You’ve heard of audiobooks or recorded books before, haven’t you? Many people, even those who use them daily, are speechless when it comes to correctly answering the following questions.
Because? I guess audio books in general are very convenient to use. Many of us prefer to venture into the scenes of an audiobook without delay with more enthusiasm. Spending our precious time researching every detail about your creation is still a distant “maybe.”
On the other hand, there are some details about recorded books that you want to know about.
So that?
Because knowing them makes it easier for you to navigate audiobooks with more confidence. Your enhanced “buyer education” to make the right choice pays off.
I admit that I myself was unaware of even the basic terms about audiobooks. So, I asked questions to get answers.
Guess what? I’ve found them and I’d love to share them with you so you can save time researching the same questions. If you want to know the answers to the following basic questions about audiobooks, keep reading.
What is an audiobook?
An audiobook is a book in audio format. It’s a “fun replacement” for a physical hardcover or paperback book that you’d read cover to cover. Instead, you can pick up and read books on CD, books on tape, or MP3 versions of books.
What formats do audiobooks come in?
You can get books on tape, books on CD, and books in MP3. From an old-fashioned cassette player to sleek modern MP3 players, audiobooks keep you company on the go, where traditional book reading just won’t do.
What is an MP3 book?
MP3 books are still audiobooks. But a clever compression technique reduces the file size to take up less recording space. On top of that, MP3s are portable and easy to download. Storing them is a breeze compared to piling up stacks of cassettes or CDs.
How can you play books recorded in MP3 format?
You can play MP3 audio books on any portable MP3 player. You can also play them on your home PC (you need to have Windows Media Player or similar). Playing MP3 on a laptop or MP3-enabled cell phones is the latest trend. If you don’t have an MP3 player, but do have a CD player, you can burn MP3 files to CD using your computer. You will need special software to do it. Google “free CD burning software” :).
What does “unabridged audiobook” mean?
Good question. An “unabridged” audiobook is narrated (or told) word for word. It is the same printed book in audio format. There is nothing missing. Nothing is added. As a result, they are longer than the “condensed” versions.
What is an “abbreviated audiobook” version then?
It is similar to the printed original, but shorter. The word-for-word narration in the example above is not exact. “Abbreviated” also means shortened, cut off. Keep that in mind if you’re looking for the original version.
What are “drama audiobooks”?
Dramatized audiobooks are theatrical versions of printed books. You get all the bells and whistles: full cast, music, and sound effects. Some people prefer it; some would prefer to get a simple version told by an experienced storyteller.
Is there a difference between having the author of the physical book tell the audio version or is it better to have a professional narrator do the job?
Some authors have the gift of writing and telling their own book. Others are better off leaving it in the hands of professional “voiceovers.” If you can, listen to a sample from the recorded book that captures your interest. It will help you decide if the narrator resonates with you. Some people believe that half the beauty of an audiobook is the quality of the voiceover.
What is a good starting point for a newbie interested in recorded books?
A great place to start is by choosing a favorite story that you already know, but would like to “read” as an audio. When it comes to length, choose “condensed” audiobooks to start reducing the time they take to play. Once you get more experience with recorded books, you’ll be able to check out the “unabridged” editions as downloadable MP3 audio books as soon as you can.