Essential Steps to Prepare for Your Audiobook Recording ACX Ready Guide

How to Prepare for an Audiobook Recording (ACX‑Ready Guide)

Recording an audiobook is very different from recording a podcast or a voice‑over. It’s a long‑form performance that demands consistency, vocal stamina, and technical accuracy — especially if you want your audiobook approved by platforms like Audible.

Whether you’re a first‑time author narrating your own book or an experienced voice‑over artist, proper preparation will save time, money, and frustration — and lead to a far better final result.

Below is a professional, studio‑tested guide to preparing for a smooth, confident audiobook recording session.

1. Lock Your Manuscript Before Recording

This is the single most important step.

Your manuscript must be final before you step into the studio. Even small text changes can create:

• Costly re‑recording sessions

• Editing complications

• Continuity errors between chapters

Before recording, make sure:

• The text has been professionally edited or proofread

• Page numbers, headings, and formatting are final

• You are not planning any post‑recording rewrites

Audiobooks are recorded linearly — changes later are far more disruptive than in print.

2. Decide on Pronunciations (Before Day One)

Consistency matters more than perfection.

Create a pronunciation guide for:

• Character names

• Place names

• Technical or industry terms

• Foreign words or phrases

If you’re unsure how something should be pronounced, decide once and stick to it throughout the entire book.

This prevents:

• Audible listener complaints

• Proof‑listener corrections

• Expensive pickup sessions

3. Understand Audiobook Pacing (It’s Slower Than You Think)

Many first‑time narrators read too fast.

Audiobook pacing should be:

• Clear

• Relaxed

• Easy to follow without visuals

Listeners often consume audiobooks while:

• Driving

• Walking

• Doing chores

Take natural pauses, especially:

• After chapter titles

• Between scene changes

• Before important emotional beats

A good audiobook sounds conversational, not rushed.

4. Train Your Voice for Long Sessions

Audiobook recording is more physically demanding than most people expect, and preparation starts well before you step into the booth.

In the days leading up to recording:

• Stay well hydrated

• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol

• Get proper sleep

• Warm up your voice daily

On the day of recording:

• Eat a solid breakfast or meal beforehand. Hunger and stomach noises can easily ruin takes and slow down the session.

• Bring water into the studio and sip regularly.

• Bring lip balm or lip gloss. Dry lips cause lip smacks and mouth noise, which are very difficult to remove cleanly in editing.

Most narrators record 2–4 hours in a single session. Recording longer than this often leads to vocal fatigue, which can subtly change your tone, pacing, and narration speed. Shorter, focused sessions deliver far more consistent results.

5. Wear Quiet, Comfortable Clothing

This sounds minor, but it has a huge impact on recording quality.

You’ll typically be sitting or standing at the microphone for several hours at a time, so comfort matters.

Avoid:

• Noisy fabrics (nylon, leather, rain jackets)

• Jewellery that can clink, scrape, or rub

• Shoes that squeak or tap

Recommended:

• Comfortable clothing that allows you to breathe freely

• Soft, quiet fabrics

• Layers you can adjust without noise

Microphones hear everything — including clothing movement — so simple, quiet attire keeps sessions efficient.

6. Know the Difference Between Reading and Performing

An audiobook isn’t just reading text aloud.

You should:

• Vary tone and energy naturally

• Differentiate characters subtly (without overacting)

• Maintain emotional consistency across chapters

If you’re narrating your own book, resist the urge to rush or skim familiar passages. Each sentence needs the same attention it had when written.

7. Trust the Recording Process

Professional audiobook recording is highly controlled.

You don’t need to:

• Stop for every small mistake

• Apologise after flubs

• Worry about minor stumbles

Your producer will guide you on:

• When to stop

• When to redo a line

• How to mark clean edit points

Editing and mastering are handled later — your job is to deliver a confident, consistent performance.

8. Prepare Mentally (Especially for First‑Time Narrators)

It’s normal to feel nervous — even for professionals.

A well‑run audiobook studio provides:

• A relaxed, supportive environment

• Clear direction without pressure

• Coaching when needed

Remember: audiobook narration is a skill, not a talent test. Preparation and guidance matter far more than “having a great voice.”

9. Understand ACX Technical Standards (At a High Level)

You don’t need to memorise technical specs, but it helps to know that:

• Noise floor must be extremely low

• Volume must be consistent across chapters

• Files must meet strict formatting rules

This is why professional studios handle:

• Editing

• Mastering

• Quality control

Trying to meet ACX standards without experience often leads to rejections.

10. Ask Questions Before You Book

Before your first session, ask your studio:

• How many finished hours you can expect per session

• What preparation they recommend

• Whether coaching is included

• How pickups and corrections are handled

Clear expectations lead to better outcomes.

Beat Tank Studio – Professional Audiobook Production in Melbourne

Beat Tank Productions is a professional audiobook recording studio in Melbourne, offering end-to-end audiobook production for authors, publishers, and voice artists.

Our services include:

• Professional studio recording in a relaxed, acoustically treated environment

• Guidance from an experienced audiobook producer, including coaching where needed

• Editing and mastering to industry and ACX standards

• Professional proof-listening and quality control

• Guaranteed ACX approval

• Audiobook cover artwork preparation

• Delivery of final WAV and MP3 master files with embedded metadata

Optional services include global audiobook distribution setup and custom sound design or music for selected projects.

Whether you’re a first-time narrator or an experienced voice-over artist, our goal is to make audiobook recording a calm, efficient, and enjoyable process — while delivering a professional result that meets the strictest platform requirements.

Final Thoughts

A successful audiobook starts before the microphone turns on.

With proper preparation, realistic session planning, and the support of a professional studio, audiobook recording becomes a focused and rewarding creative process — not a stressful one.

If you’re preparing to record an audiobook and want expert support from start to finish, Beat Tank Productions can guide you through every stage of production.