Create an Audiobook
Podcasting isn’t the only audio medium. Audiobooks are another, which, if you are an author or looking to be one, is a key asset to get more book sales and readers. The idea of spending hours in a studio reading your own words, trying not to sound stiff or monotone, is enough to make anyone put it off indefinitely.
Executive producer Jeremy Shrifels joins the show to completely reframe how we approach narrating our work. He shares how he coaches authors to speak the book in a way that holds listeners’ attention, connects with the audience, and brings stories to life. These same techniques can be taken straight from the recording studio to your podcast, helping you connect with your listeners on a much deeper level.
What You’ll Learn…
- Why narrating your own book creates a more authentic connection with your audience.
- The simple format change that helped one author finally reach her core audience.
- The one thing to know about vocal dynamics is that it makes your delivery more powerful.
- How to calculate the time commitment required for recording your audiobook.
- How to leverage the audiobook for more print sales
- Tips for podcasters to use the same principles to make their episodes more compelling
Key Moments:
[00:00] Intro
[04:54] Why An Audiobook Reaches People Your Print Book Won’t
[07:28] The Big Perks Of Narrating Your Own Book
[11:36] The Real Math On How Long It Takes To Record An Audiobook
[16:21] A Simple Mindset Shift To Make Your Reading Sound Engaging
[21:37] How To Get Past The Negative Stories You Tell Yourself About Your Voice
[27:36] Practical Tips To Keep Your Voice Consistent During Long Recordings
[34:12] When You Should Actually Start Thinking About Your Audiobook
Ready to elevate your podcast or create a compelling audiobook? The secret to engaging your listeners goes far beyond just hitting “record.” Many of the same strategies that create captivating audiobooks can be directly applied to make your podcast more dynamic and professional. Here’s a breakdown of how to master the art of audio performance.
The Power of Your Own Voice
When creating an audiobook or hosting a podcast, the most authentic voice is almost always your own. No one can tell your story or share your expertise with the same passion and conviction that you can. Listeners connect with the genuine person behind the microphone.
This also presents a unique opportunity to provide extra value. When recording an audiobook, you can include stories, insights, or asides that were edited out of the print version. This makes the audio experience exclusive and gives your audience a reason to engage with both formats. A compelling audiobook can even drive sales of the physical book, as listeners will want a copy to highlight and reference.
You Don’t Need a “Perfect” Voice
Many creators feel insecure about their voice, believing it’s too high, too monotone, or simply not a “radio voice.” This is often just a story you’ve told yourself. The goal isn’t to sound like a professional voice actor; it’s to sound like you. An experienced audio producer can help you find your natural cadence and tone by creating a comfortable environment where you can speak naturally. When you’re passionate about your topic, that energy will translate through the microphone, and that is what truly engages an audience.
Strategies for an Engaging Vocal Performance
Turning a script into a captivating audio experience requires a specific set of skills. It’s not just about reading words on a page; it’s about performance.
- Treat it like a conversation. Your script or notes should be a guide, not a rigid document you recite. Imagine you’re speaking directly to a friend. This mindset will make your delivery more natural and conversational.
- Vary your dynamics. Don’t deliver your entire recording at the same energy level. Operate at about 60-70% of your maximum volume and energy. This gives you room to get louder or more intense for emphasis, creating a more dynamic listening experience that keeps your audience hooked.
- Let your emotions show. The microphone picks up everything, including genuine emotion. If you’re telling a powerful story, don’t be afraid to let your voice crack or convey excitement. Smiling while you speak about a happy topic is audible to the listener and adds warmth to your tone.
- Be authentically you. Don’t try to imitate other popular podcasters or narrators. Your audience wants to connect with you. Whether you are high-energy or have a calmer, more soothing presence, own your style.
The Logistics of a Quality Recording
Recording audio is more physically and mentally demanding than you might think. It requires intense focus, which can be draining.
For a typical 150-page non-fiction book, you can expect the finished audiobook to be around 3.5 hours long. However, this will likely require 6-8 hours of actual recording time to capture everything perfectly.
Because of this, you should never try to record everything in one day. Limit your recording sessions to a maximum of four hours. Splitting the work across at least two days ensures your voice remains consistent and you don’t sound tired by the end. A great tip is to start your second day by listening to a bit of the first day’s recording to get back into the same rhythm and energy.
How to Prepare for Your Recording Session
Preparation is crucial for a smooth and successful recording. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be.
Read your script or book out loud several times before your session. As adults, we rarely read aloud, so it’s a skill that needs practice. This will help you identify sentences that look good on paper but are awkward to say, allowing you to rephrase them for a more natural flow.
Create an environment that helps you feel connected and at ease. This could mean having pictures of loved ones nearby to feel like you’re in a conversation, or using quiet fidget toys to help with focus. Standing up while you record can also improve your breath support and allow for more natural movement.
Start Planning Your Audiobook Early
If you’re an author, don’t wait until your book is published to think about the audiobook. The ideal time to start planning is when your manuscript is about 75% complete. This allows you to identify stories or sections that your editor might cut for length. Instead of losing that valuable content, you can set it aside and plan to include it as bonus material in your audiobook, creating an even richer experience for your listeners.
About Jeremy:
Jeremy Schreifels is the Executive Producer and Founder of Box 7 Media, a boutique production company that helps creators, thought leaders, and mission-driven brands transform their message into a movement.
With over 20 years of experience spanning music, media, and leadership development, Jeremy brings a rare blend of artistic vision and executive expertise. A former touring musician turned audio producer, he knows how to captivate audiences both on stage and behind the mic. Jeremy and his team have launched top-tier podcasts, produced audiobooks, and crafted brand strategies that cut through the noise. He is also the host of the podcast Rhythm of the Road, and is a two-time best-selling author, executive coach, and public speaker.
Jeremy’s mission is clear: to help others turn their ideas into stories that connect, inspire, and create lasting impact.
Connect With Jeremy:
- Jeremy’s website
- Connect with Jeremy on X
- Check out Jeremy’s LinkedIn
- Follow Jeremy on Facebook
- Connect on Instagram
Ready To Create YOUR Audio Book?
Learn the exact system Executive Producer Jeremy Schreifels uses to help authors record professional-quality audiobooks from home. The DIY Audiobook Recording Course was created to give authors the exact roadmap for recording a professional audiobook from home.
Inside the course, Jeremy walks you step-by-step through the process used by professional audiobook productions.
If your interviews are getting visibility but not creating momentum, it’s probably not you—it’s the missing strategy behind the mic.
Inside Podcast Conversations That Convert™, you’ll create podcast interviews that attract your ideal clients, build your authority, and actually drive results. Together, we’ll craft Billboard-Ready Topics, ensure every conversation is your Bridge To Profits (that guides the audience to your offers), with talking points that showcase your authority and mic-worthy story soundbites and a call to action that feels natural and leads listeners straight to your offers.
It’s not about winging it—it’s about building interviews that convert.
I’m currently accepting applications for a few aligned business owners who are ready to turn podcast guesting into a high-converting visibility strategy.
