The popularity of devices like Alexa have created a rise in the demand for audio to educate and entertain commuters and laundry-folders alike. James talks to Tina Dietz about creating audiobooks from both our fiction and non-fiction work.(Podcast on Self Publishing Formula, September 14, 2018)
This week’s highlights include:
The importance of creativity in every type of business
How creativity makes us more productive
The different approaches to audiobooks by fiction and non-fiction authors
Thoughts on narrating your book yourself
The range of costs for producing an audiobook, including what you can expect to pay a narrator
Auditioning narrators to find the right voice for your book
Providing character information to narrators to find a good fit
Reading your book out loud yourself to get a sense of your characters’ voices
The three reasons for starting a podcast
Resources mentioned in this episode:
PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page
She gives us the low down on audiobooks, how to get them recorded, how they fit into the marketing of your other book formats, and how to promote/market them to your audience.
She also talks about the expanding audiobook industry and why we should all be considering adding audiobooks to our inventory of books.
Tina gave us some amazing ideas for how to promote audiobooks, or even just using audio to promote your print or ebook versions of your book. She’s a very smart marketer, with a strong grasp of the audio market, and this is a must-listen episode for anyone who’s thinking of getting into audiobooks, or who already has audiobooks on sale. (Or in fact anyone who thinks they could use audio in any way to help with the marketing of their books. ???? )
About Tina
Tina Dietz MS, NCC is an award-winning and internationally acclaimed speaker, audiobook publisher, podcast producer, and content marketing expert who has been featured on media outlets including ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post and Forbes. Tina’s podcast, The StartSomething Show, was named by INC magazine as one of the top 35 podcasts for entrepreneurs.
Tina has been building businesses for over 20 years and is the owner of StartSomething Creative Business Solutions, a company committed to connecting experts, authors, and entrepreneurs with their ideal audiences through audio branding and marketing with a deep specialty in audiobook publishing, podcasting, and thought leadership.
Why using audio to get your kids to learn is an easy and convenient way to give them opportunities to become even more well-rounded and well-educated.
In a world full of distractions like YouTube, thousands of different video games, social media, toys, sports, etc., it’s not always easy to get our kids to learn, much less develop and cultivate their interests and skills. But school is enough, right? Wrong. Everyone learns differently-some visually, some are more hands-on learners, and some learn best through audio, which provides a large variety of ways for kids to learn.
With the rise in popularity of podcasts and audiobooks, more and more ways to help kids get get excited about learning and discover new interests are popping up every day. Using audio to help kids learn is an easy and convenient way to give our kids opportunities to become even more well-rounded and well-educated, hopefully resulting in a young person who grows up to love learning.
Here are some ways you can use audio to get your kids to learn so that you can get started right away. They’ll thank you for it!
Using audiobooks to get kids to learn is different from reading with them and is also very different from just sitting them in front of the TV and allowing them to watch shows (even if they are educational). Listening to audiobooks forces children to use different skills than reading and allows for much more imagination than the TV. Children who find reading difficult can also find great relief in being able to listen to a book. Audiobooks are great for car rides, time when children are self-entertaining while you’re cooking dinner, or even for you to listen to together and discuss after. Some ideas of ways to use audiobooks for children’s learning are:
Find fun stories for themThere are tons of audiobooks for children of fun, engaging stories with colorful language for them to use their imaginations, learn words, get excited about listening to the stories, and want to talk about them after. These can be great conversation starters, so make sure to engage with your child about what you listen to together!
Provide sketchbooks and crayons or pencilsThis helps them to further utilize their imagination. While they’re listening, they can draw what they think their favorite characters might look like, strengthening their creativity and encouraging them to use a part of their brain that looking at pictures in books doesn’t activate.
In the case of children who find reading difficult, audiobooks can be a tremendous reliefKids can keep up with their schoolwork easier and also become more confident in their reading abilities by listening to an audiobook at the same time that they’re following along with a print or digital version of the book. By engaging more than one of their learning senses at the same time, the brain can integrate the information with more ease.
