Are you still pondering whether you should create an audio version of your book? Findings from a recent consumer survey by the Audio Publishers Association (APA) suggest that you get started pronto. The APA’s annual consumer survey shows listeners are up a whopping 44% in 2018 and that half (56%) of audiobook listeners are making “new” time to listen to audiobooks, and subsequently consuming more books.
Here are five reasons why you should record an audio version of your book:
#1. Ease of Use
If you’re writing for a business audience that’s on the go – sales professionals, CEOs, service professionals, or entrepreneurs, you’ll be interested to know that 74% of audiobook consumers listen in their car. They don’t have time to sit and read all the books they want in hard-copy or e-book format. Go ahead – make it easy on them.
#2. Reading Adverse
As an avid book lover who loves to curl up with a good book, it’s tough for me to say this, but there are probably tons of folks in your audience who don’t like to read books. Maybe they’re firmly ensconced in the ‘movie’ camp of ‘what’s better: the book or the movie?’ They may have trouble reading, a learning disability, or are visually impaired. Whatever the reason, they’re not reading books which means they are missing out on you and your amazing book. Record an audio version and open yourself up to more book buyers.
#3. Audio Books Boost Overall Sales
Books that are also published in an audio format, sell more. If your audience reads a lot of books, they’re listening to audiobooks in order to consume more. Once a super-reader likes an audiobook, they often turn around and buy a physical copy of the book to highlight and make notes or to give to someone else.
#4. Always ‘In Stock’ Status
When your book sells out on Amazon, it’s exciting, but it also suppresses sales. If you offer an audiobook of your title, your book will always be in stock in at least one format.
#5. Audiobook Lovers Trend Young
According to APA’s survey, 55% of all audiobook listeners are under the age of 45. Growing up with the Internet, most Millennials prefer to consume information digitally and on their own terms. With audiobooks, they can download and listen whenever and however they want – even at a slightly faster speed.
Now that you are eager to publish an audio format for your book, here are some resources to help you get started:
Use ACX to record an audiobook for Audible, Amazon and iTunes
An Audiobook Overview by our friend, Bryan Heathman at Made for Success Publishing.
Having Your Story Heard: How to Make Your Book an Audiobook