Authors are resourceful! I know because I’ve worked with them for decades and am married to one. A writer often looks at life as a mystery to unravel or a puzzle to solve. So I’m not surprised, and never offended, when an author wants to record their audiobook at home instead of enlisting my full service offer. I can help at-home authors, too. The audiobook recording process can be exciting and fulfilling if you avoid the frustrating and confusing aspects of recording at home. That’s why this blog (and all of my other resources) is here for you.
I’m so glad you want to record your audiobook! I promise you will enjoy the experience and be proud of your completed work, which will increase your impact, influence, and income.
Before you begin, let’s answer a few of the most frequently asked questions I’ve heard from authors over the years:
Where do I record my audiobook at home? What equipment do I need to record?
You need a quiet space to record, some acoustic absorbing material to reduce reflections, a computer or other device to record your narration, and a decent microphone.
Quiet Space
Selecting a studio location in your home is tricky because your home is designed for living not for noise-free recording. However, there are several things to look and listen for that will help isolate unwanted noise.
Avoid recording by an exterior wall in your home. A bedroom may seem fine, but most have windows that welcome exterior noises you wish to avoid—think barking dog or leaf blower. While closets can be cluttered, they might be your best recording location. The presence of hanging clothes removes unwanted reflections from parallel surfaces, and the small, enclosed space is helpful as well.
Computer
Computer: Since many have easy access to a computer, this is the most obvious choice for recording. Programs such as Audacity, Audition, Logic, Garage Band, and ProTools can make recording a simple task. The key is to ensure that your microphone can easily interface with your computer through a standard microphone with an XLR connection (3-pin connection) using a USB interface or a microphone with a USB connection. Both work well and have their unique advantages when you record your audiobook at home.
Microphone
The mic you use should be high-quality. In audio recording, you get what you pay for. A $29 mic may work for a podcast but not an audiobook. Your listener will hear the difference in the audiobook recording.
We have all tried to listen to a poor-quality recording, and we typically leave the experience disappointed or stop short and don’t finish it.
Expect to pay $100+ for a decent microphone. A USB mic will cost a bit less. While this price might seem high, the outcome is well worth it.
When I record, what should I read from?
Read from a script on a digital device, like a phone or tablet. This removes any page-turning noise. If you use a printed manuscript, the reader might hear the scrape and crinkle of the paper. It sounds unbelievable, but it happens.
A digital script is quieter and produces less frustration when you go to edit. You could read it from a computer, but I’ve had issues with that. If the internal computer fan turns on, that noise will pollute your recording.
Do I have to read it in one sitting when I record my audiobook at home?
You do not have to record your whole book in one setting. Your voice won’t last for eight hours of straight reading. This is the beauty of editing. I suggest taking individual chapters in one sitting with breaks in between.
Never break your recording in the middle of a chapter, especially if you’re going to rest for any significant amount of time. The change in your voice (from a tired voice to a rested voice) becomes highly noticeable to the listener.
What do I do if I make a mistake?
A better question is, “What do I do when I make a mistake?” because you will make mistakes. You are human, and therefore, mistakes happen. Let yourself off the hook from the start. You will make a mistake. It’s okay. It’s not a big deal, and it can be fixed.
When you make a mistake, stop. Pause briefly. Go back to the beginning of the sentence, and re-read the sentence the same way you read it the first time. Use the same inflection, tone, and volume without emphasizing the word you misspoke. This gives you multiple places for a seamless edit when you (or I) go back and clean it up.
I want to record, but the other steps scare me. What can I do?
If you want to record yourself, RecordYourAudiobook.com can convert your recordings into acceptable audiobook formats.
Recording your audiobook should be a fun and fulfilling process. If you begin recording by yourself and the challenges are weighing you down, contact me, and we’ll discuss your options. You don’t want your reader to hear the strain and struggle in your voice. And my authors tell me how much they enjoyed the whole coaching and recording process. We seek to make it pain-free and fun for you!
I show you how these pieces fit together with my DIY option in the video course, 5 Ridiculously Simple Steps to Record Your Audiobook at Home. If you want me to be right there every step of the way, that’s fine too. Just sign up for my Full Service option. I’ve created a plan so that every author can spread their message to more and more readers through an audiobook.
