Why Do You NEED To Make an Audiobook?
There are a lot of people who hate reading but love listening to audiobooks and podcasts. These “non-readers” either can’t or won’t take the time to sit down and read a book. Perhaps they struggle with slow reading, dyslexia or their sight is impaired. Or they consume content faster than how much it costs to buy new books all the time. If you want to reach more people with your message or recommend your book to others, there had better be an audio version!
Audiobook sales growth has exploded in recent years due to the ability to download audiobooks from sites like Audible.com, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, and ChristianAudio.com, among many others, directly to people’s smartphones. Some people will never read your book, but they will listen to content while commuting or doing other tasks like driving, working out, or cooking.
If you have an audiobook, not only will you make money selling the audio versions, giving your book an additional revenue stream, you’ll make additional money through the recommendations of people who listened to that version.
The audiobook market is unique and distinct from the print book market and the digital book world. I’ve been publishing books for over a decade, and have one title released with a traditional publishing house, and I rub shoulders with other authors all the time and constantly hear that audio is its own market with SOME crossover with ebook and print books, too.
Since some people only buy print books, while others only listen to audiobooks, you need your message or your story available in each market!
I record and produce audiobooks for Christian nonfiction authors and publishers. With more than 50 titles narrated and distributed through ACX, Audible, and publishers including Destiny Image, I work exclusively in this space — which means I understand the content, the audience, and the terminology before the first session begins.
What I Deliver
A fully produced, retail-ready audiobook master file. That includes narration, editing, mastering, and QC to ACX technical specifications. Files are delivered ready for upload to ACX, Findaway Voices, or any distribution platform.
How It Works
1. Manuscript submission
Send me your manuscript. I review it for scope, flag any pronunciation questions (names, foreign words, Scripture references), and provide a word count-based quote.
2. Recording and editing
I record chapter by chapter and edit each file before delivering. You receive chapters in batches as the project progresses, so you’re not waiting until the end to hear how the narration sounds.
3. QC and delivery
Each file is mastered to ACX specs. I handle the technical requirements — noise floor, peak levels, RMS — so your upload goes through without rejections.
Pricing
3.5 cents per word, which works out roughly to $350 per finished hour (PFH), which is the standard unit publishers use. A 60,000-word manuscript produces roughly 6–7 finished hours and would be quoted at approximately $2,100.
For example, if your book is 26,000 words long you will be billed for 30,000 words.
Examples:
- 17,240 words = Charged for 20,000 words ($700)
- 31,000 words = Charged for 35,000 words ($1225)
- 56,000 words = Charged for 60,000 words ($2100)
- and so on…
A 5% discount applies for payment in full at project start.
No royalty share. I work on a flat fee basis only.
Who This Is For
This service is for:
- Independent Christian nonfiction authors publishing through ACX or a similar platform
- Publishers needing narration for titles that fit my specialty
- Authors who want a narrator who already knows the theological landscape — charismatic, Pentecostal, evangelical, Reformed — and can pronounce it correctly
I do not narrate fiction or children’s books.
FAQ
How much does Christian nonfiction audiobook narration cost?
3.5 cents per word, quoted in 5,000-word increments. A 60,000-word book runs approximately $2,100–$2,450.
Do you offer royalty share?
No. I work on a flat fee basis only. Royalty share is not available.
What platforms do you distribute to?
I deliver files ready for ACX/Audible, Findaway Voices, or any platform that accepts the ACX technical standard. Distribution is handled by you or your publisher after delivery.
How long does narration take?
Production time depends on manuscript length and current project load. A 60,000-word manuscript typically takes an average of 6 weeks from confirmed start date to final delivery. I can provide an estimated timeline estimate with your quote.
What genres or topics do you narrate?
I’m very specific about what I’m willing and interested in narrating and consider my niche to be Christian self-development and inspirational (my sweet spot), but if you like what you hear and have another non-fiction project you’d like to run by me, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Can I hear a sample before committing?
Sure! Here are some samples.
You either already know within 8 seconds from hearing my delivery whether you want to hire me or not, so let’s not waste each other’s time.
Do you work with publishers, or only independent authors?
Both. So long as you have the rights to what you’re asking me to narrate, the process and pricing are the same.
Reach Out to Oe For a Quote
Also see:
- Pick My Brain — one-hour call to discuss your audiobook project before committing
- Spanish Translation — if you want a Spanish-language edition alongside the audiobook
- Manuscript Review — if your manuscript isn’t finalized yet
