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Audiobooks with Audacity
Module 1: Audiobook Industry Basics
Overview (0:35)
Why are audiobooks exciting right now? (13:07)
Do you need expensive or high end equipment to get started? (2:29)
Do you need special training or credentials to get started? (2:01)
Is your voice "good" enough for this? (2:49)
Where are audiobooks sold? (2:36)
What is ACX? (1:05)
Where is ACX available? (1:12)
What are ACX alternatives? (3:58)
Module 1 Quiz
Module 2: Options for Working with Audiobooks
Overview (0:30)
Full-Service Audiobook Producer (2:24)
Narrator (0:55)
Editor (0:51)
Proofer (1:07)
Offering single services (2:22)
Outsourcing (1:34)
Module 2 Quiz
Module 3: Finding Work
Overview (0:43)
Where to start (ACX) (3:34)
Author/Publisher Outreach (5:23)
"Pay-to-Play" Sites (1:41)
Audiobook Production Companies (1:31)
Module 3 Quiz
Module 4: Money & Payments
Overview (0:26)
Royalty Share vs. Per Finished Hour (PFH) (4:23)
[RS Payments] Who keeps track of sales and how do you get paid? (2:59)
[PFH Payments] Who pays and when? (1:47)
[PFH Rates] Average rates per finished hour (1:28)
Setting your PFH rate (2:00)
[Royalty Share] Pros and Cons (4:58)
[Royalty Share] Factors to consider (9:12)
What is a "Hybrid" deal? (1:07)
ACX Stipend Program (1:13)
ACX Bounty Program (0:57)
Module 4 Quiz
Module 5: Working Through ACX
Overview (1:07)
Why ACX? (4:23)
Setting up your ACX account (1:35)
Creating your narrator profile (13:28)
Recording audio samples (17:03)
Searching for available books (13:18)
Recording and submitting your auditions (17:27)
The 12 Step Audiobook Creation Process (18:19)
Module 5 Quiz
Module 6: Working Through Authors Republic
Overview (0:30)
What is Author's Republic? (0:49)
How does it work? (1:23)
What are the differences between ACX and Author's Republic? (2:11)
Can you get audiobook projects directly through Author's Republic? (1:07)
What requirements does your audio need to meet? (0:42)
How to work with authors and publishers to create audiobooks through Author's Republic (3:08)
Module 6 Quiz
Module 7: ACX Rules
Overview (1:13)
[Important] ACX Rules Are Universal (0:33)
The 15 ACX Rules (23:42)
Module 7 Quiz
Module 8: Recording Space & Equipment
Overview (0:11)
Audiobook Recording Equipment (6:23)
[PDF] Equipment Guide
Choosing your recording space (5:41)
[PDF] Tips & Tests Checklist
Module 8 Quiz
Module 9: Getting Started with Audacity
Overview (0:43)
Will Audacity work with your computer? (0:39)
Downloading Audacity (0:42)
Additional Required Plugins (2:21)
Audacity Basics: Part I
Basic Functions (3:42)
Create a new audio file (0:12)
Saving files (1:26)
Cursor Tool (0:23)
Deleting segments (0:19)
Copying & pasting segments (0:49)
Exporting files to MP3 (0:52)
Practice Exercise: Basic Skills
Compare Your Results (2:25)
Audacity Basics: Part II
Commonly Used Tools & Effects (0:28)
ACX Check Tool (1:11)
Amplification (0:33)
Normalization (0:26)
Limiter (0:30)
Equalization (0:26)
Noise Removal (0:53)
Applying an effect to the entire track (0:32)
Module 9 Quiz
Module 10: Manuscript Prep & Voice Development
Overview (0:24)
Initial Read (5:33)
Character highlighting method (2:19)
Developing character voices and personas (4:50)
Examples of different vocal styles and qualities (6:20)
Practice Exercise #1: Get inspired - finding your muses! (0:44)
Exercise #2: Give these fictional characters a voice
Exercise #3: Non-fiction practice activities
Module 10 Quiz
Module 11: Recording Techniques & Tutorials
Overview (0:24)
Setting up your microphone (1:00)
