Why You Should Consider Narrating Your Own Audiobook

So, you’ve written a book, you know you want it to be on Audible... but who should tackle the narration?

You’ve got options: hire a professional narrator or, you could narrate it yourself.

Sure, that sounds like a big commitment, but hear me out. There are some pretty solid reasons why narrating your own audiobook might just be the best move you can make.

Let’s break it down.

Reason 1: Authenticity Hits Harder

Nobody knows your story like you do. You’ve spent hours, days, maybe even years crafting your words, and your unique voice is what makes them special.

When you narrate your own audiobook, you bring a level of authenticity that’s hard to match. Your tone, your pacing, your emotional highs and lows... those are all part of what makes your story yours.

Readers (or listeners, in this case) can sense when something is real, and that connection is priceless.

Reason 2: It’s Cheaper (Sometimes)

We get it.... professional narrators (including myself!) aren’t cheap.

Depending on the length of your audiobook, the costs can stack up quickly.

If you're on a tight budget, narrating your own audiobook can save you a significant chunk of change. Sure, you’ll need to invest in a decent microphone and possibly some recording software, but compared to paying a pro, it's might be a more affordable option that can still give you great results, especially if you’re comfortable with your voice.

Reason 3: You Care

Think about it: nobody cares about your characters, your themes, or the subtle details in your writing like you do.

When you narrate your own audiobook, you’re able to deliver each line with the perfect inflection, just as you intended it to be heard.

It's not that a narrator doesn't care.... we're not awful people who just want to suck money out of you to read your book. But the reality is, the time and effort you put into your book means that you have a much deeper connection with it, understand the pacing, the pauses, and the dramatic moments better than anyone else.

A pro might nail the basics, but also might be missing some of the attention to detail that you understand.

So What?

Narrating your own audiobook might sound intimidating, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the process. You get to connect with your audience on a deeper level, save some money, and make sure your story is told exactly how you want it.

If you’ve got the time and the voice for it, it’s worth considering. It's not right in every situation, and there's not necessarily a "right" answer in this debate.... but it is something to think about!

Let's talk about how you can narrate your own audiobook and outsource the rest!