In this podcast, Alexa and Mary Catherine discuss:

• Mary Catherine’s book-first origin story and why love for stories drives better production choices
• What truly drives audiobook cost (6–7 production hours per finished hour) and practical budgeting
• Whether authors should narrate (nonfiction/memoir often yes; fiction usually a pro)
• Recording options: in-studio retreat in Vermont, partner studios near you, or last-resort home setups
• Distribution strategy: exclusive (Amazon/Audible) vs. wide (e.g., Author’s Republic, Findaway) and how that affects library access
• Library sales: why “available” ≠ “ordered” and the marketing authors still need to do
• ACX royalty share pros/cons (and the seven-year exclusivity)
• AI narration: where it fits (accessibility/low-budget nonfiction), clear limitations, and ethics
• Making your audiobook a marketing asset: audiograms, behind-the-scenes, chapter teasers, bundle/discount tactics
• Practical tip: enable the ebook → audiobook “add-on” discount to boost attach rates
  
  

Key Quotes

• “It takes six to seven human hours to create one listening hour—and that’s before the emails.”
• “Nonfiction and memoir often shine in the author’s own voice; fiction usually needs a trained narrator.”
• “If libraries are part of your plan, don’t go exclusive with Audible.”
• “Make your audiobook a marketing asset—clips, audiograms, and behind-the-scenes go a long way.”
• “Availability in library systems doesn’t mean orders. You still have to market.”