Your Audiobook Options Explained (and What to Know Before You Publish)

One of the most common questions we get asked from authors is about audiobooks, and it makes sense. Audiobooks are booming, and for good reason. They're perfect for multitaskers, commuters, and those who simply prefer to listen rather than read. As more authors turn their books into audiobooks, it’s no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a must.

Lately, we’ve been hearing from authors who are testing out KDP’s new Virtual Voice Narration feature, Amazon’s AI-generated audiobook solution. We love that authors are exploring options to make their books more accessible, but here’s the thing: a few of them jumped in without really understanding what they were signing up for.

And we get it; technology makes things faster and more affordable. But when it comes to bringing your words to life, the voice behind them matters. A lot.

Before you decide on a path, let’s walk through your four main options for creating an audiobook so you can make the right choice for your book, your brand, and your long-term success.

Option 1: Narrate It Yourself in a Studio

This is the most hands-on (and often the most personal) option. If you have a strong, clear voice and you're comfortable behind a mic, you can book time in a professional studio or invest in your own equipment. Some authors choose this route because it adds intimacy and authenticity, as readers get to hear from the author directly.

Pro tip: This route requires a lot of prep and stamina, plus the ability to self-direct and revise as you go. If you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll likely need to hire an audio editor to clean up the files and ensure they meet the proper specs.

Option 2: Hire a Narrator on ACX (Per Finished Hour)

This is the most straightforward approach for authors who want a high-quality product without doing the work themselves. On ACX.com (owned and operated by Audible, which is a part of Amazon), you can listen to narrator samples, request auditions, and choose someone whose voice aligns with your book’s tone and audience.

You’ll pay a per-finished-hour fee (often $100–$400/hour, depending on the narrator’s experience). They handle the recording, editing, and uploading for you. You maintain full rights and keep your royalties.

Option 3: Hire a Narrator on ACX (Royalty Split)

If you don't want to pay upfront, you can still work with a pro narrator by offering a royalty share, meaning you split your audiobook earnings 50/50. This model makes audiobook production accessible for authors on a tight budget.

But fair warning: because it’s a bigger risk for narrators, only those who really believe in your book’s sales potential will apply. And if your book doesn't sell well, you're both out of luck. You'll want to show the narrator you have a solid book launch and marketing plan in place.

Option 4: Use KDP’s Virtual Voice Narration

This new option is fast, easy, and free. KDP now offers AI-generated voices to turn your eBook into an audiobook with just a few clicks. It’s an interesting solution for accessibility and discoverability, especially for books that may not otherwise make it to audio.

That said… proceed with caution.

These AI voices aren’t human. They can mispronounce words, read in an unnatural cadence, and fall flat when it comes to nuance or emotion. That doesn’t mean the technology won’t improve over time, but right now, it can leave listeners feeling underwhelmed or even turned off.

One More Thing: Always Review Your Audio Files

No matter which option you choose, listen to the entire audiobook before you hit “publish.”

Don’t assume everything will be perfect. Even experienced narrators can make small errors: mispronunciations, skipped sentences, and awkward pauses. And if you’re using AI narration, you must go through it with a fine-tooth comb. Double-check for proper inflection, tone, and word choice. You can use KDP's Virtual Voice Studio to edit the audiobook before it's published.

Why does this matter?

Because once your audiobook is live, it becomes part of your brand. A sloppy or robotic production can harm your credibility as much as a poorly edited book, or worse, earn you bad reviews that tank your sales.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Your budget, goals, and audience will determine which path makes the most sense. Just remember: your audiobook is an experience. It should reflect the same care, energy, and message you put into the writing itself.

Need help navigating audiobook production?

At Transcendent Publishing we offer an Audiobook Assistance Package that takes the guesswork out of the process. Whether you need help finding a professional narrator, designing your audiobook cover, uploading pre-recorded files, or navigating the technical steps like distributing your audiobook to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes through ACX, we’ve got you covered. Complete our Get Started form today.

Your audiobook deserves to be heard with the same heart and clarity it was written with, so choose your path wisely.