Making your own audiobook

 

Getting Started with Your

Audiobook on a Budget. 

After a couple of years of back and forth, I decided to do my own Audiobooks.  I thought I would also post my work as it came together.   

My background: I have a degree in voice.  Many times, when looking for a voice over artist for the books, they would tell me, “You’ve got the voice for it, why don’t you do it?” So, I finally decided I would.  

That’s my setup in the pic.  Let me go through it a piece at a time. 

Microphone:  I picked this one up at a thrift store for a song.  (Broken USB port, and I happen to be a pretty good repairman in that regard.) I added the foam cover for sound quality.  When you go out to buy a microphone, get the microphone you can afford, but read the reviews. Get one that will do the job and last.  Additionally, make sure it’s plug and play. You don’t want to spend your time getting the thing to work. 

Headphones: Again, get what you can afford.  I got mine at a store that has everything under $5. 

Sound Dampening: I picked up those 12” x 12”  sheets of foam on the internet for cheap.  They came in a 6-pack.  It took me a long time to figure out how to get it to work on my desktop, but I finally went with a narrow cardboard box, cut open.  The foam is hot glued on (easy to get, easy to work with and easy to repair if it fails.)  The piece on the desktop is from the one cut for the center.  You’ll note that the dampeners cover the screen.  I use my Nook (an Ebook larger than a phone, smaller than a laptop or tablet) to read the book.  I chose this method so that I didn’t have the sound of paper being shuffled in the recording.  You can use anything you want that works for you. 

Software:  Audacity will do it for you, and it is not only free to download, but it is fairly easy to use.  Controls are intuitive.  So, get it all set up and record a couple of minutes.  Now send the recording to some strangers. Yes, strangers.  Friends and Family won’t give you a true answer. They know you and will tell you either great things in order to support you, or will be overly critical thinking they are being helpful.  Find a stranger who will be honest and helpful.  Once you are sure you still want to do this, upload your snippet to ACX Audiolab. (https://www.acx.com/audiolab)  They will test your snippet for FREE and tell you what you need.  Audacity has controls that can be changed to fix whatever they find. Not sure what they mean? Google the term.   

Workflow:  Cut your book into bites.  Unless you’re recording a short story, you’re not going to be able to read an entire book in one sitting.  For one thing, you will make mistakes.  It takes time to stop, delete the mistake, and begin recording again.  Read through your work out loud once or twice before clicking the record button.   Save your work as you go, one chapter at a time, each in its own audio file.  When you’re done, export to MP3. 

Selling your Audiobook.  I’ve not tried as yet, but will add more to this when I learn more. 

 

That is really all it takes. Yeah, it sounds simple, but it has taken me a good year or two to make this decision and get it set up. 

 

Writing and Writer's Block vs Procrastination

 I'm in the middle of my 4th book, and writing it has become somewhat more difficult than when I wrote the Offset Series.  Why? I'm not really sure. 

On one hand, it is heavily religious based (no not like that) and I spent a lot of time creating a character to fit into this base; but now I have to make sure each and every utterance and movement matches what this made up character may do or say.  This is totally opposite to what my main character did in the Offset Series.  

But on the other hand, I'm having difficulty getting myself focused to write.  I know what I want to write, and where (approximately) I want it to go, but just sitting down and getting these words written is  more difficult than teaching peanut butter to read. 

Yes, that is a strange phrase, but that's the thing about writing, strange things come up.  

Ok, so the third problem is what you may all recognize as the imposter's syndrome. Feeling totally that I don't belong here writing as I do. 

Jeez, even getting this down has been a chore.  Too bad it didn't give me any impetus to do something. 

Later friends. 

 

Press Release - For Immediate Release

Renowned Author Douglas M. Morrow to Have Book Signing Event

Troy, Missouri – Douglas M. Morrow, esteemed author of the captivating Offset Trilogy, is set to meet fans and sign copies of his latest works on July 27, 2024, at “Happenings at 475, located at 475 Addison in Troy, Mo. This eagerly anticipated event promises an exciting opportunity for readers to engage with Mr. Morrow and acquire personalized copies of his acclaimed trilogy.

The Offset Trilogy, comprising "Lightning in the Knight," "Lightning in the Forest," and "Lightning in the Shadows," has garnered widespread acclaim for its masterful storytelling and vivid characters. Douglas M. Morrow's unique blend of fantasy and adventure has captivated readers, establishing him as a prominent voice in contemporary literature.

“I’m really excited for this,” said Mr. Morrow. “Most authors want their book signing to be in a book store, but as a resident of Troy, I wanted to do this close to home. In addition, the main character of the Offset Trilogy works as a Santa Claus, so signing books at this event is just perfect! The entry for the event is simply a food item to help the local food banks. It’s a great way to give back to a community that has helped me so much.”

The signing event will be in conjunction with the Christmas In July Shopping Event at ‘Happenings at 475’ located at 475 Addison in Troy and will commence at 10:00 AM, offering attendees the opportunity to both shop for gifts as well as interact with Douglas M. Morrow,  and have their copies of the Offset Trilogy personally signed. Mr. Morrow's ability to weave intricate plots with compelling characters has drawn praise from critics and readers alike, making this event a must-attend for literary enthusiasts.

For further information about the book signing event with Douglas M. Morrow, please contact Mr. Morrow at DouglasMMorrowAuthor@yahoo.com

Event Details:

• Date: July 27, 2024
• Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM CDT
• Location: “Happenings at 475,’ 475 Addison, Troy, Missouri
• Books Available: The Offset Trilogy – "Lightning in the Knight," "Lightning in the Forest," "Lightning in the Shadows"
• More than a dozen other booths are currently scheduled! Including Jordan Essentials, Wings of Hope Creations, Delta Laydee Jewelry, RAF Designs, 5C Freeze Dried, Hubble Bubble Boutique, Two Acre Ranch, Gluten Free Baked Goods, 7 Sisters Table Settings, Jeni’s Stained Glass, Beneve Supplements, Lifewave.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to meet Douglas M. Morrow and experience the magic of the Offset Trilogy firsthand. Join us on July 27th at 475 Addison for an unforgettable shopping and literary event.

[End of Press Release]

 

 

Soon to be Available In Paperback!

 The paperback cover of Lightning in the Knight has been approved and sent to the printer.  We just have to wait for the proof copy to arrive... maybe this year. 

A bit of Good News along with the bad.

 The first book is published, but today, I got a bit of bad news.  If you look up there in the 'ad' created for the first book, you'll see a quote by "Britt M."  Britt was the first Beta Reader who was also my first proofreader and line editor.  She was working on becoming a developmental editor. She read the second book with great feedback.  

It took me so long to get the third book ready that I feared she'd be too busy.  She was not and even took up the first book AND second book so that she would be better prepared to read the third. 

Before she could read the third book, Britt passed away suddenly.  I'm really torn up about it.  I know she would have liked and helped form the third book. 

Anyway, Just had to post about it.  Thanks, Britt. 

 

Finally!  Ebooks available where you buy ebooks.