I have long wanted to make audiobooks for my novels. After listening through scores of narrator samples, I selected six to send a sample of "Knitting Up a Murder" to. After listening to all six read the sample, I found the perfect voice for Imogene. I contracted with a narrator that I loved. Unfortunately, after 20 months of that narrator dealing with medical problems, she quit, and the contract had to be canceled after only 8 chapters had been completed. I loved how the narrator read the first 8 chapters and felt she had captured Imogene's voice perfectly. It was heartbreaking, to be sure. Starting from scratch was daunting, but I wanted that audiobook.
Then, Amazon offered me a deal to beta-test AI narration. It was free, quick, and easy. That allowed me to have "Knitting Up a Murder" as an audiobook in just two weeks so those who want or need someone to do the reading can enjoy the book. While it isn't the best listening experience because AI can't do different voice inflections, I have ensured it is the best I could get for AI. Rest assured, I have not "sold out" to AI. When I have the energy (and the money to pay $300+ for a finished hour of recording), I'll once again pour over narrator reading samples, select a human, and redo the audiobook. For now, I'm happy that I could make this mystery novel available as an audiobook. If you use the Audible subscription service, you can listen for free. Here is the sample. I hope you enjoy it.
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Celeste BennettI'm a struggling author, these days what author isn't? I'm learning that life is better when you do what you love and I love writing, when I'm not crocheting or spending time with family. Archives
May 2024
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