featured DAW at low cost ($60 personal license)
• Hindenburg Journalist: Designed for spoken word content ($95)

For most authors, Audacity provides everything needed at no cost.

Using ACX Check Plugin

The ACX Check plugin in Audacity automates verification of technical specifications. This tool is invaluable even if you're not distributing through ACX.

Installing ACX Check

In Audacity:

• Tools → Plugin Manager
• Search for "ACX Check"
• Click Install if not already present
• Restart Audacity to activate plugin

Running ACX Check

Process:

• Select entire chapter audio (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A)
• Analyze → ACX Check
• Wait for analysis to complete (usually 2-5 seconds)
• Review results for three measurements

ACX Check Reports:

• RMS Level: Must be between negative 23dB and negative 18dB (Pass/Fail)
• Peak Level: Must be below negative 3dB (Pass/Fail)
• Noise Floor: Must be below negative 60dB (Pass/Fail)

Interpreting Results

All Three Pass: Your audio meets ACX specifications. Save this file as your final master.

RMS Fails (Too Quiet): Your audio is below negative 23dB RMS. Apply loudness normalization targeting negative 20dB.

RMS Fails (Too Loud): Your audio exceeds negative 18dB RMS. Reduce overall gain or apply gentler compression.

Peak Fails: Audio exceeds negative 3dB at some point. Apply limiting with ceiling at negative 3.5dB.

Noise Floor Fails: Background noise exceeds negative 60dB. Apply more aggressive noise reduction or re-record in quieter environment.

Exporting Final Master Files

Once your chapter audio passes all quality checks and sounds good, export it as final master file with correct specifications.

Export Settings in Audacity

Export Process:

• File → Export → Export Audio
• Choose export location and file name
• Select file type: MP3 Files

MP3 Export Settings:

• Bit Rate Mode: Constant (CBR)
• Quality: 192 kbps (or higher, but 192 is standard)
• Channel Mode: Mono (for single narrator) or Stereo (if you have music/effects)
• Sample Rate: 44100 Hz

Do Not Use:

• Variable Bit Rate (VBR) - not accepted by audiobook platforms
• Bit rates below 192 kbps - will be rejected for quality
• Sample rates other than 44.1 kHz - may cause compatibility issues

Organizing Your Master Files

Create a clear folder structure for your completed audiobook.

Recommended Structure:

BookTitle_Audiobook_Final/
├── Masters/
│ ├── BookTitle_001_OpeningCredits.mp3
│ ├── BookTitle_002_Chapter01.mp3
│ ├── BookTitle_003_Chapter02.mp3
│ └── ... (all chapter files)
├── Metadata/
│ ├── BookDescription.txt
│ ├── AuthorBio.txt
│ └── ChapterTitles.txt
└── Artwork/
└── BookCover_3000x3000.jpg

Part 6: Structuring for Platform Requirements

Understanding Audiobook File Architecture

Audiobooks require specific structural organization beyond just sequenced chapter files. Proper structure ensures smooth platform upload, correct listener navigation, and professional presentation.

Required Structural Components

Opening Credits (Required):

• Separate audio file that plays before any content
• Contains title, author name, and narrator credit
• Typically 5-10 seconds in length
• Numbered as first file in sequence

Chapter Files (Required):

• Sequential numbered files for each chapter
• Each chapter is a separate MP3 file
• Chapters must be numbered even if your print book uses titles only
• Consistent length preferred (15-25 minutes ideal)

Closing Credits (Required):

• Separate audio file that plays after final chapter
• Contains copyright information and production credits
• Typically 10-20 seconds in length
• Numbered as final file in sequence

Optional Additional Elements:

• Author's note or foreword (after opening credits)
• Epilogue (after final chapter, before closing credits)
• Acknowledgments (after final chapter)
• About the author section
• Preview of next book in series

Creating Opening and Closing Credits

These bookend elements are required by all audiobook platforms and must follow specific formats.

Opening Credits Script

Your opening credits must contain at minimum:

• Book title
• Author name
• Narrator credit

Basic Format: "[Book Title] by [Author Name], narrated by [Narrator Name]"

Example: "The Last Garden by Sarah Mitchell, narrated by Ivy from Narration Box"

Optional Additions:

• Copyright year: "Copyright 2025"
• Publisher name: "Published by Midnight Press"
• Subtitle if your book has one

Recording Opening Credits:

• Generate this as a separate audio file in Narration Box
• Use the same voice as your main narration
• Keep tone neutral and professional
• No music or sound effects needed

Closing Credits Script

Your closing credits provide copyright protection and production information.

Required Elements: "This has been [Book Title] by [Author Name]. Copyright [Year] by [Author Name]. Narrated by [Narrator Name]. Production copyright [Year] by [Publisher/Author Name]."

Example: "This has been The Last Garden by Sarah Mitchell. Copyright 2025 by Sarah Mitchell. Narrated by Ivy from Narration Box. Production copyright 2025 by Sarah Mitchell."

Preparing Metadata for Upload

Every audiobook platform requires detailed metadata beyond just audio files. Prepare this information in advance to streamline the upload process.

