One of the most common questions authors ask when considering an audiobook is how long the production process will take. The answer depends on several factors, including whether you are working with a professional narrator or narrating the book yourself.

When you work with Scribe Media, your audiobook will typically be live within three to five months of signing with us. Here’s what that timeline looks like, step by step.

Preproduction (One Week)

Before recording begins, we handle essential preproduction tasks to ensure a smooth process. This includes casting the right narrator, conducting pronunciation research, and preparing the script to minimize delays and re-recording sessions.

Recording by Professional Narrator (Four Weeks)

Once a narrator has been selected, they typically take about a month to record the audiobook. Professional narrators work efficiently, ensuring consistency in tone, pacing, and energy across all chapters.

Recording by Author (Varies)

For authors who choose to narrate their own audiobook, the recording process will take longer and require more preparation. The estimated recording time depends on the word count of the manuscript.

For example, a 60,000-word book typically requires about 20 hours of studio time. Most authors complete this in three six-hour recording sessions, though some may need a shorter fourth session to finalize the narration. The process also involves additional breaks to maintain vocal quality and stamina.

Postproduction (Two to Three Weeks)

After recording, the audio goes through a meticulous postproduction process, which includes:

• Editing to remove any mistakes, background noise, and inconsistencies.
• Quality control to ensure clarity, pacing, and proper pronunciation.
• Mastering the final audio to meet industry standards for volume and sound quality.

Author Review (Two Weeks)

Once post-production is complete, you will have the opportunity to review the audiobook and request any final revisions. This step ensures that the final product meets your expectations before it is distributed to major platforms.

Distribution (Up to One Month)

After final approval, the audiobook is prepared for distribution. It can take up to a month for the audiobook to go live on platforms such as Audible, Apple Books, and Google Play.

Can This Process Be Faster?

Yes, the timeline can be adjusted if you are on a deadline. However, rushing any stage of the process can compromise quality. If you are producing an audiobook independently, taking shortcuts can lead to poor audio quality, distracting background noise, or uneven narration. A high-quality audiobook requires careful planning, expert editing, and a professional approach to ensure the best possible listening experience.

If you are ready to start your audiobook production journey, Scribe Media can guide you through each step to ensure a seamless and professional result.