How To Make An Audio Book by Brad Baird

Do you ever read with your ears? Mr. Brad Baird is my guest today and  shares his expertise on recording audio books.

 

Audio books are electronic devices used to listen to books. Audio books provide wonderful entertainment for those who commute on a daily basis and for those who do not have enough time or the physical capacity to read, such as blind people. They're also great for runners who prefer to listen to books rather than music, or those without the means to buy books. They are available in three different formats - tape, CD, and MP3 file. The voicework is typically performed by a qualified actor, but it may also be done by the author of the book or someone with the right vocal qualities for the specific story. Now that you know the basics, it's time to get started. In order to successfully create an audio book yourself, keep the following tips in mind.

 

Equipment

First, find a device that can record at a level of impressive quality, but is relatively easy to use. If you're not picky though, you can find an old-fashioned tape recorder or a computer that comes with integrated microphones, and a recording program such as QuickTime. You may even be able to find a recording software that offers the ability to adjust the quality of the sound to consummation. Second, you need to set up a room in your home where all your recording will be done - without disruption. That room should be arranged so that it does not have any echo. A good example would be a room whose floors have been carpeted, but has good acoustics. Of course, the best option for recording an audio book would be to have access to a professional studio, but only consider this if you really need to make a special audio book, like for a present or to read aloud a published book of yours that you know will sell in this format.

Recording

Prior to starting the recording, you must ensure that the device is correctly picking up your voice. Other things that must be done include ensuring that appropriate lighting is provided in the room and that a stand is holding the book (trust me - go with the stand, don't hold it). Always make a concerted effort to use a clear and confident tone when performing the recording. Depending on the theme of the book, you should use your voice to communicate the sentimental meaning behind the words and sentences. If there is a dialogue between two characters, then you simply ought to make some distinction between the two. For children's stories or comedies, feel free to go all out and delve into character work, but otherwise, keep it subtle.

Finalization

The recording phase must be spaced out over several sessions. Be aware that generally, CDs and tapes can't contain more than one hour of audio content, while an MP3 file can contain a lot more. Figure out where a break will occur so that when you need to burn the recording onto CDs or tapes, you can save precious time. Time will be key, since you'll want to go through all your recordings and find the best take of each section, then compile them all together - just like takes of a movie. Lastly, be sure to have proper insurance on all of your equipment, space & merchandise! This might mean business insurance and it might mean home insurance, but whatever works, works!

Once the audio book has been finalized, listen to it - just to ensure that it reflects the expected outcome. Things don't always sound how you think they will on the back end!

Brad Baird writes about his career in audio production, and he was recently included in a piece on the Top 10 Must See Ted Talks for Businesses and Entrepreneurs.

If you enjoyed Mr. Baird's article, please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Kindle Books For Kids: The Best Time To Read

"May I read to you?", asked the young boy.
A young reader is searching for someone to listen to him read aloud. Is there anyone in his family who will take time to listen?
"The Best Time to Read", by Debbie Bertram and Susan Bloom, is a rhyming picture book that will entertain and delight young readers.



About the Authors
Debbie Bertram and Susan Bloom are "The Write Sisters". Before turning to writing children's books full-time, Susan was an elementary school teacher and Debbie worked in television production. They often entertain children and librarians with their interactive reading at events around the country.

Does Anyone Have Time To Listen?
This picture book features a young boy who is just learning to read. He has a book in his hand and goes to each member of his family asking them to listen to him read the book aloud.

Unfortunately, it seems that everyone is busy and the boy retreats to his room to read to his stuffed animals. Wait! He hears a knock at his door and his entire family (even the dog) wants to listen to the boy read.

The book ends with a family story time on the floor of the boy's room.

My Thoughts
When I worked as an elementary school librarian, I was always looking for books that would promote reading. This rhyming picture book is a perfect example of the kind of material that I enjoyed sharing with my students.

This book was originally published in 2005 and was released as an ebook for the Kindle in February, 2011. I viewed the book on my Kindle 3 (black-and-white pictures) and the Kindle for PC application (color pictures). The color illustrations, by Michael Garland, are amazing and add depth and emotion to the text. The black-and-white illustrations are clear and bright.

Each page of the book consists of a picture and three lines of text on the Kindle. The text appears above the picture and is clear and easy to read. The pictures take up about one-third of the screen and the lower portion of the screen is blank - it would have been nice to see the pictures filling up the entire screen.

This story promotes reading and family unity. Parents are often "too busy" to spend quality time with their children. This book reminds us that the time we spend with our children is a wise investment. Highly recommended as a read-aloud selection and for independent reading.

FYI ~ I checked out this ebook from my public library. This book is priced at $9.99 on Amazon (Ouch!!!) ~ Check-out your public library for your entire family's ebook needs.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Read Their Mind

Are you a mind reader?

Are you able to determine what the marketplace wants and needs?

Are you listening to people and helping them find answers and solutions?


"Read Their Mind; How To Hear What the Marketplace Wants and Build a Huge Business", by Sandi Krakowski, will show you how to follow your passion and build a strong, stable online business.

About The Author
Sandi Krakowski is a Serial Entrepreneur with 11 successful companies under her belt and a "Back To Basics Step By Step Business" expert who currently serves more than 170,000 clients in over 136 countries.

CopyWriter With Pink Hair
Sandi Krakowski began her Internet marketing career as a copywriter. She is known for the bright pink streak she wears in her hair.

Her marketing/consulting/coaching business has grown from her success in multiple Internet businesses. Ms. Krakowski shares many of the business principles and practices that she uses in this book.

Here are some of her key points;

• Determine your WHY. The author explains your WHY in the following way..."Whenever IT happens, IT pisses you off." You will work to find other people who have the same frustrations that you have and work with them to find a solution.
• Listen, Ask, Listen. Ms. Krakowski suggests that you do "listening research" to determine what the marketplace wants and needs. You must be sincerely interested in helping people and being the change. The author offers helpful advice in asking questions and using surveys to test your market. You will know what people want because they will tell you.
• It's Not About You. Your goal should not be to write copy that converts. You goal should be to find out what people are struggling with and figure out how you can help. The author believes it is important to speak and write at a level that people will easily accept. She uses the Flesch-Kincaid Formula to determine the reading grade level of her text. She has found that copy with a reading level of 7th grade or lower will convert more readers. Speaking to people where they're at is huge.

My Thoughts
Sandi Krakowski has built her business around the power of words. The words that are heard are just as important as the words that are spoken. This book provides practical tips and advice that you can use to improve your Internet business. The author writes a weekly newsletter and has thousands of subscribers. This book will give you a fresh outlook on how you communicate with people on your lists (email, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

If you are not able to purchase the book at this time, I highly recommend the author's newsletter and Facebook page.

A Woman of Faith
Sandi Krakowski is not "religious" but she has a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She writes about her faith frequently in this book and gives God all the glory for her success.  I like the way the author was able to blend her personal beliefs and convictions with her business. She believes that she is fulfilling her God-given purpose by helping others.

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book during a pre-launch promotion on Facebook.

Do you conduct "listening research"? Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.