Audiobook Connection - Behind the Scenes with the Creative Teams

Becky Parker Geist
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Engaging conversations with Authors, Narrators, Post-production audio engineers, Marketing teams as well as audio book listeners and fans. Go behind the scenes with audiobook creators as host Becky Parker Geist guides the conversation to discover the surprises, victories and challenges in publishing and producing audiobooks. Ideal for indie authors, small publishers, audiobook fans, and anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes peek into the audiobook world - as well as authors and publishers looking for tips from the pros on production and marketing. Behind-the-scenes interviews with audiobook creators as well as audiobook production and marketing tips - with episodes weekly. #C-Suite Radio.

  1. 3d ago

    AC-T-339 The 2026 Audiobook Distribution Shakeup Part 4

    In this episode, Becky wraps up her series on the 2026 distribution shakeup. Moving beyond the "what" of the changes, Becky dives deep into the "how"—providing an actionable strategy for authors and publishers to navigate the evolving landscape. Whether you are seeking simplicity, maximum reach, or maximum revenue, Becky breaks down the ideal combination of distributors to ensure your stories don't just exist, but thrive. Learn why relying solely on Audible might be a strategic mistake and why anchoring your distribution with AMPlify Audiobooks can transform your bottom line through higher royalties, direct customer relationships, and gamified marketing tools. In this episode, you will learn: Distribution Models: How to choose between single-distributor simplicity and wide-reach strategies. The AMPlify Audiobooks Advantage: Why direct distribution and community-driven platforms offer better long-term ROI than standard retailers. Critical Deadlines: A vital reminder regarding the ACX royalty model changes and the December 31st, 2026, deadline. Marketing Tools: An introduction to "marketing quests," events, and book clubs designed to help authors build real momentum. Audiobook Sample: Stick around to hear a captivating clip from How to Master the Art of Being the Worst Salesperson by Brian Panosian. Relevant Links: Amplify Audiobooks Authors Republic IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association) Watch the video of this episode Support our work making the audiobook industry a more equitable place HERE: buymeacoffee.com/audiobookconnection    Listen to the Full Series: If you missed the previous episodes regarding the distribution shakeup, be sure to check out the Audiobook Distribution Shakeup Series. Check out the Ultimate Audiobook Launch Strategy series to build your foundation. #Audiobooks #IndieAuthor #BookMarketing #AudiobookDistribution #AmplifyAudiobooks #PublishingStrategy #Authorship

    AC-T-339 The 2026 Audiobook Distribution Shakeup Part 4

  2. Aug 20

    AC-I-338 Writing and Executing Your Next Chapter- Interview with Bobby Kelly

    In this episode, Becky sits down with Bobby Kelly, personal systems strategist and author of The Next Chapter Starts Now. Bobby shares the incredible, high-speed story of how he wrote his entire book in just ten hours by dictating his thoughts while pacing his backyard. We dive deep into the intersection of performance psychology, mindset, and physical habits, exploring how to move past feeling "stuck" to achieve consistent follow-through in both life and business. Bobby also pulls back the curtain on the technical side of audiobook production. Drawing from his 35 years in the fitness industry, he shares invaluable professional tips for authors who choose to narrate their own work—including how to set up a DIY home studio, how to manage vocal fatigue, and the "5-4-3-2-1" method to make post-production editing seamless for your sound engineer. In this episode, you’ll learn: The Execution Strategy: How to identify your "next chapter" and build systems to reach it. Rapid Writing Techniques: The benefits of dictation and speaking your truth for nonfiction authors. Audiobook Pro-Tips: Practical advice on recording, managing ambient noise, and handling emotional content during narration. Distribution Realities: Insights into the complexities of navigating major retailers and expanding your reach. Connect with our guest: BobbyKelly.com Listen to audiobooks: Amplify Audiobooks Watch the video of this interview Support our work making the audiobook industry a more equitable place HERE: buymeacoffee.com/audiobookconnection

    AC-I-338 Writing and Executing Your Next Chapter- Interview with Bobby Kelly

  3. Aug 13

    AC-T-337 The 2026 Audiobook Distribution Shakeup - Part 3

    Stop whispering into the void and start building real momentum! In this third installment of our series on the 2026 audiobook distribution shakeup, Becky dives deep into the complex world of where your stories land and how much you actually keep. Are you "going wide" just to be everywhere, or are you actually reaching your customers? We break down the pros and cons of the major players, including: The Big Shifts: Understanding the changes at Spotify, Voices INaudio, and the murky new royalty structures at ACX. The Library Connection: How to navigate rentals and checkouts through Overdrive and Hoopla. Wide Distribution vs. Direct Sales: Why a "cast a wide net" strategy works best when paired with powerful direct-to-consumer tools. The AMPlify Revolution: Discover how AMPlify Audiobooks is changing the game by combining distribution with marketing, offering higher royalties (65% of gross!), and—most importantly—building a real community through features like "Reflections" and real-time listener connection. Whether you are an author struggling to earn back your investment or a narrator looking to understand the landscape, this episode provides the roadmap you need to deepen your impact and broaden your reach. In this episode, you'll learn: The critical difference between a percentage of "retail price" vs. "net." Why an audiobook is a complex "package of files" and why delivery systems matter. How to use community tools, author pages, and live events to turn listeners into superfans. The ultimate strategy: Wide distribution for discovery + AMPlify Audiobooks for connection. Relevant Links: 🌐 Amplify Audiobooks 🌐 Authors Republic Support our work making the audiobook industry a more equitable place HERE: buymeacoffee.com/audiobookconnection    #Audiobooks #AuthorTips #BookMarketing #AudiobookDistribution #AmplifyAudiobooks #IndieAuthor #Podcast #Storytelling #AudiobookConnection

