I've dealt with couple of audiobooks in the past and would like to share my experience with you, along with its technical process.
(I'm assuming that you've the recorded files and the script ready to handover to your editor.)
This process is divided into 4 parts -
Cleaning,
Editing,
Mixing,
Mastering.
Now let's dive into each process.
CLEANING - It means removing the
background noises (dirt),
electronic noises
Mouth clicks/chaps/licks,
small breaths,
plosives,
windy rustle,
clipping/distortion,
Gain Staging.
We can do more during the cleaning process, like controlling the Esses (sibilance), applying EQ, etc. But try to avoid doing this, because we will have much control during the Mixing Process.
2. EDITING - Import the files in your editing software. I use 2 screens while editing an audiobook. One screen for editing and one for reading the script simultaneously. The main goal of editing is to make the audio sound seamless without any unnatural cuts.
Sometimes the speaker stretches the words, mispronounces, stutter without even realizing, so you might have to find replacement words in those audios to replace these mistake. Or try a combination of parts of various words to make one word.
This process mainly includes removing of -
Filler Words
Retakes
Stutters
Coughs, Sneezes, Burps
Ums and Ahs
Breaths
Unwanted noises e.g. Dog Bark, Door Knock etc.,
Gain Staging.
This process requires carefully listening and focus of finding errors, sitting for long hours watching the given script and making the best version of the audio.
3. MIXING - This is where the audio comes to life. Clarity is added to the audio and annoying frequencies are carefully controlled. There are hundreds of plugins, and couple of software which can do this job amazingly. But it can get overwhelming for beginners while mixing their audio. There are typically a few processes which can enhance the audio -
Equalizer (EQ)
Gate
Compression
De-esser
Gain Staging
Levelling
It requires a good amount of experience and expertise to use these plugins flawlessly. Each audio type is different, and each speaker is also different. To use what and when, and the requirements of your clients totally affect your plugin choices. Even the plugins can be same, but their order can be different.
4. MASTERING - This process decides whether your audio will be accepted on the streaming platform or not. Each platform has different requirements. These are the requirements for audible - ACX Requirements
In a nutshell, this process controls the loudness of your audio and its peaks, so it doesn't sound too loud or too quiet. It also controls sudden jump of audio and trims them down.
Tip 💡: In FL Studio, Export all playlist tracks/groups from song start.
Use an audio meter of your choice to check the levels of your audio and check if its meeting the requirements of your streaming platform. If not, then make adjustments in the Limiter Plugin of your choice.
This whole process can be simple and complex at the same time. That also depends on the client and his working process. At the end of the day, you have to make things easier for them because that's what you're being paid for.
UPLOADING ON ACX
Uploading your audiobook can be a challenging task. Meeting many smaller requirements can be an annoying experience. There are certain requirements that need to be met -
Leaving a 2.5 sec blank space at the start and end of your file
Creating a retail sample
Opening and Closing credits
Associating Chapters and uploading files
RMS, True Peak, Imaging, Noise floor as per ACX
Additional Audios for ACX: We need to record 2 audios for ACX
Opening Credits: Welcome to "Book title" written and narrated by "author and narrator name".
Closing Credits: Thank you for listening to "Book Title" written and narrated by "author and narrator name"
Retail Sample: You don't have to record this. Just choose a 5 min RETAIL SAMPLE which will be the DEMO PLAYBACK for your audiobook on audible. This can be your Intro, Prologue, or any chapter (from beginning or anywhere).
(These are the basic versions, and you can slightly modify accordingly.)
After submitting your audiobook, It takes almost 10 days for -
Metadata Review
Audio Review
Cover Art Review
Final Verification
Additional File Format Option: Convert all your chapters into one single file with all the information embedded into it using .m4b (MPEG-4 Audio Book) file format. This works great if you're selling books through personal means. Apps like Sirin Audiobook Player for Android and BookPlayer for iOS works great with .m4b files. Currently .m4b files support only 13.5 hours of playback.
⚠️ NOTE: Audiobooks produced using 'Text To Speech' are not accepted by Audible. Your submitted audiobook must be narrated by a human. Unauthorized use of text-to-speech, AI, or automated recordings in ACX titles is prohibited. See Requirements.
And now, your Audiobook is done. Below are some of the reviews I've got recently for my excellent work on audiobooks.
Reviews
Do comment ⭐
Thanks,
Aman Dembla
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