Be close by to answer any questionsIn order for an audiobook to really be engaging and educational, you’ll want to make sure you can define unknown words for them, answer questions about the story as it unfolds, or even just listen to their excitement as they tell you all about what they’re listening to.
More than half of people in the US listen to podcasts weekly, and yes, they can be used for children as well. Many people think that podcasts are always about business or politics, but there are a ton of different podcasts that exist, and many of them are for children! Some teachers utilize podcasts in their classrooms, and you can use them at home to get your kids to learn, too. There are book club podcasts for kids, science ones, fictional stories, and so much more. Podcasts can be utilized similarly to audiobooks to help kids learn, but they can also be used in the following ways:
Podcasts offer the advantage of being shorter, and once your child finds one they particularly like, there are usually a whole slew of episodes from that one podcaster from which they can choose.
You can have them create their own podcasts! – Free podcast recording software might not be good enough quality to publish, but it IS good enough to encourage your kids to research topics they like or write their own story. Help them record it, have fun with it, and listen to it as a family (or with friends) later. They’ll have something they’re proud of, and it will encourage them to delve further into their interests and passions. It also encourages a use of words that children usually aren’t otherwise engaging.
Podcasts are free and easy to download. Put them on your phone, tablet, or even on your computer.
Long story short, there are SO many options when it comes to using audio to help children to learn, and create the beautiful “side effect” of giving you and your kids great conversation topics to explore together. While we still greatly encourage and recommend that you read with your kids and have them read any and all types of books, podcasts and audiobooks are a great addition to any child’s learning and language skills. They’re also an excellent resource for children with learning challenges. Audio teaches all kids to listen for things to talk about later, to develop their imaginations, and develop the ability to ask engaging questions.
Do you have a favorite audiobook or podcast that would be great for kids or families?Please share in the comments, and have fun learning!
When you turn your book into an audiobook, you do so in the hopes that it will bring in more income. Have you heard about the audible bounty program?
When you set off to turn your book into an audiobook, you do so in the hopes that it will bring in more income from the book you spent so much time and energy writing and publishing. Many authors assume that the only way to make money from publishing an audiobook is through sales, but there’s also another, lesser known way to make money with your audiobook.
ACX is a marketplace for professional narrators, agents, publishers, and rights holders to create audiobooks and distribute them to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Just recently, they have announced a new version of their Bounty Referral Program, which will increase payout to its members and provides many member benefits.
What is the Bounty Referral Program, you might ask? It allows those who are selling audiobooks another option for making money off all their hard work. Through the Bounty Referral Program, members can earn up to $75 each time a new Audible listener becomes a member using your referral link, plus any royalties earned from the sale of the audiobook itself.
When an audiobook has been produced on ACX, the rights holder will receive trackable referral links that is unique to each of the audiobooks published. For those who entered into a Royalty Share agreement with a narrator, (as opposed to paying the narrator up front for their services) $50 will go to the creator of the audiobook, and $25 will go to the narrator for each bounty.
When marketing your audiobook, you’ll want to make sure you use your unique ACX tracking URL to bring any listeners straight to the book without any delay. If that user isn’t currently registered on Audible, that $75 bounty will be added right to the audiobook creator’s account. This means it’s important to share with your email list, social media followers, and friends and family. As an audiobook creator, you’ll want to make sure you let everyone know how very magical it can be to listen to a book rather than read it when listening to a story.
Particularly when listening to non-fiction, it can be helpful for listeners to do something at the same time as listening, such as taking notes or even multi-tasking (we all know people who prefer it!). When including your book URL in marketing efforts, you can also include clips of your audio, your retail sample, a book trailer, or a good, old-fashioned book synopsis. Even those who have read your book may be interested in listening to the book to hear it differently.
