Performance/Production
By John MaGuirk
Yes, you can create your audiobook. All it takes is time, patience, and a minimum investment in equipment.
Equipment requirements are modest. For best results, invest in a headset microphone. Logitech makes inexpensive, reliable equipment. If you are after “big studio” sound, a boom mike with spit screen is better.
My mike was so sensitive I could hear myself turning script pages on my desk. I invested in a music stand to slide the pages, reducing background noise.
A walk-in closet makes a great recording studio. Remove the doors and use egg cartons (paper if you can find them) as sound absorbers. They will eliminate that nasty “big room” echo.
Tech Tip # 1 Beware handheld or stand mikes have two aspects.
Side delivery & top delivery.
Always speak/talk to the “badge” (makers insignia).
Any smartphone may provide a digital file, use “voice memos” It’s a widget on your iPhone. Since iOS-7 it’s possible to share a larger file through a Cloud source.
Many production programs will permit you to record directly into a “region” or track. Because of the nature of the display, I prefer not to get distracted and use voice memos exclusively.
When I first began as a podcaster, I left in the little stumbles and glitches everyone makes. Sometime if you can find it, watch “outtakes” of R. Lee Ermey, it’s a hoot. However, your consumer expects your best, don’t disappoint them.
Tech Tip # 2 A headset is necessary for best editing results.
Good editing requires practice and patience, and your first effort is bound to be frustrating, especially when it comes to “joining” regions. Think re-assembling!
Digitally editing an MP-3 file is a piece of cake compared to the old “razor & tape” days of the past.
I prefer GarageBand. It’s extremely powerful and relatively easy to master. On the PC side, look for Audacity. There is a free version, get some practice before moving up to the paid version. It’s relatively straightforward or user-friendly, as we used to say.
There are several PodCast apps and programs that you can use, but most of these lack basic editing features.
I hark back to the days of The Radio Reader/PBS Dick Estell, WPLN carried his programming and he read from current published works. His daily program was thirty minutes. It’s my personal opinion you want to keep your content at about 45–50 minutes, especially the first episode if you release your effort serially.
Consider that many of your listeners may be in their car or engaged in other tasks like working out.
The Bard of Avon said it best:
“Brevity is the soul of wit…”
Shakespeare
Be sure to include a special offer at the end of each episode, think of it as a personal commercial. This is especially useful if you are engaged in writing a series. If you are a mystery writer this might be a way to create some suspense.
Your special offer could be a copy of the print edition at a discount price, or perhaps containing added material. It’s up to you to make the offer tantalizing and unique.
Next Time: Distributing your audiobook.
If you would like a personal workshop: working with GarageBand editing features, I would be pleased to do a thirty-minute tutorial via Zoom (there is no charge for this activity.) Text a request to 615 - 584 - 2717 include contact information or via email to sideshoj@aol.com. use Coupon Code: Killer/Nashville
John MaGuirk creates, writes & produces digital content by PodCast. Since his debut in 2011 (December) he has produced of 1100 unique episodes.
