Each creator’s path to success is uniquely their own, particularly when it comes to the time it takes to reach one’s goals. My main objective for early 2024 was to hit the 2,000 subscriber mark on my YouTube channel, and I’m thrilled to announce that I achieved this on April 20, 2024!
Over the course of eight weeks, from February 8 through April 5, I debuted a total of four audiobooks on my YouTube channel, three of which were professionally narrated and one of which was author-read.
Professionally Narrated:
Narrated by: Benjamin Fife
Publication Date: February 13, 2024
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Narrated by: Pearl Hewitt
Publication Date: March 9, 2024
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Narrated by: Catherine Bilson
Publication Date: April 5, 2024
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Author-Read:
Narrated by: P. O. Dixon
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
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The pros of the first approach are undeniable:
- Professional Quality: The quality of narration is polished, with voice actors who can bring characters to life in ways that resonate well with the listener.
- Broader Appeal: Professional narrators have the training to handle a variety of accents and genders, making the stories more accessible and engaging for listeners.
As for the latter approach, I cannot tell you how many times I questioned why I was taking on such an endeavor, especially given that narrating my own books can be so time-consuming, requiring a lot of effort that could otherwise be used to write more stories. I’ve asked why I was torturing myself with long hours, lots of lessons learned and apparently forgotten with the start of each project?
And then I remembered the cost involved with hiring professionals on a per-finished-hour (PFH) basis. Royalty share/Audible exclusivity is not an option for me because my primary goal in producing audiobooks these days is to provide content for my YouTube channel, and I need complete control over the product.
And yet, in the midst of the fifth round of edits or so on every project, I still found myself questioning what I am about. I mean, what are a couple of thousand dollars if it means sparing my sanity?
And then I consider it’s not just about the money. The fact is, I find narrating my stories and sharing them on my YouTube channel is the best creative outlet in the world for me at this point in my life.
Even if I tell myself it’s time to get back to writing, another part of me is asking what the next author-read story will be. Incidentally, I’m thinking Irrevocably Gone or perhaps As Good as a Lord. Perhaps another holiday story, Christmas Sealed with a Kiss, for instance.
Time will tell. For now, I’m celebrating my YouTube 2000 subscribers milestone with the release of my third author-read story, The Means of Uniting Them. Happy listening!
In closing, thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to many more stories (both professionally narrated and author-read) and milestones together!
Giveaway Time!
Comment below for a chance to win an audiobook edition of either A Favorite Daughter, Expecting His Wife, or Simply Beautiful. One audiobook will be awarded and delivered by BookFunnel. Winner’s choice!
Hurry, the giveaway contest ends on Tuesday, April 30th.
Mark Your Calendar!
Simply Beautiful: A Novel will be available for only 99 cents worldwide on May 3, 2024, as part of a
BookBub International Featured Deal.
If this story is on your To-Be-Read Wishlist, here’s a chance to save up to 80% off its regular price!
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