The ACX Bounty Referral Program not only gives you a chance to bring even more listeners to Audible to listen to each audiobook you publish, but it also will bring you additional income with each new Audible member who comes in with your unique link.
Considering publishing an audiobook on ACX? The Bounty Referral Program might encourage you further. Need help? Our team at StartSomething Creative Business Solutions can take care of the whole production and publishing process for you or help you along the way!
Need help producing and publishing your audiobook?
Have you ever wondered how to have a launch that reaches tens of thousands of people or more? Here are 5 very friendly and quite un-technical ways nonfiction authors can use to boost your online presence by making simple, authentic ‘asks.’
No matter how technical and digital our world becomes, many of the best book and audiobook marketing comes down to simply asking. Have you ever wondered how to have a launch that reaches tens of thousands of people or more? I participate in those book launches all the time, and the key isn’t the technology used or some magic email formula.
Asking is what makes the difference, and in particular, having the relationships where asking is even possible. Your friends, colleagues, and fans want to put their words where more people can see them. It’s up to you to lead them and let them know what actions they can take that will make the biggest difference.
Here are 5 very friendly and quite un-technical ways you can use to boost your online presence by making simple, authentic ‘asks.’
1. Ask friends, colleagues and fans to post their reviews on Amazon and Goodreads
Here’s an important tip when asking for reviews – pre-write samples of reviews to give your tribe an idea of what to write. Many people (including myself) often want to help but deal with a shortage of time and attention. If you help shortcut the process, you’ll get better results and you’re also showing that you respect people’s time and energy in helping you.
2. Create a testimonial page on your website
Any testimonials or reviews that you get on LinkedIn, Amazon, Goodreads, or other places you can collect into one space, and then sprinkle generously around your website as little eye-catching quotes.
3. Get friendlier with Goodreads
Even I sometimes forget what a cool resource Goodreads is. Spend a little time each week connecting on Goodreads, and make sure your profile is fully fleshed out in detail, and that you also add your own list of books that you love. Goodreads is for people who LOVE books, who hunger for books, and you can connect with bloggers and reviewers through this platform as well.
4. Offer bloggers in your niche that you respect advanced reading copies of your book
Let the blogger know why you chose to reach out to them, and ask if they’d like to offer feedback and/or a review of your book. And, for goodness sake, share some of their blog posts with YOUR tribe via social media or email as an act of goodwill and relationship building.
5. Go on an online book tour via podcast interviews
One in every 3 people in North America listens to podcasts. That’s over 65 million people! Seek out shows and hosts that resonate with your message and topic, and, in the immortal words of Bill and Ted, “BE EXCELLENT.” Also make sure the host gets a copy of your Audiobook’s 5 minute retail sample to share when you do get an interview on a podcast. You can listen to some of our author’s 5 minute retail samples here to get an idea of what they sound like. Click here and scroll down the page.
Marketing your book isn’t a “one time and done” proposition. You can always use your book to continually build your audience, your brand, and your platform as an expert. One of the biggest mistakes that authors make is getting bored with their book and thinking that they need to move on to the next big thing, when what’s really needed is persistence, creativity, and small steps every day rather than grand gestures.
What has worked well for you in getting the word out about your work, or, if you’re already an author, your book? Which of these strategies would you like to add next? Make sure to leave your comments below!
Ready to explore audiobooks, podcasting, and creative content marketing for your book?
Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and apparently writers are writing!
May is a big month for events in the nonfiction world, and for books and writing in general. I’m pretty sure that as the weather improves, writers emerge from their blankies, blinking at the sun and needing human contact, so event organizers plan accordingly.
3 Events for Nonfiction Writers in May
Nonfiction Writers Conference – Virtual – May 4-6
The opening session features a conversation with Gretchen Rubin, New York Times bestselling author of The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project. Additional sessions cover how to write, publish, promote and profit with nonfiction books.
Participants can also register for our popular Ask-a-Pro sessions, free 15-minute consultations with industry pros. A private Facebook group is also available for all attendees to gather and exchange ideas.
