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Audiobook Price Calculator

Calculate accurate costs for your audiobook production

Calculate Audiobook Production Cost

Book Details

1.1 hours

Total number of words in your book

Industry standard is around 9,000 words per finished hour

Narrator Details

$

Rate paid to narrator per finished hour of audio

Understanding Audiobook Production Costs

Quick Reference

Cost Components

  • Narration (PFH Rate)
  • Editing ($50/hour)
  • Proofing ($25/hour)
  • Studio Time
  • Post-production

Industry Standards

  • 9,000 words/finished hour
  • 6-8 hours recording/day
  • 2-3x recording time for editing
  • 1-2x for proofing

Narrator Experience Levels

Entry Level ($50/hr)

  • New to audiobook narration
  • Limited portfolio
  • Good for simple projects
  • May need more editing

Professional ($100-200/hr)

  • Extensive experience
  • Strong portfolio
  • Consistent quality
  • Professional equipment

Production Quality Factors

The quality of your audiobook depends on several key factors that affect both production time and cost:

Technical Requirements

  • Studio quality audio
  • Noise reduction
  • Consistent volume
  • Clear pronunciation

Performance Aspects

  • Character voices
  • Emotional delivery
  • Pacing control
  • Accent consistency

Cost Planning Strategies

1. Budget Considerations

  • Project Size: Longer books may qualify for bulk rate discounts
  • Complexity: Technical content or multiple voices increase costs
  • Timeline: Rush jobs may incur additional fees

2. Quality vs Cost

  • Investment Return: Higher quality often leads to better sales
  • Market Position: Match quality to your target audience
  • Long-term Value: Consider the audiobook's shelf life

💡 Pro Tips for Cost Management

  • Book studio time in bulk for better rates
  • Ensure manuscript is final before recording
  • Consider revenue sharing with narrators
  • Plan for marketing in your budget
  • Factor in distribution platform fees

Production Timeline

Pre-production

  • Script preparation
  • Narrator casting
  • Style guides

Recording

  • Studio sessions
  • Performance review
  • Retakes

Post-production

  • Editing
  • Quality control
  • Final mastering