Testing & adjusting your recording volume (5:01)
Audacity settings checklist (1:39)
Vocal warmups & hydration (1:52)
Mic placement & technique (1:23)
Recording techniques (2:33)
Exercise #1: Straight Record
Exercise #2: Punch Record
Module 11 Quiz
Module 12: Audiobook Editing
Overview (0:27)
Make a copy for editing (1:16)
Editing: Basic Steps
Step 1: Recording Roomtone (1:11)
Step 2: Deleting Mistakes (0:40)
Step 3: Fixing Spaces (0:44)
Step 4: Eliminate undesirable sounds (0:38)
Step 5: Fixing Pops & Plosives (1:44)
Step 6: Add in Edits (0:38)
Step 7: Add roomtone to beginning & end (1:08)
Module 12 Quiz
Your Turn - Editing Exercises
Exercise #1: Record a 10 second sample of roomtone
Exercise #2: Delete the mistakes in this track
Exercise #3: Fix the spacing issues in this track
Exercise #4: Delete or cover sounds
Exercise #5: Reduce pops and plosives
Exercise #6: Paste edits into the track
Exercise #7: Add roomtone to beginning & end
Module 13: Proofing
Overview (0:21)
When should proofing be done? (0:54)
What is a proof table? (1:25)
[Bonus] Proof Table Template
Your turn - Practice your proofing skills
Self Check - Compare your proof sheet
Module 13 Quiz
Module 14: Sound Mastering Basics
Overview (0:48)
An important note about mastering (2:32)
Mastering: 3 Key Numbers
What is the goal? (4:03)
Noise Floor (-60dB max) (3:06)
RMS Levels (-18 to -23dB) (2:43)
Peak Levels (-3dB max) (0:48)
Test Your Knowledge - Quiz
Mastering: Tool Kit
The basic tool kit (0:57)
ACX Check tool (1:31)
Normalization (1:00)
Amplification (1:21)
Limiter (2:07)
*Noise removal (only if necessary) (2:29)
Test Your Knowledge - Quiz
Mastering: Step-by-step
Start with these 5 basic steps (1:22)
Important! Do the steps in order! (0:30)
Step 1: Apply Normalization (0:44)
Step 2: Test Sound Levels (ACX Check) (1:10)
Step 3: Address Noise Floor (1st) (1:32)
Step 4: Address RMS Level (2nd) (5:20)
Step 5: Address Peak Levels (3rd) (1:34)
Mastering: Common Problems and Solutions
Noise floor is too high (1:14)
RMS level is too high (or too low) (0:20)
Peak levels are too high (0:20)
I hear background noise or buzzing (1:08)
I can't get everything to pass ACX check! (0:42)
Your Turn - Mastering Exercises
Exercise #1: Apply Normalization
Exercise #2: Fix RMS Level (too high)
Exercise #3: Fix RMS level (too low)
Exercise #4: Fix Peak Level
Exercise #5: Reduce background noise
Exercise #6: Master this track (using our 5-step process)
Module 14 Quiz
Module 15: Final Steps
Overview (0:41)
Preparing a Retail Sample (2:32)
Recording the beginning & ending credits (1:14)
Final Check - Are your files ready to go? (1:17)
[PDF] ACX Checklist
Exporting files to MP3 format (1:25)
Uploading files to ACX (or delivering them to the author) (1:00)
Review process (2:40)
Keeping track of sales & payments (0:26)
Module 15 Quiz
Final Exam
Instructions
Rate & Review This Course
Course experience questionaire
Bonus: New Narrator Success Planner
Overview
Income & Goal Planning Worksheet
Monthly Audition Tracker
New Project Information Sheet
[Template] Production Calendar
Bonus: Author Pitch Kit
Overview
Download your bonus workbook
Where to find books outside of ACX
Who has audio rights?
Book research worksheet
Crafting your pitch
Dedicated email address
Sample email templates
How to create a "cold' audition
Hosting samples on SoundCloud and Google Drive
Bringing authors into ACX
Non-ACX platforms for managing projects and payments
Developing character voices and personas
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