A text to speech audiobook is an audio version of a manuscript created using automated synthetic voice technology instead of a human voice actor. Authors convert EPUB, DOCX, or PDF files into mastered audio files formatted to standard retail specifications, providing an efficient way to publish audiobooks on platforms that permit synthetic voice distribution.
How text to speech audiobook creation works
Converting a manuscript into a text to speech audiobook transforms written prose into clear, natural synthetic narration. Independent authors upload their document in EPUB, DOCX, or PDF format to an automated platform. The system processes the text and delivers professionally mastered audio ready for distribution.
Upon processing, authors receive mastered chapter files in MP3 format along with a single M4B file containing named chapter markers. Utilizing an automated text to audiobook service enables writers to generate audio files without hiring recording studios or managing audio engineering tasks.
How much does text to speech audiobook narration cost compared to human narrators?
Hiring a professional human voice actor costs between $200 and $500 per finished hour. For a 70,000-word novel, the finished narration runs 8 to 10 hours long.
In contrast, automated synthetic voice production operates on flat page subscription plans. The Starter plan costs from $29 a month and provides 500 pages of finished audiobook every month, where one page equals 275 words. Authors can select a 12-month commitment billed monthly or pay $290 once a year, which includes 2 months free. Subscription plans count pages rather than individual titles, allowing creators to produce as many books as they like within their page limit. Full pricing details are listed on the Audiobookery pricing page.
| Production Method | Pricing Model | Volume / Output |
|---|---|---|
| Human Voice Actor | $200 to $500 per finished hour | 8 to 10 hours for a 70,000-word novel |
| Starter Plan (Monthly) | From $29 a month (12-month commitment) | 500 pages per month (275 words per page) |
| Starter Plan (Annual) | $290 once a year (2 months free) | 500 pages per month (275 words per page) |
Where can authors distribute text to speech audiobooks?
Distribution options for synthetic audiobooks depend on individual storefront policies. ACX requires a human narrator: the only synthetic voices it takes are Amazon's own.
Because of retailer voice policies, authors utilizing synthetic narration publish through storefronts that accept AI narration. To ensure technical compliance, delivered files are mastered to industry audio standards: RMS between -23 dB and -18 dB, peaks at -3 dB, noise floor -60 dB, MP3 192 kbps, and 1 to 5 seconds of room tone recommended at each end. For further details on store guidelines, read our article on AI voice for audiobooks.
Each completed delivery includes a written AI disclosure statement and a deposit guide for each store that accepts AI narration, guiding authors through step-by-step submission across open digital retail networks.
Frequently asked questions
How can I sample text to speech narration before subscribing?
Authors can test synthetic narration quality by requesting one free chapter of their own book. You receive a mastered MP3 file by email within 48 hours without supplying a credit card, allowing you to evaluate voice quality before selecting a subscription plan.
What deliverables are included with synthetic audiobook conversion?
Converting a manuscript yields mastered chapter files in MP3 format and one consolidated M4B file with named chapters. The package also includes the written AI disclosure statement and a comprehensive deposit guide for each store that accepts AI narration.
Which file formats can be converted into a text to speech audiobook?
Manuscripts can be uploaded in EPUB, DOCX, or PDF format. The converted audio meets technical standard specifications, including peak levels capped at -3 dB, RMS between -23 dB and -18 dB, noise floor of -60 dB, MP3 192 kbps encoding, and 1 to 5 seconds of room tone.