How Long Does It Take For A Book To Become An Audiobook?

The popularity of audiobooks has surged in recent years, driven by the growing demand for content that fits into busy lifestyles. Whether commuting, exercising, or multitasking, people are turning to audiobooks for entertainment, learning, and inspiration. For authors and publishers, this trend presents a golden opportunity — but an important question often arises: how long does it take to turn a book into an audiobook?

The answer depends on several factors, including the book’s length, the narrator’s availability, the complexity of the content, and the post-production process. On average, converting a book into an audiobook takes between 2 to 6 weeks. However, this timeline can be shorter or longer based on various logistical and creative considerations.

📘 Understanding the Audiobook Production Timeline

Creating an audiobook isn’t just about reading a book out loud. It’s a multi-stage process involving pre-production planning, voice narration, audio editing, quality assurance, and platform distribution. Let’s explore each phase in detail.

1. Pre-Production: Planning and Preparation

Before recording begins, authors or publishers must prepare the manuscript for audio narration. This includes:

• Finalizing the book’s content
• Formatting the script for narration (removing image references, adjusting footnotes)
• Selecting a suitable narrator
• Discussing tone, pace, and character voices (for fiction)

This stage usually takes a few days to a week, depending on the narrator’s availability and whether the author is self-producing or working with a professional studio.

2. Narrator Selection and Scheduling

Choosing the right voice is a crucial step. A narrator gives life to the text, influencing how listeners connect with the content. Authors can either narrate the book themselves (common in memoirs and non-fiction) or hire a professional voice actor.

If you’re hiring a narrator, the timeline can be influenced by:

• Their availability (some may be booked weeks in advance)
• Contract negotiations or union considerations
• Audition and approval processes

This part of the process can take 3 to 10 days, especially if auditions are required or a specific vocal style is needed.

3. Recording the Audiobook

Recording is perhaps the most straightforward but time-intensive phase. The narrator reads the manuscript in a soundproof studio, often under the guidance of a director or producer. The amount of time this takes depends directly on the length of the book.

A common industry estimate is that 9,300 words of text equal roughly 1 hour of finished audio. However, recording that one hour can take 2 to 3 hours due to the need for retakes, pauses, and maintaining vocal consistency.

For example:

• A 50,000-word book (~5.5 hours of audio) might require 12–18 hours of recording time.
• A 100,000-word book (~11 hours of audio) may take 24–30 hours in the studio.

Recording is usually completed over several days. On average, this stage takes 3 to 7 days, depending on scheduling and session length.

4. Post-Production: Editing, Mastering, and Proofing

Once the narration is recorded, the audio must go through post-production, which includes:

• Editing: Removing errors, adjusting pacing, and cleaning up audio
• Proofing: Listening to the entire recording to ensure it matches the manuscript
• Mastering: Equalizing sound levels and ensuring compliance with platform standards (such as ACX or Audible requirements)

This stage is both technical and time-consuming. A professional editor typically takes 3 to 5 hours to edit 1 hour of finished audio. So, a 6-hour audiobook might require 18–30 hours of editing and mastering.

In terms of calendar time, post-production takes around 5 to 10 business days, sometimes more for longer or more complex books.

5. Quality Assurance and Review

Before the audiobook can be published, it needs to go through a quality control process. A QA engineer or project manager reviews the audio for:

• Consistency in volume and tone
• Clarity and pronunciation
• Absence of background noise or distractions
• Accurate chapter placement and metadata tagging

This stage ensures that the audiobook meets listener expectations and platform standards. QA typically adds 2 to 4 days to the timeline.

6. Distribution and Platform Approval

After quality assurance, the audiobook is uploaded to distribution platforms such as Audible (via ACX), Apple Books, Google Play, or Findaway Voices. These platforms require time to process, review, and approve new audiobooks.

The approval time varies by platform:

• Audible/ACX: 7 to 14 business days
• Findaway Voices: 3 to 5 business days
• Google Play & Apple Books: 3 to 7 business days

Platform approval can take up to 10 business days, although it’s often faster.

🧠 Example Timeline: 50,000-Word Book

Stage	Duration
Narrator selection	3–5 days
Recording	4–5 days
Editing & Mastering	5–7 days
QA	2–3 days
Platform approval	7–10 days
Total Estimated Time	3–4 weeks

📊 Average Time to Convert a Book into an Audiobook

Book Length	Finished Audio Time	Estimated Total Time
10,000 words	~1 hour	1–2 weeks
50,000 words	~5.5 hours	3–4 weeks
100,000+ words	~11+ hours	4–6 weeks or more

🔄 Other Factors That Affect Audiobook Production Time

While the above outlines a typical process, other variables can influence how quickly (or slowly) your audiobook is completed:

➤ Revisions or Manuscript Changes

If you make changes after recording begins, the narrator may need to re-record segments, adding time and cost.

➤ Multiple Narrators or Full-Cast Productions

Some audiobooks, especially in fiction or theatrical non-fiction, require multiple voice actors or even background music. These enhancements extend recording and editing time.

➤ Technical Delays or Rejections

If the audio doesn’t meet platform requirements (e.g., improper bitrate or noise levels), it might be rejected and require rework, further delaying launch.

📦 DIY vs Professional Production Timeframes

Production Type	Total Time Estimate	Pros	Cons
Professional Studio	2–6 weeks	High-quality sound, faster process	More expensive
Self-Produced	4–8 weeks+	Lower cost, more creative control	Time-consuming, quality may vary

🎯 Can You Speed Up the Process?

Yes, to some extent. Here are a few practical strategies:

• Finalize your manuscript before starting production.
• Pre-select narrators and studio time if working with professionals.
• Work with experienced producers who know platform requirements.
• Batch your feedback to avoid piecemeal revisions that delay post-production.

If speed is your primary goal, some authors opt for AI-narrated audiobooks, which can reduce production time significantly. However, these may not be accepted by all platforms, and the listening experience is often less engaging.

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I create an audiobook faster than 2 weeks?

Yes, but only for very short works (e.g., novellas under 10,000 words) or if you’re using AI voice narration. However, quality may be compromised if rushed.

Q2. What’s the fastest way to get my audiobook on Audible?

Using ACX with a professional narrator and uploading a fully mastered file is typically the quickest. Their approval can still take up to 10 business days.

Q3. Does AI voice narration speed up the process?

Yes, using synthetic voice tools like Google’s TTS or Amazon Polly can cut production time to a few days, but may not be accepted by platforms like Audible.

Q4. How much does it cost to turn a book into an audiobook?

Costs vary by narrator and production team but typically range from $150 to $400 per finished hour, meaning a 6-hour audiobook might cost $900–$2,400+.

📚 Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Audiobook Success

So, how long does it take for a book to become an audiobook? For most authors, the process takes 2 to 6 weeks from start to finish. The key stages — narrator selection, recording, editing, QA, and distribution — each play an essential role in delivering a high-quality audio product that listeners will enjoy.

If you want your audiobook ready by a specific date, start early, hire professionals when possible, and be clear on your production needs. Audiobooks are a powerful tool to expand your author brand, and with the right planning, the transition from page to voice can be smooth, efficient, and rewarding.