It's the first Wednesday of the month so it's time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. The awesome co-hosts for the April 6 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Jemima Pett, Patricia Josephine, Louise - Fundy Blue, and Kim Lajevardi!
And here's this month's question:
Have any of your books been made into audio books? If so, what is the main challenge in producing an audiobook?
This is not something I have any experience in. None of my books have been made into audio books.
I know people really like them, but personally, I've never listened to an audio book. I have no real desire to. I love reading and the physical act of holding a book, immersing myself into its pages. I feel like it would be too easy to miss stuff with audio books because you might zone out for a few minutes or leave the room in which the stereo is playing or even fall asleep if the narrator's voice was too calming.
That said, I don't listen to podcasts either, and I know people love those too. While cleaning the house and cooking and doing other household chores, I listen to music. While I'm commuting, I use public transport so I read. Or I'm on my bike so I keep my eyes on the road... So I can't figure out where I would fit audio books or podcasts into my life.
I guess because I don't consume audio books I've never really missed the fact my own books aren't available in that format. It has certainly never occurred to me to do anything to further explore the subject, but maybe I'm missing out on a another lucrative channel.
Tell me what I don't know. If you have audio versions of your book, is it worthwhile? What are the sales like?
I don't have any audiobook versions of my novels, nor do I listen to audiobooks (I can't focus on them). I do have an author friend who actually records and produces his own audiobooks. He's really enjoyed the experience. I don't know much more than that, but I assume they're at least profitable enough for him to keep on doing it.
ReplyDeleteI don't listen to audiobooks/podcasts either. I prefer to read my content. Listening means I retain nothing.
ReplyDeleteI used to listen to audiobooks when I had a longer commute, but I tended to choose books that I'd already read. Then, it felt like I could go deeper without missing something important.
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