An Author's Perspective of the Audiobook Journey: Lessons Learned and Insights Gained by M.A. McCrackin

We’re thrilled to share an inspiring guest post from the talented author M.A. McCrackin, whose gripping The Fallen Virtues Trilogy has captivated readers and listeners alike. M.A. McCrackin recently took the leap into audiobooks, working alongside the exceptional narrator Nicky Griffiths, who brought her vividly crafted world and complex characters to life.

In this blog, she reflects on her journey into audiobook production, sharing the lessons she learned, the insights she gained, and the surprises she encountered along the way. Whether you’re an author considering your own audiobook project or simply curious about the process, M.A. McCrackin's experience is sure to offer valuable advice and inspiration.

Without further ado, here’s M.A. McCrackin in her own words:

When I began the audiobook journey, I thought it was as simple as handing over my book for someone to read. I thought the book was all that was needed. As I reach the end of the third book in the trilogy, I now fully understand that there is so much more that I should have done to prepare.

I write fantasy books. That means weird names, strange creatures and entirely unknown and made-up places for my narrator to contend with. I'm fortunate in the fact that my narrator naturally pronounced everything almost exactly as I heard it in my head. The truth is, had I been prepared, I would have had a full list of all those things along with a pronunciation guide to make her job easier. She requested a cast of characters with personalities so that she could bring them to life properly. Again, another thing I should have had prepared, and with my busy life, she only got half the list and so had to ask me as she met the characters for the first time.

The next reality I faced was my editing. Again, I thought I was on top of it. I wasn't. The number of errors found within the books was frankly embarrassing. A narrator will proofread like no other. You should expect there to be errors. I had no less than six people proofread my book, and my narrator still found gobs of corrections. My narrator caught and catalogued these for me.

Overall, my audiobook journey has been paved in gold. I'm so very grateful for that because I know if I worked with someone with less patience, it would have been brutal. When selecting your narrator my strongest bit of advice is to find one that will work at the pace you can afford. Producing your audiobook properly is not cheap.

I'd also recommend finding one that you can communicate with easily. You might think it is simply a matter of handing the book over and waiting until it is done. I've learned that if someone truly cares about the project, there is a lot of communication involved. It's helpful if the narrator is familiar with your genre, especially if you write fantasy. Figure out if they are comfortable reading spicy scenes if you have them in your work. Look at your narrators' previous work.

Look for someone willing to go the extra mile that isn't simply seeking a quick pay check. It's the difference between having a beautiful audiobook that you are proud of, and one that frustrates you and leaves you feeling a bit flat.

The only true negative point I've had with getting my books in audio is the international currency exchange. Which is a difficulty that cannot be avoided when you choose to work with someone from another country. I have no regrets about choosing my UK narrator though. Her voice has brought my books to life and she's the perfect fit for Elise. Even with the extra cost, I wouldn't change a thing, but cost might be a more important factor for others. Be certain you know what the true cost will be. Currency exchange can drastically change the rate.

Lastly, for those that are considering recording themselves. I tossed this idea around myself. After all, I know my characters better than anyone else could. It was my time constraints that kept me from taking that path. My sanity is intact because I didn't. While others might be able to master the art, I don't think I could have. The small pieces of the craft and post-narration that my chosen narrator has shown me, looks like absolute witchcraft to my eyes. The recording seems to be the easiest part. The editing is what would break me. If you are a braver soul than I, and choose to embark upon self-recording, be certain to do full research. You might find that by the time you've finished doing it properly, it would have been much more efficient and cost-effective to hire a professional.

With all that being said, my audiobooks have not been profitable, but that falls entirely on my shoulders. Promotion is key. You must market constantly if you are an indie writer. The books will not simply sell themselves no matter how wonderfully written they are. My books might never balance the investment I've put into them, but I still won't regret putting them in audio. It's an accomplishment that I take constant pride in. To open Audible and see my book in my library is frankly one of the best feelings I've ever had. Not all will share this sentiment, some will want to see financial results. To those I say, hire the best you can afford. As a listener I refuse to purchase books with bad narration. Find the most diverse markets you can, not everyone uses Audible, and most importantly.... promote, promote, promote!

From one writer to another, good luck with whatever path you decide on, but above all, enjoy the experience.

M.A. McCrackin