Recently we submitted a number of audio books where the authors decided to attempt the reading and recoding themselves. In some cases they were probably trying to save money, in others they thought that it was better to hear the author’s own voice relaying the texture and feel of the characters they had given birth to. Sadly though, in each instance where the quality wasn’t absolutely excellent, the customers lambasted their efforts through vicious feedback which I expect will completely kill their sales – wasting their time, damaging their brand and ruining what otherwise would have been a great experience for the buyer.

Here are two real examples of feedback recently posted by listeners to an audio book we submitted. Keep in mind this book is actually an excellent piece of work in the written form – from a very accomplished award winning writer…

“I was not able to listen for longer that 5 minutes, the reader was awful, thought my ears would begin to bleed from the annoying sound coming through my headphones. DO NOT SPEND $$, or waste a credit to hear this book.”

“Audible has always given me quality entertainment. I was stunned at what I heard when I leaned back to enjoy this story. I gagged. My ears may never recover. This was horrible. I think everyone who bought this trash needs a refund and a freebie.”

Not exactly something you want written next to your name online forever.

As a result of this feedback (and several others like it for other books) we have decided to only accept audio books from clients where the narration has been professionally recorded. Nobody wins with feedback like this. We provide this service in house or you can go elsewhere. Because of the volumes we do you will most likely find it much cheaper to use us than anyone else.

On a final note, it is important to clearly understand that as a digital publisher we have almost no influence over sales of your audio book. We cannot arrange in-store signings, guest appearances, prime placement on shelves or any of the traditional offline activities that stimulate sales. We are fundamentally a service provider. That being said, it is critical that you pay close attention to the things you can control such as the quality of the recording, cover image, the book description and the title. If you try to skimp on any of these things you are going to lose sales.

Until next time – happy writing!