Audiobook Remote Recording Guide for Authors

We produce your audiobook in partnership with an excellent Asheville-based indie audiobook production company. 

Before you begin recording your audiobook, we will have you schedule a 30 minute check in with our audio engineer for sound set up. This will save a lot of time by avoiding unnecessary work and re-recording. Be sure to read these notes and set up as much as you can BEFORE your meeting with the audio engineer.

Affordable Audiobook Recording Equipment

Software for Recording

  • GarageBand or Audacity

Prep Your Recording Space

  • Choose a medium to small room. 
    • The smaller the room the better. Larger rooms can add unwanted room echo and noise. It’s best to record in a room with minimal windows and doors to reduce background noise. The ideal space would be a small walk-in closet.
  • Consider putting up acoustic panels, sheets, or curtains where audio reflections are problematic. 
    • TIP: Lay a blanket underneath the bottom of the door to help with wood flooring that may creak as people walk past. 
  • Refrain from having mirrors, tables, and items near the recording source as this will cause sound to reflect.
    • TIP: To see if there are audio reflections in your space, walk around the room clapping slowly. If the space is fit for recording the clap will sound flat like it just fell out of your hands, and the noise will not carry throughout the room. If the noise carries or you hear any kind of echo, set up a blanket or sheet in that area to help absorb the noise.  
  • Turn off all noisy equipment such as air conditioners, ticking clocks, and computer or hard drive fans. 
    • Err on the side of caution. Turn off anything with a slight hum or chiming noise that may be picked up by the microphone. 
  • If you feel like you cannot set up good conditions for recording, please contact us so that we can help you find a recording studio in your local area or set up recording time at our studio in Asheville.

Recording Tips

  • Re(read) your book and identify any tricky pronunciation issues
    • Practice saying them out loud multiple times so that it is as smooth as possible when you are reading it during the audiobook recording session.
  • Make sure your voice is in its best condition possible. Avoid raising your voice or using it for prolonged periods shortly before reading.
  • Avoid foods that upset your stomach prior to recording and also make sure that you’re not hungry. Try not to eat foods with dairy or spicy ingredients to avoid phlegm buildup. If you know you have sensitivities to certain foods it may be best to avoid them throughout the process of recording. 
  • Make sure to stay hydrated before and during your recording sessions. Hydration will help your voice stay clear.
  • Record during selected times that are less active with coworkers, family, and surrounding activity to help minimize background noise. 
  • Use a digital version of your text. Upload your e-book to a tablet or even read it from your computer. Physical pages might disrupt the audio quality with loud rustling noises.  
  • Take frequent breaks while recording and drink room-temperature water. 
    • Do not drink cold water or beverages during the recording session since they can constrict the vocal cords. 
  • Make sure to remove any dangly jewelry or items such as watches that may click or make noise as you move.
  • To maintain consistency between takes, listen to the last paragraph you recorded before beginning another round. Pay close attention to:
    • Pitch and Tone
    • Speed and Cadence
    • Character
  • Remember to relax. If you’re relaxed, the audio will sound more like your natural speaking voice.  
  • When reading your book out loud for the first time, it is totally normal to notice new things in the text that you want to fix. If you notice any corrections you want to make while recording, include those changes in the audio. Mark any necessary updates to the most recent PDF of your manuscript and send them to your editor ASAP.

File Set Up

  • The sound engineer will set up the files according to chapter during the production process. It will also help if you split up recording files in this way, too. 
  • In addition to the text in your book, you’ll also need to record opening and closing credits. Feel free to listen to a few from your favorite audiobooks for ideas. Here are some general guidelines: 
    • Opening credits are typically something like:
      • “This is The Awesome Book by Awesome Author. Read by the author, Awesome Author. That’s me.”
      • Feel free to adapt as you’d like to add personality or character. You don’t have to credit the production company but if you’d like you can credit both Otterpine and the audiobook company.
    • Closing credits are typically something like:
      • “This is the author, Awesome Author. I hope you’ve enjoyed this audiobook production of The Awesome Book by Awesome Author.”
  • Note that Otterpine will support the creation of all necessary PDF supplementary materials, the digital cover for the audiobook, and the distribution set up, and we will also “proof-listen” your audiobook files post-production. You are not required to review your audiobook before publication, but you are welcome to if you wish.