Audiobook Publishing
Transform your written work into professional audiobooks and reach a wider audience with PortableVoices’ complete audiobook publishing services.
Why Publish Audiobooks?
Audiobooks are the fastest growing segment in digital publishing. Reach new audiences and maximize your book's potential with professional audio production.
Why Self Publish with PortableVoices?
Self-publishing puts you in the driver’s seat of your literary career. At PortableVoices, we empower African authors with the tools, resources, and support needed to publish professionally without the traditional gatekeepers.
Our self-publishing platform is designed specifically for the African market, with local payment options, distribution channels that reach African readers, and marketing strategies tailored to the continent’s unique literary landscape.
Whether you’re publishing your first book or your tenth, our team is here to provide the technical assistance and creative guidance you need while ensuring you maintain 100% ownership and control of your work.
Services Included
Editing Services
Professional editing to ensure your manuscript is polished and error-free:
- Developmental Editing
- Copy Editing
- Proofreading
- Sensitivity Reading
Design Services
Eye-catching design elements that help your book stand out:
- Professional Cover Design
- Interior Layout & Formatting
- eBook Conversion
- Custom Illustrations
Distribution
Get your book into the hands of readers across Africa and beyond:
- African Bookstore Distribution
- Global eBook & Audiobook Distribution
- Print-on-Demand Services
- PortableVoices Platform Listing
Marketing Support
Tools and strategies to promote your book effectively:
- Author Website Setup
- Social Media Marketing
- Press Release Writing
- Book Launch Planning
ISBN & Copyright
Essential publishing details taken care of:
- ISBN Assignment
- Copyright Registration Assistance
- Legal Deposit to Libraries
- Barcode Generation
Author Support
Guidance throughout your self-publishing journey:
- Dedicated Publishing Consultant
- Author Community Access
- Online Publishing Dashboard
- Publishing Workshops & Webinars
Our Audiobook Publishing Process
We handle every aspect of audiobook production, from manuscript review to global distribution.
Recently Published Audiobooks
Click on Cover to Listen to Sample
Audiobook Publishing Packages
Standard
Ksh. 15,000
/ finished hour
Services Included:
- Self narration by the author
- Basic editing & mastering
- Distribution to major platforms
- Basic cover art adaptation
- 50/50 royalty split
- Author Website
Premium
Ksh. 25,000
/ finished hour
Services Included:
- Single professional narrator
- Advanced editing & mastering
- Sound effects & music
- Custom audiobook cover design
- Marketing assistance
- 60/40 royalty split in your favor
- Author Website
Platinum
Ksh. 40,000
/ finished hour
Services Included:
- Full cast production option
- Premium sound design
- Original music composition
- Custom audiobook cover design
- Custom Marketing campaign
- 70/30 royalty split in your favor
- Author Website
Ready to Convert your Book?
Join our community of African authors and bring your story to life with our author-focused self-publishing platform.
WANT TO PRODUCE AN AUDIOBOOK?
Contact us today to discuss how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to produce an audiobook?
The timeline depends on the length and complexity of your book. Generally, for a standard book (70,000-90,000 words), the process takes 6-10 weeks from manuscript submission to final delivery.
2. How is the length of an audiobook estimated?
Audiobook length is typically estimated based on word count.
1 hour of finished audio ≈ 9,000 to 9,400 words.
To calculate your estimated audiobook duration:
Total Word Count ÷ 9,300 = Approximate Hours of Audio
For example, a 55,000-word manuscript = ~5.9 hours.
3. How much does it cost to produce an audiobook?
Costs vary depending on:
Length of the book (based on finished hours)
Narrator experience
Production needs (editing, mastering, music)
Typical prices range from KES 15,000 – KES 40,000 per finished hour, but we provide custom quotes after evaluating your project.
4. Do you provide professional narrators or can I narrate my own book?
Both options are available!
You can select from our certified narrators (including African languages & accents)
Or narrate it yourself. We offer coaching, studio booking, or remote recording support for authors who want to be the voice of their own story.
5. Can you produce audiobooks in African languages?
Yes! PortableVoices specializes in multilingual African content. We have narrators fluent in Kiswahili, Luganda, Yoruba, Igbo, Kikuyu, Kamba, Amharic, and more.
6. What formats will my audiobook be available in?
We deliver your audiobook in industry-standard formats, including MP3, M4B, and WAV files. These formats are compatible with all major audiobook platforms and listening devices.
7. Which platforms will distribute my audiobook?
We distribute to all major audiobook platforms including Audible, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, OverDrive, and our own PortableVoices platform with focused distribution in East African markets.
8. How are royalties calculated and paid?
Royalty splits vary by package. We provide transparent monthly reports and payments are made via M-PESA or bank transfer. Our standard agreements include royalty percentages of sales across all platforms.
9. Do I retain the rights to my audiobook?
Yes. As part of our creator-first policy, you maintain full ownership of your intellectual property. We operate on a work-for-hire or partnership basis depending on your preference. Distribution agreements are discussed separately with clear terms.
10. How do I get started with audiobook production at PortableVoices?
To start, simply fill out our Audiobook Production Inquiry Form or email us your manuscript and goals. Our team will review your project and schedule a discovery call to discuss scope, narration options, formats, and pricing.