Do you remember the days when we used to sit quietly in our beds while our Mom or Grandma would read stories to us.
Ah, it was such a calm and refreshing experience. And we used to look forward to that specific moment every single day.
How about we bring it back?
I know it sounds like a dream. But remember, we are living in the 21st century, where everything is possible right at our fingertips.
Although reading a book is still a lovely experience, we all just enjoy it. But sometimes, we really just want someone to read it to us, right?
So, cheer up, as your wish is being granted today. As a new trend is just going to take over the world of stories, Voice-driven Storytelling!
Yeah, you know the global audiobooks market size is expected to grow to 39.1 BN by 2032, which is currently only 5.3 BN. So, its really a big shift. And we are just about to witness that in the coming few years.
So, in this article, we will be exploring the world of audiobooks with you.
What is “Read by Ear”?
So, before moving forward, let us shed some light on what “Read by Ear’ Actually means.
Well, it literally means to listen to stories instead of reading them.
The audiobooks, storytelling podcasts or voice enabled books, all of them are part of it. You know, engaging with audiobooks offers a unique perspective on time, in which the duration of listening reflects into an amazing literary experience.
So, it simply means to just plug in your earphones and press play. That’s it, you can now enjoy it while driving, cooking, travelling, walking, or whatever you are doing. So, its more convenient for your busy lifestyle.
The Rise of Voice-Drive Story Telling
If you are wondering why this trend is rising so quickly. Then I got a few amazing reasons for you:
Allow Multitasking
Let us just compare book reading and book listening. So, what do you think is more convenient?
Obviously, reading a book will take up your time. But listening to it will not.
In this fast paced world, over 73% of respondents reported that they prefer to listen to audiobooks while travelling as it is more productive and saves a lot of their time and energy.
As it allows multitasking, which is a true necessity for this era. That is why they are getting increasingly popular among Millennials and Gen Z, who enjoy multitasking while listening.
It’s More Convenient
Not everyone finds reading easy. Some people are just like me, who love stories but don’t like to read.
They might have some visual problems or learning difficulties. But this voice-based content makes storytelling accessible to everyone. Even a blind person can listen to them and enjoy.
Feels Personal
When someone reads a story to us, it somehow feels more personal and emotional, like the story is actually unfolding in another multiverse, and someone is narrating their experience to us.
But the role of narrator is really important here. A good narrator is capable of bringing characters to life with their tone and emotions.
So, the deeper the connection, the more you will love it.
Easy to Use
The technology has made audio storytelling simpler and more accessible. Our smartphones, Bluetooth speakers and even voice assistants like Alexa or Siri made it easier to listen to stories anytime and anywhere.
Even platforms like Spotify and Google Podcasts offer thousands of options for listeners. Plus, you got book writing services as well to help you.
Top Audiobooks to Start Listening
Well, if you are convinced to try out this new era of book reading (oh sorry, listening). Then I got some amazing options for you to start with. As I don’t want you to ruin your first experience.
So, here is the list of the top 10 audiobooks for you with their genre to help you choose your favorite one:
- The Women – Historical Fiction
- Atomic Habits – Self-Help Book
- Daisy Jones & the Six – Historical Fiction
- The Sandman – Science Fiction, Horror Fiction
- Bossy Pants – Humor, Autobiography
- Where the Crawdad Sings – Novel, Mystery
- Here One Moment – Thriller, Psychological Thriller
- Ready Player One – Novel, Science Fiction
- Funny Story – Romance Novel, Fiction
- Circe – Novel, Fantasy
Audiobooks – A New Era of Publishing
The audiobooks are not just making lives easier for book readers. But it is an exciting opportunity for authors and publishers as well.
So, if you are planning to publish your book anytime soon, the audiobooks should be a part of your plan as many authors are now converting their printed books into audiobooks, it is a rising trend to attract more readers.
If you are still thinking, then here, take a look at these amazing benefits of creating an audio version of your books:
- Reach a wider audience
- Improve sales
- Boost the visibility of your book
- Adds a personal touch to your stories
Exploring the World of Podcasts
Other than audiobooks, storytelling podcasts are becoming increasingly popular all over the world. They are like short stories, audio dramas or even real stories that are shared through audio.
So, being an author, you can use these podcasts to:
- Give a sneak peek into your upcoming book
- Talk about the plot twists and characters
- Discussing writing tips
- Create a fan base for you and many more
Many new writers are now using podcasts to launch their writing careers. Trust me, it is a smart way to connect with your listeners. And introduce them to your work.
Effective Tips for Authors
So, the audiobooks are becoming the third pillar of the publishing industry.
It all started with the printed books. Then, later, eBooks made their way into the industry. Now, these audiobooks are creating a space for themselves.
So, if you are an author who is planning to write a new book, or have already published one, then you. Then here is how you can get started with your audiobooks.
1. Convert Your Books into Audiobooks
If you have already published a book. Then just convert it into an audio one using platforms like:
- Amazon’s Audiobook Exchange
- Google Play Books
- Findaway Voices
You can narrate your books by yourself. Or can even hire a professional voiceover artist to do the job. Just remember, the tone should reflect the message of your book.
2. Start a Podcast
Yeah, you need to start a podcast. Oh, don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be perfect or fancy. All you need to do is make it engaging by sharing tips, reading excerpts from your book or maybe talking about your writing journey.
This can help you build a connection with your audience even before the launch.
3. Hire Voice Artists
They are professionals and can bring your stories to life. Thus, you must really consider hiring someone to read your books to them in a touching manner.
Steps to Create an Audiobook with AI
So, if you are ready to launch your very first audiobook, then let me make things easy for you.
All you need to do is follow these steps precisely and pave your way to creating your first audiobook using AI. Yeah, AI is the future, so here is how you can create one for yourself using a popular AI platform, Murf.
- First of all, you need to get your books ready for conversion. So, your books should be in .txt, .docx, or .srt format. Thus, if your books are not in this format, then you’d better convert them.
- Log in to the platform and click on “Create Project” to get started. Make sure that you name your file correctly for better organization of your projects.
- Now you need to select the right file and upload it to the given platform for it to read.
- Now it will take you directly to your project’s dashboard. This is where you will be customizing it. So, choose the upload script on the left-hand side of the menu.
- You’d better keep your script ready for an audiobook and upload it right here.
- Now you will get a pop-up asking for import preference. So, it’s better to go with the default one “Split Script by Sentences”
- It’s now the platform’s turn to do its job and arrange your script into sentences.
- Time for the most interesting part now. Choose an AI voice for your audiobook.
- You can also customize the tone and pitch of your AI narrator. It will give you many options for that, like pitch, speed, pause, and many more. So, choose as per your preferences.
- Finally, it is time to download your generated narration.
I know it sounds too easy. But it is actually easy, as AI has made things much easier for us.
Final Words
So, the future of storytelling is not just limited to paper or screens anymore. But you can enjoy this experience through listening as well.
More people are now choosing to “read by ear” as it’s more convenient and engaging. Thus, changing the landscape of how stories are created, shared and enjoyed.
So, go ahead and share your story loud and clear with the world and enjoy.
Best of Luck!
Scarlett Zoey is a seasoned technical eBook writer and guide at London Book Publishing, crafting engaging narratives across genres. With years of experience in digital storytelling, she’s helped numerous books find success.