How much does it cost to produce an audiobook?

Everyone’s favorite question.

The cost to produce is directly tied to your word count (NOT the number of pages). Here are some numbers for you, which assume that you are both the author and narrator and that you’ll need production (studio time) and post-production (editing and mastering):

A 100,000-word book will have a total run time (TRT) of about 11.15 hrs (average reading rate is about 9k words/hr)

Production/Recording time: 34 hours to record (an average of a 3:1 ratio of recording time to finished hours) at a studio rate of $120/hr = $4080

Post-Production: 11.15×150/pfh = $1672.50

Total for an author-narrator to record in-studio with post-production = $5752.50

If you decide to work with a professional narrator or don’t need time in the studio, these numbers will change.

I’ve created a quick and easy calculator to help you estimate the cost of your project. The calculator is just an estimate and should not be considered a final cost. Please contact us for a true estimate.

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How to use the audiobook Project Estimate Calculator:

Use this calculator to get a quick estimate for your audiobook project. Whether you already have recorded audio or are planning to record in our studio, this tool will give you a starting point based on your manuscript’s word count.

Post-production estimates include editing, mastering, and one QC round. In-studio recording is calculated using a standard 3:1 ratio for engineer-supported sessions.

Because every project is unique, final pricing may vary based on the manuscript, recording quality, number of POVs, and overall scope. Narrator costs are included as a separate planning number and are not part of Whole Story Studio services.

Audiobook Project Estimate

Use this calculator to get a ballpark estimate for your audiobook project based on your manuscript’s word count and the services you need.

1. What kind of project are you estimating?
Post-Production Only Full Project: In-Studio Recording + Post-Production 2. Estimated Word Count

In-studio recording is estimated using a 3:1 ratio (3 hours of studio time for every 1 finished hour), which is typical for engineer-supported punch-and-roll sessions.

Included in post-production: Editing, mastering, and 1 QC round

Include professional narrator planning estimate

This estimate is shown separately for budgeting purposes only and is not included in Whole Story Studio service pricing.

Calculate Estimate

Your Estimated Project Cost

Estimated Finished Hours:

Estimated Recording Hours:

Recording Estimate: $

Post-Production Estimate: $

Narrator Planning Estimate: $

Estimated Whole Story Studio Total: $

Estimated Total with Narrator Planning: $

Recording time is estimated using a 3:1 ratio. Projects with multiple POVs or performance-heavy narration may require additional time.

This calculator provides a starting estimate only. Final pricing may vary based on manuscript condition, recording quality, revisions, multiple POVs, and overall project scope.

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Now that you have an idea of what to expect, let’s chat more about your project. Contact me using the project query form below to get a custom quote and add your audiobook to our calendar!