23/10/2026
Audiobooks give authors a way to reach readers who prefer to listen while driving, walking or working. For Tasmanian authors and small publishers, a professionally narrated audiobook can open a new market for an existing title. Here is what the process typically involves.
Most fiction and narrative non-fiction translate well to audio. Books that rely heavily on tables, diagrams or images may need adapting, for example by describing key visuals or providing a companion document. Consider how your book will sound read aloud from beginning to end.
The narrator becomes the voice of your book, so choose carefully. Listen to samples of long-form reading rather than commercials, because narration requires stamina and consistency. For fiction, consider whether the narrator can differentiate characters without exaggeration. For memoir, think about whether you might narrate it yourself, or whether a professional would serve the story better.
If your book is set in Tasmania, a narrator comfortable with local place names and Australian speech patterns will bring authenticity. Provide a pronunciation list for names, places and any unusual words.
Narrators work from the final edited text. Make any corrections before recording begins, because changes afterwards mean re-recording. Mark anything that should not be read, such as page headers, and explain how to handle elements like footnotes, letters or quotations.
Audiobooks are typically recorded chapter by chapter in a professional booth. The narrator reads, and an engineer or editor removes mistakes, breaths that are too loud and background noise. Long books take considerable time to record and edit, so plan your schedule accordingly.
Proofing means listening to the edited audio while following the text, checking for missed words, mispronunciations and errors. It is a careful job and is well worth doing thoroughly. Authors often take part in this stage because they know the text best.
Audiobook retailers and distributors usually have specific technical requirements for audio files, such as format, levels and the inclusion of opening and closing credits. Check the requirements of your chosen platforms before recording begins so the files are delivered correctly the first time.
Make sure you hold the audio rights to your book. If you have a traditional publisher, audio rights may already be covered in your contract. Clarify this before commissioning a recording.
Most audiobooks begin with a short spoken introduction giving the title, author and narrator, and finish with a closing credit. These are recorded separately and are quick to produce. Some authors also add a brief personal note at the end, thanking listeners or pointing them to other titles. Plan these extras with your narrator so they match the tone of the book.
Once your audiobook is available, short audio excerpts make excellent marketing material for social media, your website and local bookshop events. Ask whether you can use selected passages as promotional samples, and choose an excerpt that showcases both the writing and the narration.
We connect Hobart and Tasmanian authors with experienced narrators for audiobooks and long-form recording. Share your manuscript details and request a free quote.