Audio Recording and Podcasting on Booksie.com 

Recording your poem, short story, book, article and more as audio to upload to Booksie.com is a great way to attract more readers and promote your writing.  Like anything in life, the more you put into it, the more you’re going to get out.  Depending on the length of work you want to record, it can take several minutes to several days to get a good recording.  Poems generally take the minutes, novels can take days. 

Here are some tips for helping you recording and uploading your audio. 

Creating an MP3

First, you’ll need to record your audio and save it as an mp3 file.  MP3 is a standard format that is used for most music and audio on the Web.   

You’ll need both a recording device (microphone or headphones) and recording software.

Recording device 

Most computers come with some type of microphone.  You can use it although the sound quality may not be optimal.  Give it a try and see what you think. 

There are also lots of inexpensive options.  The Booksie Audio Store lists the different microphones available for recording.  Generally, you get what you pay for but the less expensive ones will work fine.  If you are looking for a professional quality recording, then go for the more expensive models. 

Software 

You also need software that takes the audio from the microphone and processes it into a format that can be uploaded to Booksie. 

Audacity

Audacity provides a free recorder that is used widely across the Internet.  It’s easy to download and install.   

Below is a tutorial on using Audacity that will teach you some basic editing for your file.  You’ll be able to add effects – fades, doors closing, etc.   

Audacity Tutorial

One thing to note about Audacity is that it doesn’t come with the ability to save your file as an MP3.  You need to download and install a plug-in to do this.  Once the plug-in is installed, creating an MP3 is a piece of cake. 

Learn more about installing the Audacity plugin. 

Podcast Station

If you don't want to deal with the need to download and install a separate MP3 file for Audacity, and don't mind paying a bit, then Podcast Station might be for you. The software is only $59.95, comes with a 30 day trial, has a built-in MP3 encoder and everything else you need, and was rates the #1 Podcast software by Top 10 Reviews.

There are other audio software packages that you can also consider.

Tips on Getting Good Audio 

Once you have your software set up, you are ready to start recording.  Here are a few tips on getting a good audio recording: 

1. Have fun.  This should be enjoyable.  You are creating an audio version of your work that might be enjoyed by millions.  If you approach it as a thankless task your voice is bound to reflect that.  Audio lets you add emotion and personality that doesn’t come across on the written page.  Let go and enjoy.
2. Don’t wince at your own voice.  Most writers first reaction is to wince upon hearing their own voice.  Don’t.  We all feel the same way but we all also enjoy listening to others.  Embrace your voice.
3. Do a couple of dry runs.  Do a couple of test recordings until you feel comfortable and have mastered the nuances of recording audio.  Experiment with sound volume, voice levels, etc.
4. Introduce yourself and add some commentary.  Feel free to add some commentary and make it lively.  You are doing this to entertain others. 

Uploading Your MP3 to Booksie  

Once you have recorded and saved your file as an MP3 it’s ready to be uploaded to Booksie.  Go to the relevant novel chapter, short story, or poem and find the audio upload tool.  Then, upload your MP3 file. 

 

 

  Then, kick back and let others enjoy!