Customer Reviews

Words On Tape: How To Create Profitable Spoken Word Audio on Cassettes and CDs

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Judy Byers is a nationally known consultant to publishing companies. She has specialized in spoken-word audio since 1987. Prior to that she was a radio producer/commentator for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and worked for U.S. radio and television stations. She owns Audio Cassette Producers in Denver, Colorado. The audio-cassette market collects over $4 billion a year in sales, and Words on Tape is an invaluable, fact-filled resource for anyone who hopes to insert themselves in this market. This 230-page trade paperback has a table of contents, an index, and offers multiple appendices, including a comprehensive list of resources, fill-in forms for audio production, and templates to use for audio cassettes. The subjects covered in the main body of the text include the following (with each chapter providing its own particular list of resources): (1) the market for audio publishing; (2) what sells and steps in production; (3) planning your project; (4) copyrights, contracts and ISBN's; (5) budgeting your time and money; (6) scripts and narrators; (7) choosing the right packaging for your audio book; (8) how the production studio works and how much time it takes to record a tape in the studio; (9) what happens at the time of recording; (10) editing the audio tape; (11) duplication and labeling; (12) marketing and sales; (13) selling to bookstores and libraries; (14) information on CD's. This book is a fascinating, extremely practical guide for anyone who has ever wondered what would be involved in getting their words on tape, from self-publishers, to mainstream-published nonfiction writers, to companies offering business seminars. In addition, many authors who have published fiction through mainstream publishers have found that it is an excellent marketing and promotion method to tape their own audio how-to-write-fiction lectures and market them to would-be fiction writers and fans. You can't miss with this book. Highly recommended!

This book has everything a beginner could conceivable want and need to know about getting his/her words on audio cassettes and/or CDs. You learn about planning the project, budgeting, designing, scripting, packaging, recording, editing, duplicating, labeling, different modes of selling, and what the future may hold. It tells you what to do and what not to do and why.

What I particularly like is how Byers provides you with a flowchart of all that needs to be done and in what order then spends the rest of the book detailing the process in a logical, sequential, and step-by-step fashion. There are examples and illustrations galore to clarify her points. Also she provides appendices which are loaded with resources, fill-informs, and templates so that you have everything you need to actually start the process rolling. This book is a must-have for anyone considering putting her/his voice on tape.

Authors should spin off their books into audio products to wring maximum value out of their work. You will discover how easy it is to create and sell your own spoken-word audio tapes, CDs and downloads. Words on Tape guides you from initial planning through production to selling your new product. Judy Byers has been in the business since 1987. Prior to that she was a radio producer/commentator; she has a gorgeous voice. This is the only book on the subject and it is an outstanding step-by-step guide. DanPoynter@ParaPublishing.com

When my husband and I decided to expand our studio and include spoken word audio, it fell to me to research the market. I discovered Judy Byers excellent book which answered all my questions and then some. Judy covers everything about audio from demographics to packageing. Anyone considering the production of an audio tape needs to read this book.

I received the book on a Friday and could not put it down until I finished it on Monday; cover to cover. It was the most information on the audiobook industry that I have found in one place since I began my research 6 months ago. Actually, it contains more information than all the other resources I have been able to locate combined. I especially like the Resources Section at the end of each chapter. It is a wonderful reference for neophytes like myself. It clearly presented the publishing process as well as the obstacles that a start-up audio publisher will encounter. Although the focus seemed to be toward the self-publisher, it was still extremely informative for me as a future (hopefully!) publisher of fiction written by others.

Judy Byers has developed Audio Book 101 class. This is the place to start if you are looking to start your business or take it to the next level. She names names and phone numbers too! Guess what, the contacts will even take your calls. Good luck..

Judy Byers' WORDS ON TAPE is an invaluable resource for anyone attemping to enter the spoken word industry. At first reading most of her information seemed obvious, at least that's what I thought, being a "know it all". It was only after I got into production difficulties that I went back and started rereading. Her book clarified my thinking, saved me money and when I got to the manufacturing and distribution phase of my project I knew to pay careful attention. I would have been lost without Judy. She's got the dope, she knows who is who in the business and she spared me weeks if not months of wandering around lost in the wilderness.

M.D. Baer President/AUDIO MOVIES

I am in a group with over 4,000 people and frequently record tapes for my downline. These include many how to's on sponsoring, training, attitude etc.

Many people have suggested that I go national and offer these tapes to the masses. Judy Byers book was recommended to me as the resource to use.

The book is a little dated but still offers powerful information. I had a basic understanding on what to do before reading Byers book but came away with much information.

My only question is why Ms. Byers does not offer this program on audio?

I am creating an audio version of my book "Futures For Small Speculators". I didn't know where to turn and various engineers were charging prices that were all over the board.I didn't know where to begin, then I found Ms.Byers book. It was a God send. The language is plain and concise. The chapters are broken down in such a way that you immediately understand the logical progression of how to make a Spoken Word Audio Cassette or CD. I would recommend this book to anyone.

If there is one detraction, it is the fact that she doesn't go into too much depth on how you can create your own audio cd's from your computer. With technology developing as fast as it has, this is becoming more of a reality.

an excellent unique resource for developing and marketing your audiotape, lots of nuts and bolts how tos that I couldn't find anywhere else. From one who's been there myself I would highly recommend this. A real bargain!