I'd like some feedback. Do you listen to non-fiction on your ipod or other audio device? I received an email from amazon today about making an audio version of my book available, but I'm not sure if people still listen to books on tape? Thoughts?
I know a few people who love books on tape because they listen while they're driving, making their commute more enjoyable.
I have a 100 mile roundtrip commute every day. I enjoy my books on tape. It gives me the opportunity to "read" while driving. I can also download books from my local library.
Audio books (no longer "tape" of course) is a huge and growing industry. A year ago, my friend Charles Tart got a similar-to-yours proposal from iUniverse.com, to make four of his books on transpersonal psychology (popular in the 70s and 80s) available, and he says that sales are small but significant -- he is getting $200 to $300 a month in royalties. I have just entered a relationship with a comparable service, Blue Leaf, for four of my out-of-print books. Blue Leaf Book Scanning Service | Low Cost Book Scanning Blue Leaf is great when (a) one doesn't have a digital version and/or (b) wants to make some changes in the text. For their very modest fee, they scan and then provide the book in three formats: PDF, Microsoft Word, and a universal e-book format. I hope you will report on what you do, and how it works. --John
I enjoy listening to audio books when I drive. Do I remember you saying that your book is a cookbook, or is it a book about cooking? I'm not sure how well a cookbook would work in audio format. By the way, please provide the name of your book and how to purchase it. I promise we will not accuse you of shilling!
LOL well an audio cookbook might be good, but I'd need a sexy voice! This book is Homeschooling For College Credit. Hold back on the jealousy <grin> I make 35 cents on each kindle copy I sell and $4 on the paperbacks. There is no WAY I'd make anything near the $200 per month royalty- maybe $200 per year. My book went live 24 days ago and I've sold 24 copies whoot! Homeschooling for College Credit: Jennifer Cook DeRosa: 9781467933865: Amazon.com: Books
I never really thought about audiobooks, other than knowing they exist. I'm about to start a temporary assignment where I will commute by car two hours each way M-F for three months. My manager mentioned that I could listen to a lot of audiobooks (as she does) which really piqued my interest. I've not yet began that assignment, but I have become hooked on non-fiction audiobooks. I listen every day during my regular home to office commute and I also listen on my mp3 player when I run every evening and on the weekends. The audiobooks are much more rewarding than the sports talk radio and music they've replaced!
Thanks for the feedback. I'm not a big fiction reader, in fact, I can't think of the last fiction book I read. I am an AVID non-fiction reader, and I tried one title for entertainment when I walked, and I listened to the whole thing, but the trouble I had is not seeing the words. For instance, If there is a word or a term I'd never heard, I was frustrated that I didn't see it written- or if it came up later I was frustrated that I couldn't go back and refresh my memory on the spot. So, while I knew many people enjoyed fiction audio books, I wasn't sure about non-fiction based on my experience. Based on my question here and the couple places I asked, the overwhelming sentiment is YES! So, I guess I'll start the process of getting it read. I really appreciate everyone's help. Thanks!!
SurfDoctor: "I'm not sure how well a cookbook would work in audio format." John: Actually they work very well, especially those written specifically as audio books: "Add the possum to the marinade, then turn off your sound player, and return in one hour..." And, we were told, when Random House issued an audio and a Braille version of one of our cookbooks, there are an awful lot of blind and vision-impaired cooks.
I was thinking about the difficulty of following a recipe when you are not able to look at a hard copy. You would have to have a good memory. I suppose the cooks could write everything down as they heard it, but it does seem like it would be extra trouble. On the other hand, those with vision disadvantages would need audio or braille, so I see your point. _________________________________
Ah, so I must have dreamed the cookbook (wishful thinking?). I went to the Amazon page and found this review. Because of you a girl was able to earn an AA while still in high school? That has got to make you feel good about your work: "If I had known the information in this book I would have completed my own college degree decades earlier. With the help of this author, my daughter finished her Associates degree while still in high school (with a 4.0). This is the perfect guide to alternative methods of credit and earning a college degree. If you are looking for a great guide to earning college credit, or assistance building a home-school road map to save thousands of dollars on higher education for your child this is the book for you...highly recommended!" __________________________________
