The Story Behind It

My first audiobook was a disaster...

I sat down to read the audiobook, and the experience was wonderfully horrific. Here's why: 

😳 I tried to read at the oddest times (between the kids’ naps)

😳 I found myself consistently interrupted (because of when & where I tried to read)

😳 I continued making mistakes and finding myself needing to re-record.

Furthermore, I was never happy with the way I sounded.

The second time, I got a bit better, but didn't "qualify."

Years later, I decided to take another shot at reading the books myself— it was during a season we cranked out one new "short book" (@ 100-150 pages) each month for a year. By then, I was more comfortable with my voice, I’d been writing and speaking with greater frequency, and the time behind the podcast mic had acquainted me with the nuances of speaking for a non-live audience.

(Trust me, it’s a different game than talking in front of a crowd.)

I read through my entire Healthy Hustle book one evening, listened back, and thought I heard a few hums of my fridge in the background.

A few more listens through confirmed... my "zero sound" room wasn't.

The third shot, I heard a pro to record it.

“Out-source the tech,” I said to myself. Early the next morning I was on the phone with a local studio, setting an appointment to go read the book. It went smoothly. 

And it worked well.

But... 

When it came time to reading the four LifeLift audiobooks, I decided I wanted to change-it-up.  When you read in the studio— and for Amazon / Audible / ACX— they want you to just read the book. 

“Stay with the words on the page,” they say. “No commentary.”

That rule makes sense. After all, an audiobook is— or should be— a hear-able version of the see-able book. Someone listening to the audiobook should be able to hold the printed book in their hand and follow along.

On my own...

I decided to read my LifeLift books— all four of them— and take license to add commentary and color to them. Yes, I read the book, but I also explained my graphics. I referenced some of the footnotes. I provided extra details— insights shared alone between me and the listener— that don’t exist in the printed book.

I like it better this way...

💥 I’m able to express my personality.

💥 I can connect with the reader.

💥 I’m more… me.

💥 And I can do "more" of a job, not less.

I talk all about it in the video above, which is part of the Amplify training.

Got something to say and want to say it louder, such that people hear it?

You don't have to push through alone.

The Amplify framework provides you with extensive training on how to transition your message from idea (or paper) into books, courses, coaching, membership groups, and more.

Connect with us here, or-- if you're ready-- jump into one of the programs below and let's get to work together.

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