Do you have, or do you listen to, audiobooks? I have an audiobook problem, and I’d like your ideas. Basically, my narrator needs to change.
This is my Insecure Writers Support Group post, in which we share our successes and failures as writers, our insecurities, in fact. Anyone can join in, just sign up at the IWSG Sign-up page, write a blog post on the first Wednesday of the month, and go back to that sign up page to link with everyone else–or a goodly sample. Our host is Alex J Cavanaugh, and cohosting this month are:
Feather Stone, Kim Lajevardi,Diedre Knight, C. Lee McKenzie, and Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen
My audiobook problem
It surprises me that my audiobooks only got started in 2019.
I had found the ideal narrator, he worked hard on them. We got the first out, then the second. Then Covid came, and lockdown, and my house move, and things naturally went quiet on the audiobook side. When we finally got around to exchanging files for the third, there were lots of things to change. But my narrator had been sick, and was giving up narrating. After discussion, we called it a day.
So I have two audiobooks in my trilogy out on Audible etc, and no idea what to do about the third.
How do you react to narrator changes in audiobook series?
Since I don’t listen to audiobooks, because they make me fall asleep, I need your help.
Does it put you off if the narrator of a series changes? Does it matter as long as they get roughly the same voices for the recurring characters?
And if you narrate audiobooks, how do you feel about stepping in and picking up someone else’s approach to the characters.
Or should I start again at the beginning with new versions of the first two?
I’ve made this into a survey form, because I know sometimes the comments box is off-putting. But if you have any experience of series, please do let me know your thoughts in the comments too.
Question of the Month
Is it me, or is the question of the month getting a tad repetitive? Is it, in fact, AI generated?
PS If you’d like a review copy of either of the first two Princelings audiobooks, let me know (with your email if it doesn’t link to your comment name) and I’ll send you a US OR UK code (say which!)
I answered the survey but I just want to say, get a new narrator and don’t worry about it. They change actors in a movie or TV series.
Ah, there you have it. Most tv series I watched I stopped watching when they changed a favourite character!
I agree with Darlene. Just find a new narrator.
Four of my five books are on audio but not the fifth because my narrator retired and my publisher decided not to seek another. I guess it wouldn’t matter too much as long as the voices weren’t vastly different.
I think you can get away with a new narrator. Two books isn’t enough really to make readers (listeners) get hooked on one, I think.
As for the question, I kind of saw this as a natural follow-up to last month’s question about software—since some of that stuff ventures into the realm of AI. But it does occur to me how hard it must be to come up with a new question every month. Maybe we all need to think about what might make good questions. Also, I’ll bet some from years past would be good to recycle, as the answers change (also the participants).
Yeah, maybe I’m showing my age; it all gets classed as ‘new stuff’ to me. And the environmental impact is horrendous.
I’ve been thinking about having my books narrated but can’t handle the expense!
The Princelings books were relatively short! Which helps on the expense. I suspect a heavier investment in the Viridian books might help them do better, though.
But I need dental work and a new washing machine this autumn, so books will have to wait!
Hi,
I abandoned an audio biography almost immediately,
Can’t remember who was reading, but the subject was Leonardo, the voice suggested a TV cornetto advert.
Love the Falco series, far more than I ever loved Latin, but I gave up on the audio books, sounding too conventional and prosperous for my idea of Falco. .
Going to sleep though.. When insomnia strikes, an audio book might be the best solution. Med free, too, no prescription required. .
Esther
Yes, Falco needs to be a bit of a rough diamond. Bob Hoskins would do him well! I’d abandon the one like a cornet to ad, too!
I don’t actually enjoy audiobooks. I’ve been trying to get through one for a few years. Great author and all. I just don’t make time for it.
Needs too much listening concentration: I’d rather be reading!
I almost laughed out loud at your comment that you fall asleep listening to audiobooks. Same for me. Yet so many enjoy them that, yes, I worked with a narrator for two books. Oofta! So much time in reviewing, checking pronunciation and accuracy, and then the changes, re-reviewing. I also found it quite expensive. So, when Amazon came out with an audiobook feature (press the button and you will have your audiobook!), I tried it. I’m reasonably happy with the result and happy my books can be made available to readers. So, now my royalties have increased due to what Amazon is calling ‘subscription services’ — a combination of Kindle Unlimited and audiobooks. I’m guessing Amazon’s audiobook service is AI generated and that we can expect more changes ahead! May you find the process that works best for you!
I’m like you: I’d rather read than listen to an audiobook 🙂 Though I am producing my own audiobooks as my fans aren’t me. LOL.
Try a new narrator and see how it goes, perhaps listeners won’t mind a new voice or even a new approach to the characters. You can always have this narrator redo the first two books if the series works out well.
Or you can do it yourself 🙂
Ronel visiting for IWSG day Adventures in Audio: Building a Recording Studio