Q: How do I load my audiobook in to iTunes/iPod?

Although importing CDs is easy to do with iTunes, it is optimized for music CDs. It can take quite a bit of trial and error to come up with a recipe that works well and are reasonable in size and quality. This file describes the process - Download File

Q: What is the best MP3 player to use with audiobooks?

There are a number of MP3 players that will work with audiobooks. The most important thing to check is capacity, as audiobooks are usually rather large in MP3 format. Here is a recent review that may help you in your decision.

Q: How do I get my book published in audio?

A: Getting a book published in audio is just as difficult, if not more difficult, as getting a book published in print. Keep in mind that not all books would make good or entertaining audiobooks. Publishers base their decision on the potential market value of the book, i.e., will people buy it? Publishers prefer to release the audio version of a book in conjunction with the release of the print copy of the book. It is best to use an agent to facilitate this endeavor. Publishers prefer to work with agents, especially those they know, rather than directly with the author.

Q: Are there copyright issues with recording someone reading a book onto an audiotape?

A: Publishers hold the copyright to the content of each audiobook and audiobooks may not be reproduced (just like printed books) as it is considered copyright infringement.

Q: How can I learn more about the audiobook industry?

A: Go to www.audiopub.org

Glossary of Key Terms Concerning Audiobooks

Abridged Audiobook - A professional abridger "edits" the work from the original text to encompass the essence of the story while maintaining characterizations, plotlines and style. Most abridgements are done with author approval. Just as many book-based movies do justice to the book while not including every single scene, so an abridgement strives for the same goal of staying true to the spirit and content of the book.

Audio Original/Audio Only/Spoken Word - Audiobook products derived from sources other than book content. These programs include dramatic readings, stand-up comedy, seminars, conversations, etc. that have no book counterpart.

Cassette - Easy to use and with a wide install base, this technology still represents a significant piece of the audiobook market. A single cassette can hold more than 100 minutes of programming.

CD - The popularity of this format is steadily increasing. Most cars now come standard with these players and inexpensive adapters are available for cars without factory installed CD players. Red Book specifications indicate that a single disc can hold up to 74 minutes of digital audio material. This is why you will find in many cases the same program requires more CDs than cassettes. CDs can also be played on computers and CD/MP3 players.

CD ROM Disk or Mini-disk - These are sometimes included in audiobook packages to carry video and text if necessary or desired as added value.

Digital download/Audio Download-Audiobook content can be transmitted digitally in different compressions to compatible players or listened to directly from the computer.

MP3 CD - An audiobook format for which an MP3 player is required, only some CD/DVD players can currently read this format. While this emerging technology still has a relatively small install base, MP3CDs can hold a large amount of audio material on a single CD.

Packaging - Audiobooks can come in trays, slides, jewel cases, sleeves, wallets and spined plastique books. Most audiobooks are shrink-wrapped and some have a mylar-seal. Outside boxes can be many different sizes due to the number of units inside and package design.

Unabridged Audiobook - The complete, unaltered work.

If you have questions that are not covered here, or if you need more information, please contact us at questions@oasisaudio.com