Dear Audiobook-Lovin' Author,
Many of you have asked about how to turn print books and e-books into audiobooks.
My priority as Editor-at-Large has been acquiring rights for Audible and producing books by authors and editors I'm familiar with— but I will look at unsolicited queries.
When I accept a book for audio publication, I offer an advance on royalties, I present a contract for your review, and listen to your casting notes. We make a deal, and over the next couple months, the book is produced... it's pretty quick, compared to print!
Caveat: Audio isn't for every author, and the timing has to be right on both sides. There's more than one to approach it, and I'll guide you if I think I know of some alternatives. DIY, for example! Ultimately, it's up to you— there's plenty of authors and books that won't be in audio right now... and that's okay! ;-)
Meanwhile, for you Go-Getters— Let me help you get prepared.
First Step: What Makes a Good Audiobook?
How I Evaluate a Title:
Reviewing the book, front to back
Sales data-- recent and life term
On any bestseller lists?
Received any special awards or press notice?
Energetic fan base?
Activist author?
Is there an e-book version?
Pub date?
What “Doesn’t Work” for Audio Adaptation:
Reference books
Books deliberately meant to be skimmed, where reader searches for special interest
Heavy annotations or footnotes
Focus on illustrations, charts, maps, design elements
Writing in 2nd person… “You You You”
Anthologies with broad— or wildly-varied— subject matter, or style.
Recipes
How-To Manuals
Self-Help or Inspiration that is “Vignette-ish” and List-y in style.
Trend-sensitive material whose treatment will have a hard time enduring.
Strong Audiobook Adaption Traits: What Works!
Outstanding command of English language
Great plot/narrative, consistent throughout
Every word, every sentence is heard… the best writing shines, inconsistent work is glaring
In Non-fiction: strong narrative style
Doesn’t have to be a bestseller— just an appreciative audience, a genuine niche
E-books have tremendous synergy with audio interest
Next Step
Familiarize— Get Cozy with Audio
If you haven't listened to audiobooks before, go to Audible.com, and listen to some samples. Samples are free. Look up your favorite books of all time, and listen to one. Read the listener comments and reviews, look at the way it's presented.
I'm not suggesting this method as a fan, but as an editor:
You are at a serious disadvantage to publish in audio if you haven't become a little familiar with the format. It's like wanting to publish a print book when you never set foot in a bookstore or turned a few pages yourself. I'm sure many of you are thinking, "Duh!" -- but I hear from some authors and publishers who want to enter the audio world with ever giving it a listen. It really does make a difference to know the world you're entering.
Determine who owns the rights to your title(s)
It will be either you, perhaps your print publisher, or perhaps another audio production company you may have licensed to. You may have different agreements for different countries. You may have licensing agreements which have expired.
You need to hold the rights to your work, or get the rights reverted to you, in order to produce your book. You can't sell the rights to Audible (or anyone else) if you don't hold them, so do that homework first.
How do you find out the rights situation, if it's a mystery to you? It's in black in white, on your contract. There will be a section about "subsidiary rights" or "sub-rights" and it will mention "audio"-- or not. Ask your agent or an experienced writer to help you find the language if it is obscure to you.
Many writers have realized that although their original print publisher bought the audio rights, they never exercised them... and years have gone by. If that is the case, you should ask for a "reversion of rights" back to you, for the audio. They're likely to give them back to you if they don't have the interest in exploiting them.
If you need an example of a what a "request for rights reversion" looks like, write to me, at [email protected], with This Exact Subject Line: How to Write a Rights Reversion Request
Get your formats together
Prepare a PDF version of your finished manuscript or published book, if you haven't already. This is the format I prefer to review, and you'll find many other editors feel the same.
If your have your book in print, but NOT in e-book form, I can't urge you strongly enough to prepare and publish your own ebook edition. It's easy, it's cheap, and you will get immediate gratification. It will enhance your audio sales like crazy, and vice versa.
If you find this process daunting: exhale. It is easier and more instantly gratifying than most of what you've done all your professional life: pitching books to major publishers.
If you want my "tip sheet" on how to get started, as a newbie ebook author/publisher, send me an email to [email protected], with This Exact Subject Line: Susie's Newbie E-book Publishing Author Guide
Last Step
How to Submit Your Title(s) to Susie's audiobook project:
• Prepare a PDF file of your finished corrected manuscript, or your published title. Email your work, and a cover lettter to: [email protected], with This Exact Subject Line: New Audiobook Submission to Susie Bright.
• Along with your file, send me a memo or sheet with everything you can show me about the book's potential or success: sales data, reviews, blurbs, news reports, how you blog or use social networking, etc. If you're a dark horse, don't be afraid to say so, but tell me why you think we can find your audience and how they will love you.
• Note your pub date on the cover letter. If it is a front-list title, point that out to me, since timing will be of the essence. I would advise sending front list titles to me at least 6 months before pub date.
• I will confirm receipt of your work.I can't discuss contract terms or money before I read your work; it wouldn't be fair to either of us. I tailor each contract to each person I work with, and I read each and every book before I make an offer .At this writing, I'd say it will take me 4-8 weeks to respond to each book.
Is this all worth it? In terms of reaching new readers, listeners, fans who'll follow you forever-- absolutely.
Audio rights are worth more at this time than they used to be. It's a popular genre, so the advances and royalties are decent.
Talk to your friends who've recently done audio deals... they'll tell you their experience.
I'll tell you mine:
I'm a mid-list author, editor and journalist, with an occasional bestseller, for three decades, 30+ titles. I've edited 20 anthologies and edited hundreds of writers since the 1970s, from the obscure to the Pulitzer. I wouldn't have been able to stay in this profession during the recent bookstore "wipeout" if it hadn't been for ebook and audio sales.
I love hearing from my audiobook listeners. The people at Audible I work with are book fiends— I'm in good company. What can I say?— I'm all in. I hope if I become your editor, you'll feel the same satisfaction.
All my best,
Susie Bright
Editor-at-Large, Audible.com
