Audiobook Production FAQs

What does your audiobook production service include?

We handle the whole process in six steps: we help you choose a narrator (Audition it), record the book (Record it), check the audio against the manuscript (Proof it), remove distracting noises (Edit it), even out the volume (Master it), and do a final listen-through and technical check (QC it).

How do you choose a narrator for my book?

We suggest narrators who suit your story, whether it needs a calming voice, an energetic one, or someone who can handle complex characters. You listen to their demos and choose. You can browse them all on our Narrators page.

Where can I publish my finished audiobook?

In the final quality-control step we make sure your audiobook meets the technical requirements for online distribution, so it's ready for Spotify, Audible and other retailers.

How long does it take?

It depends on the project. For editing and mastering, a one-hour file is usually back with you within 24 hours, as a rough guide. Full production depends on the narrator’s workflow and can take longer, so there’s no fixed timeline. For a quote, email hello@soundsandsuch.com.

What does audio editing do?

Recordings often pick up small mouth and nose sounds you'd never notice in conversation. Editing removes these, along with slips and stray noises, so listeners can stay immersed in the story.

What is mastering, and why does my audiobook need it?

Mastering is the second-to-last step. Volume naturally changes during a recording, getting louder or quieter in places. Mastering evens this out so the whole audiobook sounds full and consistent from start to finish.

I've already recorded my audiobook. Can you just edit and master it?

Yes. If you're narrating yourself or already have recordings, we can take on editing and mastering on their own so your audio sounds polished and consistent.

What format should I send my recordings in?

WAV files give the best sound quality. We'll set up a shared Dropbox folder with you so we can easily send files back and forth.

I’m narrating my own book. Where should I record?

Wherever suits you, as long as the room is quiet and has some padding to cut wall reflections. Dominic is also set up for remote recording sessions over Sessionwire. Here’s how to cut wall reflections on a budget.

What is audio proofreading?

When narrators get caught up in a story, they sometimes slip on a word or read a line differently from how it's written. Proofreading means checking the recording against the manuscript so every word is exactly right. Here’s a self-check list for narrators.

Can I book proofreading on its own?

Yes. Proofreading is available on its own if you already have recordings and need a second pair of eyes (and ears) to catch unintentional misreads.

What happens when a misread is found?

Every audiobook goes through proofing and quality control before it goes out. Anything we find is flagged and sent to the narrator, who re-records those parts and sends them back to us. We take care of the rest.

Do re-recorded parts cost extra?

Re-recorded parts are added to the final finished hours of your audiobook.