MAY 2023 News Roundup
This month’s news is all over the place, for example the article in which audiobook narrators foretell the impact of AI was found on 24 media outlets! But the subjects are all over the place too; the effects of the audiobook boom on the way writers write, cutting fees for creators, the neuroscience of listening, generational appeal of audiobooks in the Arab Region, the Indian Market gearing up for AI, an uplifting new audiobook of Mary Oliver’s life and works, and, just to prove once and for all that audiobooks are all over the place, read about audiobooks on the bus and at the gas station.
The Work of the Audiobook
LARB praises several examples of ‘writing for the ear’. They give high praise for celebrated narrator Julia Whelan, whose 2022 novel Thank You for Listening represents “the most substantial exploration of the audiobook world to date.” Julia Whelan writes in the afterword: “I wanted to give the professional, working-class, yeoman narrator their due.” [Source: lareviewofbooks.org]
Spotify’s audiobook creation service will cut fees
Spotify-owned audiobooks seller, Findaway, will no longer take a 20 percent cut of royalties for titles sold on its DIY Voices platform. [Source: theverge.com]
Unleashing The Power Of Sound: How Podcasts And Audiobooks Affect Us
Spotify recently conducted research with Neuroscience academics at University College London to better understand the effects of music and audio on all of us. [Source: trillmag.com]
World of make believe requires unbelievable work
For people who might want to give audiobook narration a try, Jeff Lemucchi and other experienced narrators offer some advice. [Source: bakersfield.com]
FEED YOUR EARPODS
A New Mary Oliver Audiobook Reminds Us to Embrace Life’s Joys, Even in Dark Times
‘Wild and Precious’ is a memorial to the beloved American poet and a celebration of her work. [Source: outsideonline.com]
BEYOND ENGLISH LANGUAGE
UAE: Audiobooks will never replace printed books: experts at SCRF 2023
Panel members at the 14th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival discuss the benefits of the emerging generational appeal of audiobooks in the Arab region. [Source: sharjah24.ae]
INDIA: The Indian publishing industry is gearing up for AI audiobooks
As the bookselling industry explores the possibilities of AI audiobooks, publishers are ready to push ahead — but voice actors and readers hesitate. [Source: thehindu.com]
Startups & new offerings
Boston Rolls Out Free Digital Libraries at Some Bus Stops
Offerings are primarily in English and Spanish with a focus on items that are easy to read on the go, including poetry, short stories and short audiobooks, as well as a selection of bestsellers and titles for children and teens. [Source: nbcboston.com]
A.I.
AudioBook Narrators Say AI Is Already Taking Away Business
As people brace for the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and everyday living, those in the world of audio books say their field is already being transformed. [Source: barrons.com]
scrolling INSTA…
Crushing some 50 Shades audiobook at the gas station #50shadesofgrey [Source: instagram.com]