Storytelling in the Digital Age

Talking Books

Whenever a new book hits the stores, its audio counterpart isn’t far behind, in fact, the current trend is to release the audio version at the same time as the printed publication. You can find audio books just about everywhere from your local bookstore, to the library to online hubs such as Audible.com and independent retailers.

What’s the Market Like?

There are currently 4000 audio books being recorded each year. According to the president of Blackstone Audio, Craig Black, this figure will balloon to 24,000 over the next four years. Why? Because of the success of downloadable audio books on the Internet! With virtual inventory, publishers save a considerable amount of money that would have been spent in publishing, and this is a very attractive solution for publishers with very little risk.

How Do Publishers Find Voices?

With the rise of technology and opportunities via the world wide web it is easier now than ever for audio book publishers to find voice over talent to narrate their audio books. Finding the perfect voice is as quick as a simple keyword search via your favorite search engine, and just like that, professional narrators are only a click away.

Trends in Audio Book Narration

Publishers are looking for every voice type and voice age

The work is nearly evenly distributed between men and women

Celebrity narrators are becoming more common, for example, Jeremy Irons narrating The Alchemist

Have you listened to any audio books? Which ones?

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Stephanie