Audiobooks are the new norm when it comes to casual entertainment on the downlow. Whether it’s escaping into a thriller during your commute, soaking up nonfiction on the run, or replacing doom-scrolling with bedtime stories, listening has quietly become the way we read. But what about creating one?
If you’ve ever wondered how to make an audiobook, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not too late. More authors and content creators are stepping into the audio space, not just to meet demand but to expand their reach, boost sales, and futureproof their books. And here’s the thing: it’s way more doable than you think.
This beginner’s guide walks you through everything—from manuscript prep and narration choices to editing tools, legal tips, and distribution strategies—without the fluff or tech snobbery. It’s tailored for first-timers, with clear steps, common pitfalls to avoid, and a little bit of humour to get you through the tricky bits.
How to Make an Audiobook?
So, you’ve got a finished manuscript and a dream of hearing it whispered into the ears of eager listeners. Welcome to the start of your audiobook journey—the bit where the words on your page leap into people’s commutes, workouts, and quiet Sunday afternoons. If you’ve been Googling how to make an audiobook, you’re in the right place. This isn’t just a quick job and upload; it’s a craft. But don’t worry, we’re breaking it down in plain English. No studio jargon. No need for a £5,000 mic.
Start by Stripping It Back – Preparing Your Manuscript
Before you even think about pressing ‘record,’ your manuscript needs a bit of a makeover. Audiobooks are all about the ear, not the eye—so things like hyperlinks, charts, captions, or “See Figure 2” moments? Bin them. You want a clean, flowing narrative that sounds natural out loud. If you’re adapting nonfiction, consider rewording sections so they feel like you’re chatting directly to your listener rather than reading off a PowerPoint.
Pick Your Voice – Literally
Here’s where it gets fun: you’ve got two choices. You can narrate it yourself—which is more personal, especially if you’re a memoirist or someone with a strong author voice—or you can hire a professional narrator who brings silky tones and dramatic pauses like it’s their day job (because, well, it is). According to Reedsy, many authors go pro to boost listener engagement. But if you’re game and want to learn the ropes, self-narration can be a powerful branding tool.
The DIY Studio – Your Cupboard Might Be Perfect
Now, don’t get put off by fancy-sounding setups. You don’t need Abbey Road Studios. You just need a quiet space, ideally with soft furnishings to absorb echo—think wardrobes, padded corners, or that back bedroom full of duvets. A half-decent USB mic (like the Samson Q2U), a pop filter to muffle your P’s and B’s, and closed-back headphones are your starter kit. Most of the audiobook services you’ll eventually upload to expect crisp audio with minimal background noise, so get friendly with the idea of trial runs.
Record. Edit. Breathe. Repeat.
Right, you’re in the booth—or wardrobe—with a mic in hand. Hit record using software like Audacity (free, fab, and frequently recommended) or GarageBand (if you’re Mac-inclined). Don’t try to knock it all out in one take. Pause, hydrate, and if you fluff a sentence, just re-read it again and slice it clean in post-editing. Audiobook production isn’t about speed—it’s about consistency. Good sound levels, no background hum, and a tone that makes your listener feel like you’re talking just to them.
Tools and Platforms for Audiobook Creation
By now, you’ve got your manuscript sounding slick and your mic technique smoother than your morning brew. But here’s where most beginners hit pause: what tools actually do the job? And once your masterpiece is recorded, where do you put it? Don’t stress. This next bit walks you through the practical kit and platforms you’ll need to finish the job—and get your audiobook out into the world.
You don’t need to be a tech wizard or throw cash at every shiny tool. But you do need a solid setup. Here’s where it all comes together.
Recording & Editing Tools Worth Knowing
These tools are your digital sidekicks—the ones that help you polish, trim, and produce audio that actually sounds like it belongs on Audible (more on them in a second).
- Audacity – This one’s the people’s favourite. It’s free, open-source, and surprisingly powerful for beginners. You can record, edit, reduce background noise, and export clean files. It’s got bit of a retro look, but don’t let that fool you—it gets the job done.
- GarageBand – If you’re a Mac user, you’ve likely already got this installed. Great for multi-track editing and intuitive enough to pick up after an afternoon of poking around. It even comes with presets that can make your voice sound crisper straight out of the gate.
- Podcastle – This tool leans more into the “record from anywhere” approach. It’s web-based, comes with built-in noise cancellation, and even lets you turn text into voice using AI (handy for quick demos or script tests). It’s got a clean layout and suits creators who don’t want to install loads of software.
Where Your Audiobook Goes After Recording
Creating your audiobook is one thing. Getting it into the ears of listeners? That’s where top audiobook platforms come in.
- Audible (via ACX) – The gold standard. If someone asks “where to buy audiobooks,” odds are, they’re headed to Audible. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is their publishing gateway. You can upload your audiobook here, and it’ll reach Audible, Amazon, and iTunes all at once. Just follow their specs—mono channel, constant bitrate, and all that jazz.
- Google Play Books – Less restrictive than Audible in terms of exclusivity. It gives you access to Android listeners and doesn’t force you into long-term contracts. If you like keeping your rights and flexibility, this is a solid pick.
- Scribd – Think of it like Netflix for books. If you want your audiobook to reach a subscription-hungry audience, this platform adds solid reach. Distribution often happens via aggregators like Findaway Voices, so you don’t have to upload directly.
Tips for Beginners
Now that you’ve wrapped your head around the tools and platforms, it’s time to deal with the part that trips up most first-timers—not the gear, not the software, but you. Your voice. Your process. The “I can’t tell if I sound weird or just British” moments. That’s normal. Learning how to make an audiobook isn’t just about production—it’s about working smarter and building habits that’ll carry you past the awkward beginnings.