    AC-T-337 The 2026 Audiobook Distribution Shakeup - Part 3

  4. Aug 6

    AC-I-336 The International Bill of Rights Audiobook: A Conversation with Dr. John Kirk Boyd

    In this episode, Becky sits down with Dr. John Kirk Boyd, a civil and environmental rights lawyer and the visionary behind the International Bill of Rights: Humanity's Agreement to Live Together. This conversation goes far beyond a standard book review. Dr. Boyd discusses his lifelong mission to move human rights from mere aspirations to enforceable realities through an international judicial architecture. He shares fascinating insights into his legal background—including arguing before the US Supreme Court—and his work on the Russian Constitution. In this episode, we explore: The Mission of Unite for Rights: How the project seeks to extend the historic work of Eleanor Roosevelt and René Cassin to create a modern social contract. Interactive Technology: A look at the "spinning globe" and the "Drafting Through Dialogue" initiative, where global citizens can participate in refining the Bill of Rights. AI as a Collaborator: How Dr. Boyd and his team are utilizing AI (specifically Claude) as a tool for refinement and human-centric collaboration rather than just data scraping. The Power of the "Triad": Why authors should embrace the combination of print, e-book, and audiobook to reach a global audience. A Call to Action: How listeners can participate in this global movement, from signing their names on the digital globe to supporting the growth of the Unite for Rights organization. Whether you are an author interested in the production process or a global citizen concerned about the future of democracy and human rights, this episode offers a profound look at how storytelling and law can converge to shape a better world. Support our work making the audiobook industry a more equitable place HERE: buymeacoffee.com/audiobookconnection    🔗 Relevant Links Unite for Rights: uniteforrights.org Amplify Audiobooks: amplifyaudiobooks.com Watch the video of this interview #HumanRights #InternationalLaw #AudiobookConnection #UniteForRights #GlobalCitizenship #SocialContract #AuthorLife #Podcast #AIforGood #Democracy #AMPlifyAudiobooks

    AC-I-336 The International Bill of Rights Audiobook: A Conversation with Dr. John Kirk Boyd

  5. Jul 30

    AC-T-335 The 2026 Audiobook Distribution Shakeup - Part 2

    In this second episode in the Audiobook Distribution Shakeup Series, Becky dives deep into the recent changes announced by ACX. As the audiobook industry shifts, authors are facing new contractual models that demand quick decisions. Is the new "member value" calculation actually working in your favor, or is it just another way for the Amazon ecosystem to capture more revenue? Becky breaks down the complexities of the new ACX model, including: The "Member Value" Mystery: What does the new royalty calculation actually mean for your bottom line? Exclusivity vs. Freedom: The pros and cons of the 50% exclusive royalty rate and the new 90-day minimum rule. Discovery and Promotion: Decoding WhisperSync, built-in discovery, and the costs of Amazon advertising. Better Alternatives: A comparison between ACX and high-control platforms like AMPlify Audiobooks, where authors earn significantly higher royalties and maintain total control over pricing and marketing. Whether you are a seasoned author, a narrator, or a publisher, this episode provides the clarity you need to navigate the changing landscape of audiobook distribution. Resources Mentioned: Amplify Audiobooks: amplifyaudiobooks.com Contact Pro Audio Voices: proaudiovoices.com View the video of this episode #Audiobooks #SelfPublishing #AuthorTips #AudiobookDistribution #AmplifyAudiobooks #PublishingIndustry #IndieAuthors

