Requirements for Publishing Audiobooks on ACX and Recording Services for Authors. Ensure Excellent Audio Quality
Requirements and Services for Publishing Audiobooks on ACX
Create high-quality audiobooks and maximize your sales potential by offering an exceptional listening experience. Here, you will find the key requirements for publishing audiobooks on ACX, with a focus on recording service and audio file preparation.
With my years of experience as a narrator and audiobook producer with a suitable recording studio, you can either let me handle all the production of your audiobook, or delegate to me all the technical aspects if you want to be the narrator yourself.
Audio Quality Requirements
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Consistency in Audio
The audiobook you submit to ACX must maintain overall consistency in sound and formatting. Consistency in audio levels, tone, noise level, spacing, and pronunciation is strictly required and will provide a pleasant listening experience. Drastic changes can be unpleasant and do not reflect professional production!
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Elimination of Foreign Sounds
Every file you upload must be free of foreign sounds such as "p" explosions (plosives), microphone clicks, mouse clicks, and so on. Foreign sounds can distract the listener.
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Opening and Closing Credits
Your audiobook must include opening and closing credits that match the cover of the title. They must at least include the name of the audiobook, the name(s) of the author(s), and the name(s) of the narrator(s), and at the end, at least the word "End."
A classic opening credit could be:
"Book Title," "Subtitle" (if applicable), "Written by...," "Narrated by...".While a classic closing includes what is expected for the opening credits, plus additional information about Copyright, Dedication, Acknowledgments, a brief Quote, and finally, an Author's Note.
During the credits, you are allowed to include music, provided it is mixed at a level that does not make the narration incomprehensible.
Recording and Audio File Preparation Services
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Professional Recording
For your audiobook, I offer the narration service with professional recording, equipped with an audio quality suitable for the most rigorous standards in my studio.
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Audio File Preparation
For authors who wish to narrate with their own voice, I provide the audio file processing service, but it is their responsibility to adhere to recording standards. Audio file preparation will meet all ACX requirements, ensuring compliance with all imposed standards.
ACX Specific Requirements
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Sample Audio for Sale
Your audiobook must include a sample audio for sale that lasts from one to five minutes. This sample should start with narration, not with opening credits or music.
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Single Section per File
Each file must contain a single section or chapter. Both opening and closing credits must be separate files.
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Maximum 5 Seconds of Silence
Each file must not contain more than 5 seconds of silence at the beginning and end.
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Section Header
Each file must include the section header if it is present in the manuscript (e.g., "Prologue," "Chapter 1," "Chapter 2").
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Measurement between -23dB and -18dB RMS
All files must fall within a specific volume range.
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Peak Values not exceeding -3dB
Avoid distortions by maintaining appropriate peak values.
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Noisefloor not exceeding -60dB RMS
Avoid noisy files that may distract listeners.
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Audio Format MP3 at 192kbps or higher 44.1kHz, Constant Bit Rate (CBR)
Ensure your audio files are in the correct format for publishing on ACX.
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Same Channel Format for all Files
Avoid mixing mono and stereo files. Either all mono or all stereo.
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Maximum Duration
Each file must not exceed 120 minutes.