Services and Requirements for ACX Audiobook Production
My Services for ACX Audiobooks: Recording and Production
As a professional voice over, I have many years of experience in the recording and production of ACX audiobooks and - technically - I can ensure a reliable and quality service, for the publication of yours. In fact, I record in my own recording studio (which respects the strict industry standards) with professional equipment, taking care of all aspects. So, I can deliver the finished product to you, ready for the upload.
Do You Wish to Use Your Own Voice, Instead?
Many Authors prefer to publish their book by reading it in person. So, if you prefer to use your own voice, you can just give me your audio and I will take care of all the rest. Just keep in mind and follow the recording guidelines below.
Publishing on ACX, What Requirements Should Be Respected
In order to have your audiobook published on platforms like Audible, you need to meet certain criteria. And, since the publishing process undergoes verification phases that last a certain amount of time, it is advisable to get involved from the beginning and present a project that will not be discarded due to ...gross errors, thus avoiding losing even months.
Not in order of importance, the ACX specifications are:
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Consistency in Audio
The audiobook you submit to ACX must maintain overall consistency in sound and formatting. Consistency in audio levels, pitch, noise level, spacing, and pronunciation is not only required, but will also provide an enjoyable listening experience. Drastic changes can be off-putting and do not reflect a professional production!
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Eliminating Extraneous Sounds
Each file you upload must be free of extraneous sounds such as plosives, microphone clicks, mouse clicks, etc. Extraneous sounds can distract the listener.
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Opening and Closing Credits
The audiobook must include opening and closing credits that match the title cover. They must include, at a minimum, the name of the audiobook, the name of the author, and the name of the narrator, and at a minimum, the word "The End".
A classic opening credit could be:
"Book Title", "Subtitle" (if applicable), "Written by...", "Narrated by...".While a classic closing is made up of what is expected for the opening and, in addition, additional information about the Copyright, a Dedication, Acknowledgements, a short Citation and, finally, an Author's Note are permitted.
Music may be used during the Credits, as long as it is mixed at a level that does not obscure the narration.
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Audio Sample For Sale
You must include an audio sample for sale that is one to five minutes long. This sample should begin with the narration, not the opening credits or music.
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Single Section per File
Each file must contain only one section or chapter. Both the opening and closing credits must be on separate files.
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Silence of Maximum 5 Seconds
Each file must not contain more than 5 seconds of silence at the beginning and end.
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Section Header
Each file must contain the section heading, if present in the manuscript (e.g. "Prologue", "Chapter 1", "Chapter 2").
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Measurement between -23dB and -18dB RMS
All files must fall within a certain volume range. That is, between -18 and -23 dB RMS (Root Mean Square).
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Peak values no higher than -3dB
Peak values should not exceed -3dB, maintaining adequate peak values.
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Noise threshold not exceeding -60dB RMS
Prevent noisy files from distracting listeners.
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MP3 Audio Format 192 kbps or higher, 44.1kHz, Constant Bit Rate (CBR)
Make sure your audio files are in the correct format for publishing to ACX.
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Same Channel Format for all Files
Avoid mixing mono and stereo files. Either all mono, or all stereo.
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Maximum duration
Each file must not exceed 120 minutes.