Essential Metadata Fields

Title Information:

• Main Title: Exact title matching your print book
• Subtitle: If applicable, in separate field
• Series Information: Series name and number if part of series
• Format Example: "Title: The Last Garden" / "Series: Gardens Trilogy, Book 1"

Author Information:

• Author Name: Exactly as it appears on print book cover
• Pronunciation: Phonetic guide if name is uncommon
• Author Bio: 150-300 word biography for platform listing
• Author Photo: High-resolution headshot (usually 1000x1000 pixels minimum)

Narrator Information:

• Narrator Name: For AI narration, identify as "Narrated by [Voice Name] from Narration Box"
• Narrator Bio: Brief description if required by platform
• Example: "Narrated by Harvey, an advanced AI voice from Narration Box specializing in thriller and suspense narration"

Book Description:

• Length: 150-500 words depending on platform
• Content: Your book blurb or back cover copy
• Format: Engaging sales copy that hooks browsers
• Keywords: Naturally integrate relevant keywords
• Tone: Match your book's genre and style

Genre and Categories:

• Primary Category: Most accurate genre classification
• Secondary Categories: Related genres or subcategories (usually 1-3)
• BISAC Codes: Industry-standard classification codes
• Example: Fiction > Thriller > Psychological; Fiction > Mystery > Amateur Sleuth

ISBN and ASIN Information

Some platforms require or provide audiobook identification numbers.

ISBN (International Standard Book Number):

• Unique identifier for your specific audiobook edition
• Different from your print and ebook ISBNs
• Required for some distribution channels
• Can purchase from Bowker ($125 for single ISBN) or get free ISBN from some distributors

ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number):

• Amazon's proprietary identification system
• Automatically assigned when you upload through ACX
• Not needed if distributing through other channels first
• Cannot transfer between platforms

Preparing Cover Artwork

Size and Dimensions:

• Minimum: 2400 x 2400 pixels
• Recommended: 3000 x 3000 pixels
• Maximum: Usually 10,000 x 10,000 pixels
• Must be perfect square (equal height and width)

File Format:

• JPG or JPEG format
• RGB color mode (not CMYK)
• Maximum file size: Usually 5MB
• 72 DPI resolution minimum

ACX (Audible) Distribution Deep Dive

ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) provides direct access to Audible, which controls approximately 60-70% of the English-language audiobook market. For many authors, this makes ACX consideration essential.

ACX Exclusive Distribution

What "Exclusive" Means:

• Your audiobook can only sell on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes
• Cannot sell through any other platform or direct sales
• Contract lasts seven years from publication date
• Automatic renewal unless you opt out

Royalty Structure:

• 40% royalty rate on sales
• Calculated after Audible member credits factored in
• Members pay ~$15 per book via subscription credit regardless of retail price
• Non-member sales pay full retail price

Pricing Control:

• You suggest retail price within ACX specified ranges
• Price ranges based on total audiobook length:
• • Under 1 hour: $7-10
  • 1-3 hours: $7-15
  • 3-5 hours: $10-20
  • 5-10 hours: $15-25
  • 10-20 hours: $20-30
  • Over 20 hours: $25-35
• Audible frequently discounts for promotions, reducing your royalty
• You cannot control or prevent these discounts

ACX Non-Exclusive Distribution

What It Offers:

• Can sell on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes
• Also free to distribute through other platforms simultaneously
• No time commitment or exclusivity lock-in
• More control over your rights

Royalty Structure:

• 25% royalty rate on Audible sales
• Same calculation method (after member credits)
• Significantly lower per-sale revenue than exclusive

Strategic Consideration: For many authors, the 15% royalty difference (40% exclusive vs. 25% non-exclusive) means you need to generate 60% more sales through other platforms to break even on the ACX royalty sacrifice. Run the numbers for your specific situation.

Wide Distribution Through Aggregators

Aggregators upload your audiobook to multiple retail platforms from a single source, expanding your reach beyond Amazon's ecosystem.

Major Audiobook Aggregators

Findaway Voices:

• Distributes to 40+ platforms including:
• • Google Play Books
  • Kobo
  • Apple Books
  • Spotify Audiobooks
  • Chirp
  • Hoopla (libraries)
  • Many international retailers
• 80% royalty rate (you keep 80%, they keep 20%)
• No exclusivity requirements
• Free ISBN provided
• Quarterly payments
• Setup fee: None for distribution, fee for production services if used

Author's Republic:

• Distributes to 25+ platforms
• 70% royalty rate standard
• Can upgrade to 90% royalty for $49.99/year subscription
• No exclusivity required
• Partners with ACM for library distribution
• Free ISBN provided
• Monthly payment

Wide Distribution Challenges

Lower ACX Royalties:

• Must use ACX non-exclusive (25% vs. 40%)
• Significantly reduces revenue from largest audiobook platform
• Need substantial sales elsewhere to compensate

Complex Management:

• Track sales across multiple platforms
• Different payment schedules and minimums
• Various promotional tools and requirements
• More customer service channels to monitor

Marketing Complexity:

• Harder to direct readers to specific purchase location
• Universal audiobook links help but add friction
• Platform-specific reviews don't accumulate in one place

Direct Sales Strategy

Selling audiobooks directly from your website or author platform gives you maximum control and revenue but requires infrastructure and audience.

Direct Sales Platforms

BookFunnel:

• Delivers audiobooks securely to buyers
• Handles file hosting and streaming
• Integration with major email services
• Supports multiple formats
• Takes ~10% of sale price plus payment processing
• Excellent for reader magnets and promotions

Payhip:

• E-commerce platform for digital products
• 5% transaction fee
• Handles payment processing
• Delivers files automatically
• Email marketing integration
• Can sell bundles (audiobook + ebook together)

WooCommerce (WordPress):

• Full control over your sales platform
• Requires WordPress website
• Payment processing through Stripe or PayPal
• More technical setup required
• No platform fees beyond payment processing (2.9% + $0.30 typically)
• Completely customizable

Creating a professional audiobook in 2025 is more accessible than ever before, but it still requires dedication, attention to detail, and strategic thinking. The rise of AI voice technology like Enbee V2 from Narration Box has democratized audiobook production, removing financial barriers while maintaining professional quality standards.