CLICK HERE for the event website and more information.
Self-Publishing University “Less Talk, More Action” Conference – Virtual – May 31
A one day online conference focused on book marketing and increasing sales!
This conference offers 10 international Speakers ready to pour into you the help you need and have been searching for around the vital topic of Book Marketing!
The aim of this conference is to bring authors, agents and publishers in one place to have a hearty, healthy and value added discussion on the issues facing authors today and how they can better prepare themselves for success in the near future. Straight to the point, no sales, no fluff and taking action is the order of the day.
CLICK HERE for the event website and more information.
Book Expo America – New York City – May 31-June 1
THE BIG KAHUNA! I have colleagues who attend and work this event every year, and they quite literally train for it because it’s so huge. Tons of events, tons of exhibits, the scope will blow your mind and give you ideas, info, and contacts for the entire next year to work with.CLICK HERE for the event website and more information.
**HINT: if you’re a blogger or show host with a show about publishing, books, etc. consider applying for a press pass for this show.Remember the pen IS truly mightier than the sword, and getting your creative juices flowing is key to getting your work and message out into the world. Is writing and publishing already part of your world, or are those areas emerging for you? What motivates you in this arena, or what stops you from publishing? Sound off in the comments!
Do you want to know how to create a great audiobook? Listen as audiobook publishing expert, Tina Dietz as she shares her treasure trove of tips and techniques to get your message heard.(Podcast on Book Marketing Mentors, December, 2017)
Do you want to know how to create a great audiobook? Listen as audiobook publishing expert, Tina Dietz as she shares her treasure trove of tips and techniques to get your message heard.
When she was two years old, someone handed Tina a tape recorder and that was that a lifelong love affair was born. Today, Tina is a speaker, audiobook publisher, podcast producer, and internationally acclaimed business coach who’s been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Forbes and Huffington Post. Her company, Start Something Creative Business Solutions, works with authors, experts, and entrepreneurs who want more than just a business and want more than a routine life. They want a business oasis. Tina splits her time between the US and Costa Rica.
In this week’s powerful podcast episode “How to Create a Great Audiobook” you will discover …
How necessary it is for you to have an audiobook
What are some audiobook basics you need to understand
What audiobook trends you need to know about
Who is the best person to read your book
The importance of using an oral edit
Top mistakes to avoid when creating a great audiobook
And much, much more…
This episode features practical tools and techniques to help listeners who want to market a book. It provides invaluable and powerful information listeners will want to know to supercharge a book marketing strategy.
Listen to this week’s interview and discover how to get you and your book noticed and your voice heard in a crowded marketplace.
To Download the transcript from this podcast interview “How to Create a Great Audiobook,” visit Book Marketing Mentors' page.
Wondering how you can leverage your books and work?
Holiday marketing is already well underway, but it’s not too late to put into place some simple ways to boost your book sales over the holidays, particularly if you’ve got your books on Amazon.
Amazon OWNS the holiday sales season.
Everyone is in a buying mood from about the beginning of November through the beginning of January, so it’s the perfect time to piggyback on that trend and sell more of your books.
Here’s a quick timeline to guide your holiday marketing.
Early November to Thanksgiving
Emphasize in your social media and emails that books make wonderful gifts and shopping early saves time and stress
Offer pre-holiday book bundles if you have more than one book
Collaborate with other author friends and all offer discounts on your book on the same day(s) – send out an email and social media posts all on the same day to promote each other’s books.
Black Friday through Cyber Monday
Everyone is going to Amazon to shop, so remind people they can add on your book to their order and perhaps offer your book at a discount
Run ads in book deals newsletters that go out in this time frame.
Early to Mid-December
Offer a discount to colleagues/contacts who have teams and/or employees to buy your book(s) in bulk to go with their holiday gift giving
Donate a box of your books to a charity or not for profit that would benefit, and create a PR/photo opportunity to promote both you and the charity
Suggest to colleagues that putting a gift card or bonus check inside of a book instead of just a card is a cool and classy option for team members or clients.
