As an author who has always loved the magic that audiobooks bring to stories, I understand how the voice of a skilled narrator can breathe life into the characters and worlds I create. For many readers, the quality of human narration is what makes audiobooks great. Like many of my peers, I’ve grappled with the idea of using AI narration for audiobook creation, unsure whether it could deliver the emotional range and nuance my readers deserve.
However, a significant hurdle has prevented many of my older backlist titles from becoming audiobooks sooner—the cost of production. I have spent tens of thousands of dollars to put books into human narration. My budget is tapped out. Professional audiobook narration costs thousands of dollars per book, making it difficult to justify the investment for older titles that, while beloved by fans, don’t generate the sales volume to offset these costs. Audiobooks are often priced higher due to this production expense, making them less accessible for some listeners.
Accessibility: This honestly is my main reason. I love all my readers, and several of you fall into this category. Your emails and requests have not been unheard. Audiobooks are an essential resource for those with vision impairments, dyslexia, or other reading disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, over 2.2 billion people globally have some form of vision impairment.
Why AI/Virtual Voice Narration?
To address this challenge, I’ve decided to make a select number of my backlist titles available with AI narration. These are books that were never going to be on the production schedule due to cost. This decision allows me to offer a more affordable option for audiobook lovers while making my older stories accessible to a wider audience. Here are some key reasons why I believe this is a positive step:
Accessibility for Readers with Vision Impairments or Reading Challenges
This honestly is my main reason. I love all my readers, and several of you fall into this category. Your emails and requests have not been unheard. Audiobooks are an essential resource for those with vision impairments, dyslexia, or other reading disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, over 2.2 billion people globally have some form of vision impairment. For many of these individuals, audiobooks are not just a preference but a vital means of accessing literature. By embracing AI/virtual voice technology, I can make more of my backlist titles accessible to those who rely on audiobooks for reading.
Convenience for Busy Listeners on the Go
Audiobooks have become incredibly popular for people who love to read but have busy lives. Whether it’s listening while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores, audiobooks provide a convenient way to enjoy stories. It is sometimes the only way people can make time to read. Making more of my titles available through AI narration ensures that those who prefer to listen on the go have more options to choose from.
Affordability Without Sacrificing Content
One of the major benefits of AI narration is the affordable price point. Traditional audiobook production costs, particularly for older backlist titles, is very prohibitive. AI narration offers a cost-effective way to bring these stories to audiobook format, allowing me to pass on the savings to you, my readers. This makes audiobooks a more accessible option for those who may not have been able to afford them otherwise.
I want to be clear: I still deeply value the unique touch that a human narrator can bring to a story. I have some newer titles currently on production schedules. There’s a certain magic in the way a narrator can add depth, personality, and emotion to characters through their voice. As I continue to release new books, I’ll be exploring ways to use both human and AI narration, finding a balance that allows me to keep offering premium experiences while also making more of my work available to everyone.
I didn’t come to this decision lightly, but after much consideration, I decided this offers a way to revitalize older stories that would not otherwise see audiobook production.
I hope this decision brings more of my stories into your life, whether you rely on audiobooks due to reading challenges, enjoy the convenience of listening on the go, or simply want an affordable way to experience my work in a new format. I’m excited to continue bringing you new worlds, whether through the pages of a book or the sound of a voice.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support!
