Many authors assume that producing an audiobook is as simple as reading their book into a microphone. In reality, audiobook production is full of hidden challenges—ones that most authors don’t realize until they’re deep in the process. Without the right guidance, costly mistakes can derail your audiobook’s quality, timeline, and overall success. Here are some of the biggest pitfalls to avoid.
Choosing the Wrong Studio
Not all recording studios are designed for audiobooks. Many specialize in music or podcasts and lack the expertise required for long-form narration.
- A studio might not have the right microphone setup for spoken-word recording.
- Poor soundproofing can lead to background noise, making the audio unusable.
- Some studios lack audiobook-specific directors, leaving narrators without crucial performance guidance.
If a studio doesn’t have direct audiobook experience, you could end up with an amateur-sounding final product—or needing to start over entirely.
Sourcing the Right Narrator
If you’re not narrating your own audiobook, choosing the right voice is critical. But where do you even start? Sorting through thousands of auditions can be overwhelming and time-consuming.
A professional audiobook producer eliminates this headache by:
- understanding your book’s tone and audience to find the best narrator match.
- narrowing down options and presenting you with a curated list of five to seven top choices.
- working with experienced narrators who know how to engage listeners and sustain a high-quality performance over hours of narration.
Without expert guidance, you risk hiring a narrator who lacks the right tone, stamina, or storytelling ability—leading to a disengaging listening experience.
Post-Production Nightmares
Audiobook editing, mastering, and quality control are entirely different from music or podcast production. Even an experienced sound engineer might struggle with audiobook-specific requirements.
- Audiobooks require precise pacing adjustments to maintain listener engagement.
- Breath sounds, background noise, and inconsistencies must be meticulously cleaned up.
- Final files must meet strict formatting requirements for platforms like Audible, Apple Books, and Google Play.
Working with a team unfamiliar with these standards can result in poor sound quality, distribution rejections, and costly revisions.
Overlooking Music, Multiple Narrators, and Union Rules
Many authors don’t realize how complex audiobook production can become when additional elements come into play.
- Should your audiobook include background music? If so, are you licensing it legally?
- If your book has multiple characters, does it make sense to use multiple narrators?
- If your narrator is a SAG-AFTRA union member, do you know how to handle union payments and contracts?
These details can quickly become overwhelming without industry expertise.
How Scribe Media Ensures a Smooth Production Process
Avoiding these pitfalls requires experience, industry knowledge, and the right connections. At Scribe Media, we handle everything so you don’t have to.
- Professional Studios: We only work with studios that specialize in audiobooks, ensuring top-tier sound quality.
- Curated Narrator Selections: Instead of sifting through thousands of auditions, we present you with a shortlist of five to seven top choices tailored to your book.
- Vetted Post-Production Team: Our editors and mastering engineers specialize in audiobooks, ensuring a polished final product.
- Expert Guidance on Music, Casting, and Distribution: We navigate all the technical and logistical details so you can focus on your book.
The Bottom Line
Audiobook production is a niche industry—one that requires specialized expertise to get it done right. Instead of taking risks with the wrong studio, narrator, or production team, work with professionals who understand every aspect of the process.
At Scribe Media, we ensure your audiobook is high-quality, engaging, and ready for success. Let’s create an audiobook that captivates listeners and stays true to your vision.