December 20-24
Remind people that ebooks require no shipping
Use language that talks about last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers.
January 1-7
People want to spend those gift cards they got over the holidays AND they are looking to set their goals for the New Year – suggest that they invest in themselves by buying your book
Offer your book as a gift/bonus for those people who schedule discovery calls with you for your programs and services
Create a free book club around your book to start the new year off and do a series of 4 free calls going through what you’re teaching in the book – simply require that participants prove purchase of the book buy sending you a picture of them with the book (pssst- get permission and use those pics in your marketing later!)
Do you need to do ALL of these? No, but you may be tempted to! Choose one that feels most free and easy to you, and simply take action on getting that one thing done. Then, do another!
We’re always here to support you in your marketing strategy and implementation to get your message out to the world and reach more readers and leaders.
Which one of these will you use to sell more books? Let us know – knowing that you are out there fulfilling your dreams and goals is a gift to me 🙂
Are you launching a new book or do you want to revive an older title? We can help you reach new markets and leverage your hard work with Audiobooks – the fastest growing segment of the publishing world!
What international authors need to know about their new audiobook publishing options.
Recently some new audiobook publishing options have come available for international authors that I'm very excited about. Since the time I decided to launch the nonfiction audiobook production and publishing arm of my company, I knew I had to include options for international authors. After 20 years of building businesses with people from all over the world, if I was going to serve my community right, it simply had to be that way. So imagine my surprise when I found a complete lack of options for international authors who wanted to create and publish an audiobook.
We created a system whereby international authors fully benefit from the self publishing royalties and benefits offered by Audible and Amazon, without sacrificing their intellectual property rights – plus they maintain full creative control. Authors can narrate their own books or have a fabulous narrator and be fully supported in their audiobook strategy, production, and publishing. In essence, I created the services that I wanted for myself, my clients and my colleagues.
With the exponential growth of audiobooks over the last 6 years or so, I’m surprised it’s taken as long as it has for more options to open up for international authors, and there’s still room for growth. Publishers Weekly reported that 2016 was yet again another double digit year for audiobook sales growth over the previous year.
Good News for Irish & Canadian Authors
ACX.com is the self publishing platform for Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. For many long years, only authors based in the US or the UK had access to publishing their audiobooks through this channel. However, on June 1, 2017, ACX announced that now Canadian and Irish authors now have access to this platform. Excellent news for authors in those countries, although that's still a lot of room on the globe left without access.
But Wait…There’s More!
That brings me to another option for international authors to get their audiobooks published, which is Authors Republic. Some of my audiobook clients want to distribute their audiobooks beyond Audible, Amazon and iTunes. They want a wider reach to libraries, Barnes & Noble, and additional outlets like Audiobooks.com and Scribd. Authors Republic makes that distribution possible. Although they don't advertise outright that they work with international authors, in truth anyone who has a PayPal account and who has produced an audiobook to the correct audio standards can upload their audiobook to Authors Republic to be considered by these additional outlets for distribution and sale. The potential disadvantage is a reduced royalty rate, which is why having a solid audiobook launch, distribution, and marketing strategy is so important.
LTVO talks to Tina Dietz, Audiobook Publisher, about her role, what she sees happening in the audiobook business, how she educates her authors about audiobooks, and tips for VO talent who may want to work with her.(Podcast on Love That Voice Over, April 14, 2017)
LTVO Guest Tina Dietz has a long history with the microphone. When she was 2 years old, someone handed Tina Dietz a tape recorder – and that was that! Today, Tina is an internationally acclaimed audiobook publisher, podcast producer, and Creative Business Expert who has been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post and Forbes. Her company, StartSomething Business Solutions, helps clients who want more than just a business and more than a routine life – they want a “Business Oasis,” and Tina herself splits her time between the US and Costa Rica.
