Storytelling is as intrinsic to human life as the very languages we speak, a tradition that has been passed from generation to generation for over 30,000 years.
It is the earliest form of both keeping historical accounts of past events, as well as entertainment. The genesis of the Sumerian written word (cuneiform) over 5,000 years ago seismically shifted the way humans recorded and told stories.
This eventually led to the writing of poems, plays, scripture, and books, many of which have been in circulation for thousands of years, minting writing as one of the most historically important forms of education and entertainment.
In the past century, storytelling underwent yet another massive transformation - oral storytelling was brought back into the limelight in the form of tape-recorded books.
Though recording stories was an incredible feat of innovation, “books-on-tape” remained deeply undervalued; that is, until two decades ago when Amazon’s Audible revolutionized the market by introducing one of the first dedicated audiobook platforms.
The evolution from cassette tapes to more digital platforms isn’t just a tale of advancing tech; it’s a testament to the ever-changing ways we consume our stories.
The Foundation of Audiobooks
Before the digital era, cassette tapes were the de facto medium when it came to remote entertainment and educational content - a revolutionary new form to learn new languages, study for a college course, deepen engagement with a story, or wile away the long hours of a road trip.
All without spending hours poring over books.
While radio was the best for singing along with the new top 10 hits and TV was educational during certain times of the day, the ability to learn while, say cleaning the house or traveling, was a convenience that anyone of any age could enjoy.
And while these first attempts laid a foundation for the audiobooks we now use, they still faced significant challenges - such as poor production quality, high recording costs, and - perhaps the biggest issue - a cultural bias against audiobooks…
That reading a book is better than listening to one.
Audiobooks have historically been viewed as just a passive form of consumption, lacking the intellectual engagement one associates with reading.
For many listeners, however, audiobooks offer a more immersive experience, tapping into our shared tradition of oral storytelling. A compelling narrator can deliver the tone, pace, and vocal emphasis required to heighten the experience of the story.
And over the years, as audiobooks began to gain traction, more and more people began to realize how remarkable they can truly be.
Fast forward to the present, and the landscape has changed drastically - our smartphones can now house hundreds upon hundreds of hours of audiobooks and over 35,000 new titles are being produced every year.
In fact, the industry is growing so much that in 2017 the Audio Publishers Association reported that over 67 million Americans were listening to audiobooks; four years later, the APA showed that while 56% of audiobook listeners were below the age of 45, 80% of baby boomers stated that audiobooks helped them retain their cognitive abilities.
This new platform opens opportunities that weren’t possible before; and as publishers, taking advantage of the audiobook surge doesn’t just level the playing field - it puts you into the publishing MVP stratosphere.
When Publishing Meets Audio
So why does this all matter?
Because audiobooks are now a BOOMING industry, nearly as vital to authors as translating their works into other languages. By tapping into audio, you have the capacity to reach an entirely new audience numbering in the millions.
This is where you can start elevating your publishing business.
Bridging your written work with audiobooks allows you to emerge as a powerful author, creating a comprehensive publishing strategy that caters to both your traditional readers and your audio enthusiasts.
Here are 4 reasons why you should embrace audiobooks:
Wider audience reach - as mentioned earlier, audiobooks allow you to tap into a continuously growing market of listeners who prefer audio over text.
Enhanced accessibility - people with visual impairments appreciate having an option to make it easier for them to enjoy ‘traditional’ reading.
Greater engagement - auditory experiences help create deeper emotional connections with the content.
Multitasking capability - whether in the car, at the gym, doing chores, or whenever the time of day, audiobooks fit perfectly into busy lifestyles.
Audiobooks have been on a long journey, and they are a reflection of constantly evolving forms of content consumption.
And just like audiobooks, the Royalty Hero community is constantly striving to stay on top of the ever-changing waters of storytelling. We support each other in taking the reins of publishing by helping members transform their stories to resonate with today’s diverse audiences.
If you want to stay on top of the curve of entertainment and make your mark in history by learning to create audiobooks or maximize on Amazon KDP, come join us in Royalty Hero.