    AC-T-335 The 2026 Audiobook Distribution Shakeup - Part 2

  6. Jul 23

    AC-T-334 The 2026 Audiobook Distribution Shakeup (and the BIG One), Part 1

    The audiobook landscape is shifting under the feet of authors, and staying informed is no longer optional—it's essential for your success. In this episode, Becky breaks down the major industry changes hitting platforms like ACX, Spotify, and InAudio, and explains why the old rules of distribution no longer apply. In this episode, we dive into: The ACX Royalty Shift: What the move from "retail price" to "member value" actually means for your bottom line and why the math might be working against you. The Findaway/Spotify Split: Navigating the transition from Findaway Voices to the new landscape of Spotify for Authors and InAudio. The Power of Direct Engagement: Why traditional retailers prioritize transactions while new models prioritize connection. AMPlify Audiobooks: An inside look at how the new version of AMPlify Audiobooks is changing the game by offering up to 4x higher royalties, complete pricing control, and community-building tools designed to turn listeners into fans. Whether you are an indie author trying to earn back your production investment or a narrator looking to understand the market, this episode provides the clarity you need to navigate these massive changes. Coming Up in This Series: ACX Decoded: Why the math still favors direct platforms. Going Wide vs. Going Direct: Weighing your distribution options. Building a Winning Distribution Strategy: A roadmap for your audio career. Resources & Links: Amplify Audiobooks: https://amplifyaudiobooks.com/ Pro Audio Voices: Schedule a call with Becky: proaudiovoices.com Authors Republic: For broad distribution alternatives: https://www.authorsrepublic.com/ View the video of this episode #Audiobooks #IndieAuthor #AudiobookDistribution #ACX #AmplifyAudiobooks #AuthorTips #PublishingNews

    AC-T-334 The 2026 Audiobook Distribution Shakeup (and the BIG One), Part 1

  7. Jul 16

    AC-T-333 The Ultimate Audiobook Launch Strategy for Indie Authors, Part 4

    In this episode, Becky concludes her series on the Ultimate Audiobook Launch Strategy. Moving beyond the initial setup, Becky dives into how authors can move from "selling" to "storytelling" by activating their existing audience ecosystem. Learn how to leverage your current following—from friends and family to mailing lists and social media—to build genuine momentum. Becky shares actionable strategies for marketing your audiobook without being a "bullhorn," including: Activating Your Ecosystem: Using newsletters, guest blogging, speaking engagements, and podcast interviews to share the "behind-the-scenes" journey of your production. Building Strategic Partnerships: How to collaborate with aligned communities, non-profits, and niche groups (like book clubs or advocacy organizations) using targeted discount codes. The Power of Storytelling: Moving away from hard sales by sharing the emotional impact and accessibility benefits of your audio content. Maintaining Momentum: Strategies for post-launch engagement, including responding to listener reflections and hosting live events. The AMPlify Advantage: A deep dive into why launching on AMPlify Audiobooks provides higher royalties, direct listener connection, and unique tools like "Marketing Quests"—gamified, step-by-step guides designed to take the guesswork out of your marketing journey. Whether you are a new author or an established creator, this episode provides the roadmap to stop whispering into the void and start building a thriving community around your voice. AMPlify Audiobooks: AmplifyAudiobooks.com Watch the video of this episode! Connect with us: If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with a fellow author or book lover! #AudiobookMarketing #AuthorTips #AudiobookLaunch #AMPlifyAudiobooks #SelfPublishing #PodcastForAuthors #Storytelling #BookMarketing

    AC-T-333 The Ultimate Audiobook Launch Strategy for Indie Authors, Part 4

  8. Jul 9

    AC-I-332 Characters with Accents - An Interview with Author-Actor Skylar Lyralen Kaye

    In this episode, Becky sits down with award-winning writer, filmmaker, and solo performer Skylar Lyralen Kaye (fae/they). We dive deep into the complex creative process behind their recently released non-binary memoir, Bachelorx. The audiobook is a feat of vocal storytelling, featuring 47 distinct characters—including 18 of Skylar's own inner voices. Skylar shares fascinating insights into the technical and emotional challenges of narration, including: Mastering Accents: How they utilized mimicry and digital tools to tackle everything from Puerto Rican to Russian-British accents. The Recording Journey: Moving from a DIY apartment setup to professional studios in Portugal and the importance of vocal pacing. Acting Techniques: Applying the Meisner technique and "Internal Family Systems" to bring authenticity to personal, often painful, memories. The Power of Humor: Using comedy as a survival muscle to navigate the heavy themes of a 35-year marriage and the vulnerability of dating in mid-life. Whether you are an author considering narrating your own memoir or a listener interested in the artistry of voice performance, this episode offers a profound look at how we use art to process trauma, find compassion, and reconnect with ourselves. Lyralen Kaye: https://lyralenkaye.com/ AMPlify Audiobooks: https://www.amplifyaudiobooks.com Pro Audio Voices: https://www.proaudiovoices.com Audiobook Connection: https://audiobookconnection.com Watch this interview on YouTube #AudiobookConnection #Bachelorx #Memoir #AudiobookProduction #NonBinaryVoices #Storytelling #VoiceActing #MeisnerTechnique #AuthorLife #IndieAuthors #AudiobookNarration

    AC-I-332 Characters with Accents - An Interview with Author-Actor Skylar Lyralen Kaye
See All (300)

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Engaging conversations with Authors, Narrators, Post-production audio engineers, Marketing teams as well as audio book listeners and fans. Go behind the scenes with audiobook creators as host Becky Parker Geist guides the conversation to discover the surprises, victories and challenges in publishing and producing audiobooks. Ideal for indie authors, small publishers, audiobook fans, and anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes peek into the audiobook world - as well as authors and publishers looking for tips from the pros on production and marketing. Behind-the-scenes interviews with audiobook creators as well as audiobook production and marketing tips - with episodes weekly. #C-Suite Radio.

Information