AI is everywhere. From cover design to copyediting, there’s a tech tool promising to save you time and money. So when it comes to audiobooks, it’s no surprise authors are curious about AI narration. It’s fast. It’s cheap. And hey, the robots are getting better, right?
Maybe. But before you click “buy” on that AI voiceover, here’s what you really need to know.
Listen Before You Leap
If AI narration is what you’re leaning toward, absolutely check it out. But listen to a full AI-narrated audiobook before committing. The pricing might make your wallet happy, but is your listening experience what you imagined for your story? Many authors are surprised at how flat and mechanical current AI narrators sound, even with the “emotion setting” dialed all the way up.
The truth is that for now, you don’t get much control over the final product—and the voice you pick might not hit the emotional beats or character voices the way a real narrator (or you, if you’re narrating yourself) would.
Listeners Want Connection
Audiobooks aren’t just about reading aloud. They’re about storytelling. Emotion. Timing. Character. Humanity. I know this because I’m trained in storytelling, theater, and voice. I’ve also narrated 120+ audiobooks for industry heavy-hitters like Audible, Brilliance, and Tantor. I even won an Earphones Award from AudioFile Magazine!
If you pop into the comments on #booktok, or scroll through Audible reviews, you’ll see words like “monotone,” “robotic,” and “boring” pop up under AI-narrated books. Listeners crave a connection with the voice in their ears. In fact, many follow their favorite narrators like they do authors. Narrators build solid fan bases, bring characters to life, and—most importantly—build trust with your audience.
That trust creates repeat listeners. Which, if you’re planning more than one book, is a very good thing.
You’ve Got Options
You don’t need to sound like Morgan Freeman to narrate your own audiobook, but if you’re going the DIY route, you do need the right tools and coaching to make it shine. That’s where a human-led production team comes in handy—they help you sound like your best self.
If you prefer to hire a narrator (and let’s be honest, some books are better off in someone else’s voice), there’s a massive community of skilled pros who specialize in exactly that. With a person in the booth, directors and engineers can give direction, request changes, and ensure the performance matches your vision.
AI Comes with Limits
Here’s the thing: Audible doesn’t accept AI-narrated audiobooks. I know that sounds crazy but it’s true. The only exception? Their own in-house AI voice. If you create your audiobook with another AI tool, you’re out of luck—you can’t list to your audiobook on Audible. And let’s face it, Audible still dominates the audiobook market.
So, if reach and visibility matter to you, AI could limit your distribution before you even hit “publish.”
If AI is your thing, no judgment. Just know what you’re getting—and what you might be giving up. Because your story deserves more than a robotic read-through. It deserves a voice that breathes life into every page.