Here’s what helps most when you’re starting out—practical stuff you can actually apply, not vague advice like “just be confident.”
1. Practice Reading Out Loud (Like, Every Day)
It sounds basic, but you’d be shocked at how different your writing feels when you hear it. Reading aloud helps you iron out strange rhythms, unnatural phrasing, or sentences that just don’t sit right. Aim for clarity, not performance. Your goal is to sound like you’re speaking to one person—not delivering a school assembly.
Try recording five minutes of a random chapter and playing it back. You’ll start catching filler words, overused phrases, or parts where your tone dips. This small habit does more for your delivery than any course ever could.
2. Choose Equipment That’s Good Enough (But Not Fancy)
No need to blow your budget in round one. A quiet space and mid-range mic will go further than studio-level gear in a noisy flat. USB mics are your best bet—plug in, adjust levels, done.
Don’t forget acoustic hacks: cushions behind the mic, a blanket over your desk, or recording inside your wardrobe. This isn’t about being cheap—it’s about being practical.
3. Editing Isn’t Optional, But It Doesn’t Need to Be Scary
You can’t skip editing. Breaths, mistakes, and awkward pauses need trimming. But you also don’t need to master compression theory or invest in pro software right away.
Start with tools like Audacity and GarageBand, and learn how to:
- Cut and split clips
- Level your volume
- Remove background noise
There are entire YouTube playlists dedicated to this, often geared audiobook newbies. Pick one and follow along—don’t overthink it.
4. Use Tech to Test Your Flow
Not quite ready to jump on the mic? You can use AI tools to test how your book sounds before you commit. Platforms like Speechify or Narakeet allow you to input your text and get a synthetic read-back. It’s not meant to replace human narration, but it’s brilliant for spotting tone issues, sentence pacing, or when your writing feels too formal for audio.
If you’re adapting an existing digital book, these tools also help you Convert eBooks to Audiobooks quickly—for test runs or low-budget drafts.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Before you rush off to hit publish, take a beat. Just like any other creative work, there’s a legal layer to how to make an audiobook that you can’t afford to overlook. And no—“I didn’t know” won’t save you from takedown notices or worse.
A clean, professional audiobook isn’t just about great audio—it’s about doing it by the book (literally). Whether you’re narrating your own work or someone else’s, rights and permissions need to be crystal clear.
Do You Actually Own the Rights?
This might sound obvious, but it’s the first place people slip up. If you’re the original author and publisher, you likely hold the audio rights. But if your book’s under contract, or you’ve sold off certain rights, you might not have permission to produce and sell the audio version.
Always check your publishing contract—or speak to your rights holder—before recording anything.
Are Free Audiobooks Legal?
Here’s the tricky bit. Some free audiobooks are legal—think public domain works like Pride and Prejudice or Sherlock Holmes. These can be recorded and distributed without permission. But others floating around online aren’t legit, and using them (or copying their format) can land you in trouble.
If it’s not your original work, or you’re not sure about its licensing status, steer clear.
Don’t Skip the Paper Trail
If you hire a narrator, use royalty-sharing platforms like ACX, or adapt someone else’s book, always get written agreements in place. It protects you and the people you work with.
Understanding this stuff early saves a lot of hassle down the line. So now that your audiobook’s legally sound, let’s wrap things up with where your listeners are actually going to find your work—and how they’ll tune in.
Final Note
You don’t need a fancy studio, a background in radio, or thousands of followers to figure out how to make an audiobook. What you do need is a plan, the right tools, and a bit of patience. Whether you’re narrating it yourself or bringing in a pro, this guide’s walked you through the bits that actually matter—so you can skip the confusion and get straight to creating something people want to listen to.
Explore the platforms, test your voice, edit ruthlessly, and don’t get tangled in the tech. Your story deserves to be heard—and now you’ve got everything you need to make that happen.
Frequently Asked Question
What is an audiobook, and how is it different from a podcast or ebook?
An audiobook is a professionally recorded version of a book, read aloud for listening on the go. Unlike podcasts, which are usually unscripted and vary in topic and format, audiobooks are full-length readings of fiction or nonfiction titles. They’re designed to mirror the experience of reading—just in audio form. Unlike ebooks, audiobooks require sound recording and editing, making them more involved in terms of production.
What is the best audiobook app for listeners, and why?
The best audiobook app really depends on what you’re after. Audible is widely considered the top choice due to its massive library, exclusive titles, and user-friendly features like bookmarking and narration speed control. For readers who prefer no monthly commitment, Google Play Books is ideal. Meanwhile, apps like Scribd offer value-packed subscriptions for audiobook lovers who listen frequently.
Can I legally record any book into an audiobook?
Not without permission. Only works that are in the public domain (like Dracula or Jane Eyre) can be recorded freely. If you didn’t write the book yourself or you’re unsure of the copyright status, you’ll need to get written permission from the rights holder before creating or selling an audiobook version. Skipping this step can result in takedowns or legal action.
How to listen to audiobooks across different platforms?
Once you’ve purchased or subscribed through a platform like Audible, Google Play Books, or Scribd, you can listen via their respective apps—usually available on iOS, Android, or the web. Simply download the audiobook to your device and listen offline or stream it when connected. Most apps let you control playback speed, set sleep timers, and bookmark chapters.
How can I convert eBooks to audiobooks using software?
There are a few ways. If you’re looking for a quick, AI-generated preview, tools like Speechify and Narakeet can take your eBook text and turn it into synthetic audio. For more professional results, you’ll want to use human narration and edit it manually using software like Audacity or GarageBand. AI is handy for practice—but listeners still prefer human voices for depth and emotion.