Recording My First Audiobook – I Need Beta Listeners!!
Friends! Lend me your ears! No really, I need your ears.
I’ve finally decided to get serious about turning my books into audiobooks, and after several years of being wishy-washy, I’ve decided to record them myself.
It has been a tough decision to make. In a way, I wanted to do it myself, but I struggled with the idea of it. There is something very personal about reading the words that I wrote, and it feels like it is not just my words that will be on trial, but my voice and everything else. And is my voice the right voice for the book? On the other side of things, it seems so expensive to hire someone to do it, and then I would be concerned whether they were reading it like I intend for it to be read.
I was looking into it again, and I came across an article that said just that: one benefit of the author reading it herself is that you get to hear the words and dialogue like they passed through the author’s mind. That convinced me.
So, I’ve set myself to work. I’ve decided to start with The Needle’s Eye.
There are a few reasons for this. It’s not as long as some of my other books, and I feel that the characters are manageable and limited.
And so, I’ve been recording A LOT recently. It’s been a little over a week, and I’m nearing the end of the book (but I still need to edit and re-record.) I’m happy with how quickly it’s going. It makes me believe I can get through this.
I tried to record The Needle’s Eye a couple of years ago, with real intentions to see it through. I had started recording, but the main reason I didn’t continue was because the computer I had at the time was so loud (the fan) and there was just too much noise in the recording. I tried to use an old laptop I had, but that thing was so slow and it didn’t work out.
Anyway, I’m back to it.
This is where you come in!
I’ve posted the first five chapters of The Needle’s Eye Audiobook on Soundcloud, and I’d love it if you would have a listen.
This is over 2 hours of audio, for your enjoyment (and scrutiny, I suppose).
If you do decide to give it a listen, there are a few specific things I’d like to know. There might still be a few blips in the audio, so it’s not finalized. I need to know if the pacing is good, if you can understand my voice clearly, and I’d like any constructive criticism about the overall quality of the recording.
This is a very personal thing for me, so be gentle. 
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Thank you for the feedback! Hm, I'm not sure what to make of it all though. It sounds like maybe your issue is with the story itself? It is a little slow until about Chapter 4 probably, but that could also be my fault with the recording. I've re-recorded the first couple of chapters at a slightly faster, hopefully more natural pace, so I'm hoping that will solve some of the problem. I've had others tell me that I sound too forced and the pacing is slow. I'm trying to do what I can to alter it.I'm glad that my voice sounds good, at least! And there is nothing like reading your own book aloud to realize how many times you've said the same word...
Thank you for taking the time to listen and let me know what you think! It really helps me out so I can make decisions on what to do. :D
I found you on ... ummm ... a website many many eons ago (I don’t remember!) I think I probably commented on every chapter as I read them. LOVED LOVED LOVED your books!
I was disappointed when you pulled your work (but I understand)?and life got busier with my boys going into high school - because I turned into one if your characters- the mean mother chasing away the girls!!🙄😳 But it’s okay. My sons still talk to me! 😂
All that to say I started listening to audiobooks .... hundreds of them.
I also work in a hospital and have continued my shifts, so I still don’t get a break to relax (or grab the $0.99 deals!). I read your blog and I was like OMG! The Needle’s Eye was never on wattpad (it came to me just now).
Pros and cons are mixed together:
I think you have a great voice. You read very well. As intriguing as this story is and the anticipation I had going into it (Did I read an excerpt somewhere?) ... I had to rewind chapters or relisten altogether.
I’m not sure why I wasn’t immersed and captivated?
The sisters didn’t have distinctive voices, which is hard for me.
One of my biggest complaint (story-wise) is how often I hear what their “eyes” are doing and feeling. I don’t remember this being so blatantly apparent in your writing; however I flew through your books, so it’s possible I missed it.
A lot of ACX narrators record for only a percentage of profits. At least, it was like that 2-3 years ago when many of them sent me promo codes for listening and reviewing.
I love your work. I love you’re going to audiobooks! I love your voice. But had I ‘bought’ this .... I might’ve shelved it by chapter 3 - to pick up at a later time.
I hope this was gentle enough ... I’m really sorry! But truly, I think you’re one of a handful of authors I follow!