Happy Audiobook Appreciation Month from all of us at KWL!
Here at Kobo Writing Life, we launched the audiobook addition to our publishing platform in 2019. As public interest in audiobooks rises, and readers are now more vocal than ever about how much they enjoy indulging in an audiobook, you might be thinking: how can I get my audiobook out there? Well, read on! You’re never too late to get involved with something as exciting as audiobook publishing and distribution.
Here are some stats from Wordsrated, highlighting the market value of audiobooks over 2020-2021:
- The US is the world’s largest market for audiobooks, estimated to be worth up to $1.875 billion in 2021
- China is the 2nd largest market for audiobooks based on revenue, behind the US
- The European audiobook market is estimated to be worth approximately $850 million as of 2020
- As of 2020, the four Nordic countries were estimated to be worth $100 million in 2020 and are identified as one of the largest markets for growth behind the US, China, and the UK.
Data for 2022 will emerge this year, and it’s likely there will be further increases in all of the above areas.
Audiobooks aren’t going anywhere, and we’re happy to say so! The interest in audiobooks is on the rise, as more and more people seek out alternative ways to enjoy their favourite authors while also experiencing the conveniences and accessible options that audiobooks offer.
Publishing with us is easy and effective and allows you to go wide as well – it’s as simple as saying yes to worldwide distribution during the publication process. Our partner sites are detailed here – be sure to check out the extensive list!
If you’re sure where to start, read on to revisit some of the best audiobook tips and tricks that we’ve featured on our blog! If you’re an audiobook old hat, however, how about a refresher in all that audiobook publishing involves?
- Tips for Creating Great Audiobooks
- Nana Malone on Solving Problems and Playing to Her Strengths
- The Age of Audiobooks: Rising Popularity and Expert Perspectives
On the art of audiobooks: “Remember that narration and editing are arts as well as crafts, just like writing. A little patience on your part is called for while your producer spins gold from straw (don’t worry, I’m not really suggesting your story is made from the husks of last year’s harvest).” – Jason Brenizer
On getting writing ready for audiobooks: “I realized a while ago that I’m basically writing television. My editors are always asking for more emotion, more description, more on the page. But my strong suit has always been banter, as if the characters are on screen. So I’m always ready for audio.” – Nana Malone
On the ease of audiobook access: “Audiobooks are now easier to purchase and store than in the days of cassettes and CDs. Portability, the ability to multi-task, and the ability to listen wherever you want are the top three reasons cited in the 2019 consumer survey for why people enjoy the format. As digital devices such as smartphones are now ubiquitous, audiobook access is simple and convenient.” – audiopub.org
And, in keeping with the theme, spend some time listening to these podcast episodes all about audiobooks:
KWL has also put together an audiobook - sorry, podiobook - all about audiobooks. This free download features a compilation of several of our popular podcast episodes all about the art and crafting of audiobooks. Add it to your collection today!
If you’re looking for audiobook deals year-round, however, we have regularly scheduled deals from indie authors, publishers, and traditional publishing houses alike. Sign up to receive news about audiobook-specific promos we offer here!
And, lastly, if you’re looking to begin your audiobook publishing journey, we highly recommend this informative video on how audiobook uploads work on KWL. As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team!
Have you produced an audiobook? Ever done the narrating yourself? Tell us about experiences!
Good luck on your listening (and writing, recording, editing…) journey!
