Audiobooks discussion

Perhaps this is an ignorant question, but just how does it get decided what books get an audio version and which don't?

The author or the publisher. If the author has retained the audiobook rites then they can arrange to have the book made into an audiobook. But if the publisher has kept ahold of those rights then they decide. And sometimes they decide not to do it orb other with it. Even if the author would like it.

I was wondering the same thing.

Thank you Kelley for shedding light on this.
Thank you Erica - now I don't feel quite so silly.

Hi Natalie,

Not an ignorant question at all.

Whoever has the rights to the work decides. I imagine that a number of factors are in play:

1. How deep the pockets of the rights holder are; if the book is self-published, the author may not have the funds to pay for the narration. The costs vary according to length, type of book, choice of narrator, etc. A good narration costs thousands.

2. The audience for a specific book/author may prefer one version over the other. Some authors sell massively on audio and less so in text form. Others have the opposite experience. So, it may be a case of priorities, with the audio book being published later than the print version.

3. There are times in which the author sells print rights to a publisher who doesn't do audio. Then, the author may try to sell the audio rights separately to an audio publisher. Then, the book may get published in audio at a much later date than the print/ebook version.

I believe that with the increased popularity of audiobooks they will become staple in both fiction and non-fiction publishing. I know I've become a fan of them recently, and I didn't think I would be.

Jonathan wrote: "Hi Natalie,

Not an ignorant question at all.

Whoever has the rights to the work decides. I imagine that a number of factors are in play:

1. How deep the pockets of the rights holder are; if the ..."

Thank you Jonathan for that great explanation. Right now due to time constraints I do my reading almost exclusively through audio. Recently I got excited over a book that I wanted to read but saw that it wasn't available on audio. (Bummer). Thus my question.

Based upon my personal experience, the publisher of the print and electronic formats of the book decides whether or not to add an audio book format as well.

This decision is based upon the feasibility of the additional investment (professional narrator, studio technicians, production costs) being recouped through anticipated sales.

Just as he/she does with the original story in the print and electronic formats, the author retains the copyright for the story narrated in the audio book.

The publisher holds the book design copyright and is responsible for meeting the negotiated compensation obligation for the cover and layout design artists and author's royalties.

I should point out that in Jim's case (as he has explained elsewhere) the decision was made to only produce an abridged version. This is unfortunate, because for many consumers who have not had the pleasure of "meeting" Jim on GR, abridged is a deal- breaker.

Jonathan wrote: "Hi Natalie,

Not an ignorant question at all.

Whoever has the rights to the work decides. I imagine that a number of factors are in play:

1. How deep the pockets of the rights holder are; if the ..."

Hello. Just wanted to comment that through ACX a self publishing author can do a royalty share with a narrator for no upfront cost and so can have their audio book made with no upfront costs. The narrator earns royalties equal to what the author does on books sold through the site.
I personally always attempt to turn my books into audio format as well. I have had mediocre success. Finding awesome narrators can be very tricky.

Jane wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "Hi Natalie,

Not an ignorant question at all.

Whoever has the rights to the work decides. I imagine that a number of factors are in play:

1. How deep the pockets of the rights ho..."

Wow..this is GOOD information thank you.