Why I Chose Virtual Voices for My Audiobooks

For over eight years now, readers have asked for my books in audio format. As an independent author, I’ve faced significant obstacles to traditional audiobook production:

• Production costs running to thousands of dollars per book (which is a challenge as most of my books are series)
• Finding narrators who capture the right tone and character voices
• Production timelines that stretch months
• Complex royalty structures and terms
• Difficulty in maintaining my flexibility and freedom

Virtual voice technology has finally reached a point where it offers a viable alternative. I understand that for many, it’s not the same as professional human narration. Concerns about a robotic cadence, lack of emotional range, or mispronunciations are valid, and I’ve kept these in mind. However, this technology allows me to:

• Make my entire catalog available in audio format
• Keep prices reasonable for listeners
• Maintain creative control and time/approach flexibility
• Ensure a consistent and clear delivery across all books
• All while giving me the freedom to do what I want to: which is to focus on writing.

We’ve invested time selecting the right licensed voices and adding appropriate licensed music cues. Each audiobook has also undergone a review process where I’ve listened and worked to fine-tune aspects like pacing, aiming to mitigate common AI-voice issues and ensure the best possible listening experience with this technology. These aren’t rushed “click-and-forget” productions but carefully crafted audio experiences.

I deeply respect the art of human narration and the incredible work professional narrators do. My choice here is driven by the desire to make my stories accessible to those who prefer listening over reading. Without virtual voice technology, I simply wouldn’t be able to offer audiobooks at all. This is a middle ground between poor screen reader and text-to-speech software and quality human narration.

I also respect that audiobook listeners have strong preferences. That’s why I offer a 5-chapter sample of each book, allowing you to determine if this format works for you before purchasing.

My goal is to bring these stories to life in a new format for as many readers as possible while maintaining my focus on writing new books. This approach allows me to do just that.

Get started with A Dangerous Daughter. There’s a 5-chapter sample to try before you go for the full version.

Thank you for considering!