The Power of Audiobooks: Expanding Reach, Enhancing Engagement

Recently, it seems the question “Do you offer audiobook production?” has been coming up more and more with Inspira authors. I think this question reflects people’s felt sense that, more and more, today’s readers are engaging with books via audio versus print form—or, in addition to print form.

While the traditional paperback and hardcover books remain a classic, a new dimension of reading has opened up in the form of audiobooks and their popularity has skyrocketed in recent years.. With the advent of digital platforms and smart devices, audiobooks can be accessed and enjoyed anywhere and anytime, making them a favorite among busy readers who can listen while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores.

According to a survey conducted by Edison Research, the number of Americans listening to audiobooks has nearly doubled since 2014. This growth is a testament to the increasing acceptance and popularity of audiobooks.

Understanding the Different Types of Readers

I’ve heard many people who have not historically considered themselves “avid readers” espouse new enthusiasm for books because of the availability of audiobooks. I believe this is because audiobooks are especially a boon to auditory learners.

Each of us possesses a unique learning style. While some readers are visual learners, absorbing information best through written text, others are auditory learners, finding comprehension easier through spoken words. For this reason, audiobooks have become an essential tool in catering to a more diverse spectrum of readers. They allow individuals who prefer auditory learning to engage with literature just as effectively as their visually inclined counterparts.

With the help of narrators who infuse emotion and character into their readings, audiobooks can breathe life into the text, enhancing the reader's experience. This immersive quality makes audiobooks an excellent tool for drawing in readers who may find traditional reading tedious or unengaging. 

A recent study by the Audio Publishers Association discovered that the average listener consumes about eight audiobooks per year. If many of these readers were not previously reading print books, that is indicative of a huge, previously untapped market!

A Good Marketing Decision for Authors

From a business perspective, creating an audio version of a book can be a prudent marketing decision, allowing authors to tap into a wider audience and helping them stand out in the saturated market of print and digital books. 

According to the Audio Publishers Association, the sales revenue of the audiobook industry in the United States alone reached $1.3 billion in 2019, marking a 16% increase from the previous year. By 2023, that number had reached 6.83 billion and is expected to expand by26.2% from 2024 to 2030, according to Grandview Research. Wow! That is exponential growth—further indicating the rising demand for audiobooks and the potential financial benefits they can bring to authors.

We agree that this technology looks like a promising option for authors who are looking to maximize ways to get there book out to the world. Would your book benefit from an audio version? Maybe so!

Now, Inspira is pleased to announce the addition of audiobook production to our menu of services. Contact us today for a free consultation to discover if an audiobook is right for your book!