Startup author Audiobooks: listen first, read later? The new trend

The New York Times tells us that more authors of note are finding new ways to launch new titles. In the case of Michael Lewis, best known for The Big Short, audio is the new road to glory.

To consider what is at stake, and why well-known authors now want to narrate new works, I recommend you read the article by Alexandra Alter.  

Meanwhile, if you are feeling left out, Startup Author Hacks suggests a few simple steps you can take to get in the game -- at very little cost, other than time.

Photo by Peter Prato for the New York Times

Should you wish to launch your next novel, short story or poetry collection    as an audio book you'll need to recording software.

Thankfully, a popular program that is fairly easy to use can be downloaded free.  You may already have heard the name Audacity. Now grab the software and guidebook at ​https://www.audacityteam.org/

You will, of course, need some equipment. A microphone is the most obvious. But don't go spending big bucks until you have taken time to learn Audacity.  
For now,  an inexpensive mic will allow you to practice as you master the dashboard.  

In his audio book course, Indie author Derek Doepker favors Audio-Technica products, such as the ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone. You'll find models under $100. 

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The Audacity guidebook is very helpful, as are online chat rooms and Youtube instructional videos. There are plenty to be found.

If you are technically challenged, and need more guidance, consider Udemy courses.

Eric Larson of Pine Alley Learning has created a 2-part Audacity course that is featured at Udemy.  Part 1 is free and provides an overview and guidance while Part 2 goes into more depth and ranges in cost from about $10 to $20. (The lower fee is now offered as a limited-time promo. ) 

Let's remember, even if you wish to record your own audiobook, you'll still need to write your story :)

Or maybe not. If you discover you like working with audio, perhaps  improvisation techniques will inspire a new way of creating your library of titles.

Startup authors always find a way to be productive. Maybe the new trend is your path to best-selling novelist, poet or journalist. 
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