How long does it take to record an audiobook?
Recording an audiobook takes about 4 to 6.2 hours of work per finished hour, roughly 39 to 60 hours for a 90,000-word novel, before review and store approval.
Audible, ACX and their rules for narration.
Recording an audiobook takes about 4 to 6.2 hours of work per finished hour, roughly 39 to 60 hours for a 90,000-word novel, before review and store approval.
ACX is Audible's self-publishing service for audiobooks. You narrate or hire a narrator, then sell on Audible, Amazon and Apple Books. Its three deals compared.
Virtual voice is quick, but Amazon owns the audio file and pays a 40% royalty. To own your audio and keep your options open for a deal, produce it yourself.
As of October 2026, Spotify, Kobo and Google Play Books accept AI-narrated audiobooks with a disclosure. ACX, the route to Audible, still requires a human narrator.
Upload a chapter, give every character a voice, and listen. Free during early access, no credit card required.
Start free