How and Where to Publish an Audio Version of Your Short Story – Part 1

Some time ago I learnt how to self-publish an ebook through Amazon, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It was surprisingly easy. I had trawled websites for weeks trying to find the right system. A lot of information was out of date and some very difficult to understand and achieve, in terms of formatting requirements. Most were cumbersome and stripped all formatting out of your document, or required document formats that I did not have access to, so of course the KDP word option was like stumbling on a diamond. My short story is entitled: Belongings in the Sand. The Tale of the Red-Heeled Shoes. I found purchasing a template from Joel Friedlander from the Book Designer most helpful for the inbuilt easy layout. I had felt I needed to write this story and my main motivation was and still is, to “get it out there” and to find out how to do it. I needed to write this story.

Then I came to the realisation that audio is a wonderful way to make the story available to busy people, who need some light adventure reading/listening. It has been a long hard road to discover, not only how to do this in a cost effective way, but also, where to sell it once complete. The Amazon and audio option of Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACE) and then Audible, is only available in certain countries. Finding alternatives has been a depressing scour. Further, I needed to find a voice over specialist who could do the narration for me and I wanted to add background music. I was despairing at the high cost of this until I found Fiverr. Here you can find an ideal voice over artist for 5 dollars, with the option of adding extra services. I was elated and found the voice I needed. I wanted a male, with a British accent. This is in process.

Then I searched for someone to design the cover. This is still in process. I have found someone whose work I love, but we are still negotiating. I want an original, eye catching design. This I have also found on Fiverr. It is very exciting and I can’t wait to see the final result.

Here is a link to a Fiverr How To video:

I will cover further in a Part 2, what the CD cover design worked out like, my experience, how the voice over has finally worked out and where to send your audios once done. I hope that this will be helpful for you. So get on the bicycle and give it a try. Best of luck!

Image from Creative Market where you can also find great stuff.