DIY Audiobook Recording vs Professional Production: What Authors Need to Know
Introduction
With platforms like Audible, Spotify, and Apple Books seeing rapid growth, audiobooks are no longer an optional format — they’re an essential part of the publishing strategy. But when it comes time to record, many authors ask the same question:
“Should I record my audiobook myself, or hire a professional studio?”
It’s a fair question, especially if you’ve already invested heavily in writing, editing, and self-publishing. But the truth is: audio is a different craft. And while DIY setups are more accessible than ever, they’re not always the right tool for the job — especially when it comes to quality, delivery requirements, and listener experience.
In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each approach so you can make the right decision for your book.
What DIY Audiobook Recording Involves
DIY recording often means setting up a small home studio with basic gear and software. On the surface, it sounds straightforward — a mic, a laptop, some acoustic panels, and a bit of editing.
But in reality, it demands much more:
Understanding of microphone technique
Control over background noise and room reflections
Consistent tone, pacing, and delivery across long recording sessions
Post-production: editing, noise reduction, mastering to platform standards
Submission to platforms like ACX, which have strict audio guidelines
And that’s all before you even consider performance: delivering a consistent, engaging narration that does justice to your writing.
The Challenges Authors Face When Recording at Home
Even with tutorials and tools, DIY narration comes with some common pitfalls:
1. Room Acoustics
Rooms with hard surfaces, high ceilings, or nearby traffic introduce reverb and noise. What sounds “fine” in headphones can become distracting when played through speakers.
2. Microphone Quality
Entry-level USB mics can capture the basics — but often lack the warmth, detail, and presence needed for long-form narration.
3. Performance Fatigue
Audiobook sessions are a marathon. It’s hard to maintain tone, energy, and clarity over hours of self-directed recording — especially without someone guiding your takes.
4. Technical Standards
Audiobook platforms require files to meet very specific loudness, noise floor, and formatting standards. If your files don’t pass, they’ll be rejected.
5. Post-Production Bottlenecks
Editing out breaths, false starts, background clicks and hums is incredibly time-consuming — even more so without the right tools or trained ear.
What Professional Audiobook Production Offers
Professional studios eliminate all of the above friction. More importantly, they ensure that the sound of your book matches the quality of your writing.
Here’s what you get:
1. A Controlled Recording Environment
Studios like Kore Sounds offer acoustically treated spaces that remove distractions from your performance. That means clean recordings from the first take — not hours spent trying to fix it in post.
2. High-End Equipment
From Neumann U87s to Sennheiser broadcast mics, professional gear captures your voice with warmth, detail, and broadcast clarity — even in whispered or high-energy passages.
3. Engineer Support
A studio engineer ensures everything runs smoothly:
Monitors mic position and volume
Flags retakes in real-time
Marks edits so nothing gets missed later
Offers subtle vocal coaching to maintain tone and energy
Handles all tech so you can focus on storytelling
4. Professional Editing and Mastering
Audiobook-ready studios deliver final audio that:
Meets Audible/ACX and Findaway Voices technical standards
Is free from distracting noises, edits, and inconsistencies
Has consistent pacing, tone, and energy throughout
5. Optional Voice Casting
Prefer not to read your book yourself? Studios can cast professional narrators experienced in audiobook delivery, character work, and genre-specific tone.
Cost Comparison: Is DIY Really Cheaper?
It might seem like DIY saves money, but here’s the hidden truth:
Time is money — DIY narration can take 3–4× longer to record and edit
Equipment investment — a mic, interface, headphones, software, and acoustic treatment quickly add up
Post delays — if your file is rejected by Audible or sounds amateur, you may need to re-record or outsource fixes anyway
Meanwhile, many studios offer flat-day rates or project-based pricing, allowing authors to budget confidently and finish their audiobook faster — with a more polished final product.
At Kore Sounds, sessions are typically booked by the hour or day, and include both engineering and editing support as standard.
When DIY Might Work
There are cases where a DIY audiobook can work well:
You have a well-treated recording space
You’re confident with audio editing and mastering
The book is short (e.g. a guide, journal, or poetry collection)
You’ve done voiceover work or public speaking before
You're publishing for free distribution or non-commercial release
Even then, it’s worth consulting with a professional engineer on post-production to ensure you don’t miss any submission requirements.
When to Choose Professional Production
Choose a studio when:
You want a broadcast-quality release suitable for Audible, Spotify, Apple, or libraries
The narration needs to match the tone and professionalism of the content
You want to avoid the stress of tech, edits, and delivery compliance
You’re on a tight deadline and need a smooth, efficient workflow
Your audience expects quality — especially in business, education, or fiction
Final Thoughts
You’ve spent months (maybe years) writing your book. The last thing you want is for the audio version to fall short.
While DIY might be tempting, audiobook production is a specialist service — and like editing or cover design, it pays to get it right. A professional studio gives you the tools, space, and support to deliver your story with clarity, character, and confidence.
Ready to bring your audiobook to life? Contact Kore Sounds to learn more about professional audiobook production in the UK.