Should You Turn Your Children’s Book Into an Audiobook? (A Beginner’s Guide for First-Time Authors)

Liza Jacob guest of the Minute Mastery Episode 078

If you’re a first-time author, especially a midlife woman finally ready to publish your children’s book, you’ve probably thought:

“Writing the book is already a lot, do I really need to think about audiobooks too?” I hear you!

The short answer? Yes. This is so, if you want to expand your reach, impact, and income. Joining me in this episode is Audiobook Narrator, Liza Jacob.

Writing your book is only half the story. The next step is deciding how your story will reach your audience, and audiobooks are one of the fastest-growing ways to do that.

Why Audiobooks Matter More Than Ever

Liza believes audiobooks are no longer just for long novels or busy professionals.

They are becoming increasingly popular for:

• Busy parents on the go
• Children who enjoy listening while learning
• Families during car rides or bedtime
• Kids who struggle with reading

For children’s book authors, this is a huge opportunity. Instead of your book sitting on a shelf you could transform it, so it can be

1. Heard.
2.  Experienced.
3.  Felt.

Why Children’s Book Authors Should Consider Audiobooks

This is something I am also considering too! You might think:

“Children’s books are short, do audiobooks even make sense?”

Liza says Yes! And here’s why:

1. Children Learn Through Sound

Kids are naturally auditory learners. Sound effects, tone, and voice bring stories to life in a way print alone cannot.

2. Perfect for School Visits & Author Events

Imagine this:

• Your audiobook playing in the background
• Sound effects enhancing your story
• Kids fully engaged

That’s a completely different experience than just reading aloud.

3. Supports Early Readers. Audiobooks help children:

• Follow along with words
• Build confidence
• Improve comprehension

4. Creates More Ways to Use Your Book. Your audiobook can be used for:

• Social media clips
• Classroom resources
• Website content
• QR codes inside your book

Should You Narrate Your Own Audiobook?

This is one of the biggest questions first-time authors ask. And Liza says:

Narrating an audiobook is NOT the same as reading your book out loud.

It is a performance.You can narrate your own book if:

• You have strong public speaking skills
• You understand pacing and tone
• You’re willing to learn voice acting

 Hire a professional narrator

Why? Because:

• Listeners don’t know you personally
• They will judge based on quality
• Poor narration can make people stop listening

AI vs Human Narration: Which Is Better?

AI narration is growing fast. And yes, it’s tempting. Here are the differences in both 

AI Narration:

•  Cheaper
•  Faster than human narration:

Human Narration

•  Emotional
•  Engaging
•  Memorable

For children’s books especially, emotion matters.

Kids respond to:

• Tone
• Expression
• Energy

And right now, AI cannot fully replicate that. So, get a human narrator. check out freelancing websites like Fiverr.

How Much Does an Audiobook Cost?

This is where many authors hesitate.

Audiobooks are typically priced per finished hour (PFH).

Average pricing:

• $250–$350 per finished hour (minimum industry range)
• Picture books may cost around $300–$500 total

Costs increase if you add:

• Sound effects
• Music
• Multiple narrators

Start simple:

• One narrator
•  Minimal effects
•  High-quality voice

Common Mistakes First-Time Authors Make

Avoid these:

1. Underestimating the Work

Remember, recording your own audiobook requires:

2. Choosing the Cheapest Option: Cheap audio can hurt your brand.

3. Ignoring Industry Standards:

Listeners can instantly tell if something sounds “off.”

4. Skipping Audio Entirely, You miss:

• New audiences
• Additional income streams
• Marketing opportunities

How to Choose the Right Narrator

When hiring a narrator, listen for:

• Clarity
•  Emotion
•  Character voices
•  Pacing

Ask yourself: “Would a child stay engaged listening to this voice?” If not, choose someone different or ask for adjustments.

Simple Beginner Roadmap to Get Started

If you’re ready to explore audiobooks:

Step 1: Decide your goal. Is it for:

• Sales?
• School visits?
• Marketing?

Step 2: Choose narration style:

• DIY (not recommended for beginners)
• Hire a narrator
• Experiment with AI (with caution)

Step 3: Start small

• Create a simple version first
• Then expand later

Audiobooks are not just for big publishers or celebrities only.

They are for:

•  Everyday women
• First-time authors
•  People with powerful stories

If you’ve written a children’s book, or you’re planning to, here is  your reminder:

Your story deserves to be heard, literally. Narrate it!

Connect with Liza Jacob for more on getting started with audiobooks on her website

And if you are a woman who has always wanted to write a children’s book, join the Midlife Book Launch Lab community where we help women finally move from idea to published book.

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 day.

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