The Ultimate Guide to Creating Audiobooks for Beginners: Tips and Tricks for Using ACX

Posted on July 16, 2023July 16, 2023 by Mark Harrell

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Introduction to The Ultimate Guide to Creating Audiobooks for Beginners: Tips and Tricks for Using ACX

Audiobooks are a rapidly growing segment of the publishing industry, offering readers a convenient and immersive way to enjoy their favorite books. If you’re an author looking to expand your reach and offer your work in a new format, creating an audiobook is a great option. And with ACX, the audiobook creation platform from Audible, it’s easier than ever to get started. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating audiobooks using ACX, from understanding the platform and its features to marketing and promoting your finished product.

Introduction to Audiobooks and ACX

Audiobooks have been around for decades, but in recent years they’ve exploded in popularity. With the rise of smartphones and other mobile devices, audiobooks offer a convenient way for people to consume content on the go. And with ACX, creating an audiobook is easier than ever. ACX is a platform that connects authors with narrators and producers, making it easy to create high-quality audiobooks that can be distributed on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.

Understanding ACX and Its Features

ACX is a platform that allows authors to create and distribute audiobooks. It offers a range of features that make it easy to find narrators and producers, manage the production process, and distribute your finished audiobook. Here are some of the key features of ACX:

Audiobook Creation: ACX allows you to create audiobooks in a range of genres, from fiction to non-fiction, and offers a variety of production options to suit your needs.
Narrator Marketplace: ACX has a vast marketplace of narrators and producers that you can browse to find the perfect voice for your audiobook.
Royalty Options: ACX offers several royalty options, including a royalty share model where you split royalties with your narrator, and a pay-per-finished-hour model where you pay your narrator upfront.
Distribution: Once your audiobook is complete, ACX will distribute it to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes, making it available to millions of potential listeners.

How to Get Started with ACX

Getting started with ACX is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your account and setting up your first audiobook:

Create an Account: Go to acx.com and create an account. You’ll need to provide some basic information about yourself and your work.
Find a Narrator: Once you’ve created your account, browse the ACX narrator marketplace to find a narrator that fits your needs. You can listen to samples of their work and reach out to them to discuss your project.
Agree on Terms: Once you’ve found a narrator, agree on the terms of your project, including the royalty split or pay-per-finished-hour rate.
Record and Edit: Work with your narrator to record and edit your audiobook. ACX offers a range of production tools to help you manage the process.
Submit for Review: Once your audiobook is complete, submit it to ACX for review. They’ll check it for quality and ensure that it meets their standards.

Tips for Creating a Successful Audiobook

Creating a successful audiobook takes more than just recording your book. Here are some tips to help you create an audiobook that stands out:

Choose the Right Book: Not every book is well-suited to the audiobook format. Choose a book that has strong dialogue and is easy to follow.
Find the Right Narrator: The narrator you choose can make or break your audiobook. Look for someone with experience in your genre who has a voice that fits your book.
Practice Your Reading: If you’re narrating your own book, practice reading it aloud to get comfortable with the process.
Use Quality Equipment: The quality of your recording equipment can have a big impact on the final product. Invest in a good microphone and recording software.
Edit Carefully: Editing is a crucial part of the audiobook production process. Take the time to edit your book carefully, removing any mistakes or extraneous noise.

The Audiobook Production Process

Creating an audiobook is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and execution. Here are the key steps in the production process:

Pre-Production: This is the planning phase, where you’ll select your narrator, agree on terms, and plan your recording sessions.
Recording: This is where you’ll record your audiobook. You can do this in a professional studio or in a home recording setup.
Editing: Once your audiobook is recorded, you’ll need to edit it to remove any mistakes or unwanted noise.
Mastering: This is the final step in the production process, where you’ll balance the levels and apply any final touches to your audiobook.

Choosing the Right Narrator for Your Audiobook

Choosing the right narrator is crucial to the success of your audiobook. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect narrator:

Listen to Samples: Browse the ACX narrator marketplace and listen to samples of their work. Look for someone with experience in your genre and a voice that fits your book.
Consider Their Availability: Make sure your narrator is available to work on your project and can meet your deadlines.
Discuss the Project: Reach out to your narrator and discuss the project in detail. Make sure they understand your vision for the book and can bring it to life.

Recording and Editing Your Audiobook

Recording and editing your audiobook is a crucial part of the production process. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

Record in a Quiet Space: Find a quiet space to record your audiobook, free from outside noise and distractions.
Use a Quality Microphone: Invest in a good quality microphone to get the best sound quality.
Take Breaks: Recording can be tiring, so take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
Edit Carefully: Take the time to edit your audiobook carefully, removing any mistakes or extraneous noise.

Submitting Your Audiobook to ACX for Review

Once your audiobook is complete, you’ll need to submit it to ACX for review. Here’s how to do it:

Log in to ACX and go to your project dashboard.
Click “Submit for Production.”
Fill out the necessary information about your audiobook.
Upload your audiobook files.
Click “Submit for Review.”

Marketing and Promoting Your Audiobook

Marketing and promoting your audiobook is crucial to its success. Here are some tips to help you get the word out:

Use Social Media: Use social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to promote your audiobook to your followers.
Run Ads: Consider running ads on platforms like Facebook and Google to reach a wider audience.
Reach Out to Reviewers: Contact book bloggers and reviewers and offer them a free copy of your audiobook in exchange for a review.
Offer a Sample: Offer a free sample of your audiobook to entice potential listeners.

Managing Your Audiobook on ACX and Other Platforms

Once your audiobook is live, you’ll need to manage it on ACX and other platforms. Here’s how to do it:

Monitor Your Sales: Keep an eye on your sales and royalty reports to track your audiobook’s performance.
Respond to Reviews: Respond to reviews of your audiobook, both positive and negative, to engage with your listeners.
Consider Other Platforms: Consider distributing your audiobook on other platforms like iTunes and Google Play to reach a wider audience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues on ACX

Despite its user-friendly interface, you may encounter some issues while working on ACX. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

Technical Issues: If you’re having technical issues with ACX, try clearing your cache or using a different browser.
Narrator Issues: If you’re having issues with your narrator, reach out to them directly to try and resolve the issue.
Review Issues: If your audiobook is rejected during the review process, work with ACX to identify and resolve the issue.

25 platforms where you can sell and monetize your audiobooks

Here are 25 platforms where you can sell and monetize your audiobooks:

Audible (ACX)
Amazon
iTunes
Google Play Store
Audiobooks.com
Kobo Audiobooks
Scribd
Downpour
Libro.fm
Hoopla
Chirp
Nook Audiobooks
OverDrive
Playster
Findaway Voices
Storytel
AudiobooksNow
AudiobookStore.com
AudiobooksNZ
eStories
Audiobooks.org
RBmedia
BookBeat
Open Book Audio
Beek (Latin America)

These platforms offer various opportunities for authors and publishers to reach a wide audience and monetize their audiobooks. Please note that availability and terms may vary, so it's always a good idea to research and review the specific requirements and agreements of each platform before publishing your audiobooks.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts on The Ultimate Guide to Creating Audiobooks for Beginners: Tips and Tricks for Using ACX

Creating an audiobook is a great way to reach a wider audience and offer your work in a new format. With ACX, it’s easier than ever to get started. Whether you’re an experienced author or a first-time audiobook creator, the tips and tricks in this guide will help you create a successful audiobook that stands out from the crowd. So what are you waiting for? Get started with ACX today and bring your book to life in a whole new way.