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Audiobooks Made Easy by Derek Doepker: Course Review

Welcome to Audiobooks Made Easy by Derek Doepker - and my review of his course. if you are interested in narrating audiobooks from the comfort of your own home studio, then keep reading!

Inside this Audiobooks Made Easy course review, you'll see how self-published authors are bringing in extra money from their existing published regular book titles.

For many, it has been a money-making missing link - Let's solve that by narrating your own audiobooks using an affordable home studio setup.

If that's the case, this course called Audiobooks Made Easy by Derek Doepker may be just what you need to bring in a new revenue stream.

How to Set Up a Budget-Friendly Home Studio

Derek Doepker

Derek's comprehensive course guides you through setting up your own home recording studio on a budget and provides the important basics of producing a quality audiobook.

From low-cost tech solutions to best practices on microphones and audio editing, this course gives aspiring audiobook narrators a leg up in order to get their narration career off the ground when deciding to narrate for other authors.

Find out how easy it can be to create an amazing audiobook with Audiobooks Made Easy by Derek Doepker today!

My Home Studio Recording Setup

On a desktop computer, simply click on any of the images to see them bigger.
To exit the 'gallery,' click on the lower right-hand 'Close-X' button.
(If you're on your cell phone, simply hit the '<' back button to exit the gallery.)

Recording booth with "quilted" folding panel as a door!

The hanging overhead quilt on the right

Sound booth setup, hanging overhead quilt on the right

Recording booth with "quilted" folding panel as a door!

The hanging overhead quilt on the right

Sound booth setup, hanging overhead quilt on the right

Derek's system teaches novices and experienced audiobook producers alike the habits of successful authors and how to create high-quality, affordable audiobooks.

The course outlines a streamlined production process perfected over Derek's years of experience.

It taught me which cost-effective gear, software, and services I needed to have, and how to distribute an audiobook across platforms to reach new audiences in the audiobook market.

Where I Got My Stuff:

The headphones I use are LyxPro HAS-10

11%

LyxPro HAS-10 Closed Back Over Ear Professional Studio Monitor and Mixing Headphones,Music Listening,Piano,Sound Isolation, Lightweight and Flexible

$44.99

The microphone I use is an Audio-Technica ATR2011-US

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone

Desktop shock mount with non-slip feet

Dreokee Desktop Mic Stand, Microphone Stand Desk Tripod Stand with Shock Mount Portable Mic Holder and Double-Non-slip Feet Net Wind Screen Pop Filter for Instruments Voice Overs Recording Studio

For wall-sound absorption, I used these "peel and stick" gray acoustic panels (12" x 12") that come in a pack of 18

18 Pack Gray Acoustic Panels 12"X12"X 0.4" Soundproof Wall Panels Wall Decoration Sound Absorbing Panel High-Density Sound Deadening Panels Acoustic Treatment Panel For Home Studio

You can take them off the wall without peeling off the drywall facing, but be careful.

* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.

Click the BLUE LINK(S) to see the item(s) on Amazon

The headphones I use are LyxPro HAS-10

11%

LyxPro HAS-10 Closed Back Over Ear Professional Studio Monitor and Mixing Headphones,Music Listening,Piano,Sound Isolation, Lightweight and Flexible

$44.99

The microphone I use is an Audio-Technica ATR2011-US

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone

Desktop shock mount with non-slip feet

Dreokee Desktop Mic Stand, Microphone Stand Desk Tripod Stand with Shock Mount Portable Mic Holder and Double-Non-slip Feet Net Wind Screen Pop Filter for Instruments Voice Overs Recording Studio

For wall-sound absorption, I used these "peel and stick" gray acoustic panels (12" x 12") that come in a pack of 18

18 Pack Gray Acoustic Panels 12"X12"X 0.4" Soundproof Wall Panels Wall Decoration Sound Absorbing Panel High-Density Sound Deadening Panels Acoustic Treatment Panel For Home Studio

You can take them off the wall without peeling off the drywall facing, but be careful.

* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.

If You Don't Know Where to Start...

Audiobooks Made Easy by Derek Doepker Teaches You All You Need to Know!

Derek has created this comprehensive course so you'll know what specific gear you need and setting up recording sessions to editing the audio for optimal sound quality.

Now let's get inside this review and see if 'Audiobooks Made Easy by Derek Doepker' really lives up to its name!

Includes Professional Advice on Improving Performance and Engaging Listeners

Derek's course will help you set up your home recording studio for a fraction of the cost of traditional equipment.  He teaches you how to make sure you always deliver engaging, dynamic performances - whatever the genre or style of narration you need to do.

Overview of the Course Content and Structure

The Audiobooks Made Easy by Derek Doepker course walks you through setting up your recording studio using basic equipment - in a living room, bedroom - or even a clothes closet if you're short on space! Your digital output will be equal to professional recording studios when you follow Derek's tips.

You'll learn pro techniques of narrative delivery and be guided on how to record, edit, format, and distribute audiobooks. No matter what level of sound designing knowledge your small business possesses, Audiobooks Made Easy by Derek Doepker has something for beginning indie authors and best-selling authors too.

Audiobooks Made Easy by Derek Doepker has 10 modules that Take You From "Clueless" to "Done"

The course contains 10 modules that take you step-by-step through the entire process.

First, you'll be greeted by Derek and he'll get you started with the prep steps and a "heads up" that says when a question arises, it will no doubt be answered in the next video. So hang in there!

Wrapping up Derek's course are Additional Resources and Bonuses.

Use the Right Effects and Settings in Audacity

Without the correct settings in Audacity, you'll waste precious recording time trying to figure it all out by yourself. I never would have - I would have given up trying to get a perfect "take."

Do you know, this is the first course (of literally hundreds) I've taken over the years that I actually started and finished. It was enjoyable, understandable, and informational. I learned exactly what I needed to know to create audio files for an audiobook edition (and for a podcast episode).

With the knowledge gained from Audiobooks Made Easy by Derek Doepker, I knew which microphones, sound absorption, and good recording techniques to use. My first audiobook was titled Easy Food Dehydrating. I enjoyed the process so much, I created another audiobook: You Can Quit Drinking... If You Want To.

Audiobook Cover Design

Your audiobook "cover" must be a square .jpg - 2400x2400 pixels, and less than 5 MB. Resolution: 72 PPI and 24-bit color. Include the author's name and the title at a bare minimum.

If you do add a subtitle, make sure it matches what you've stated in the introduction. Derek goes over what to say in your introduction, too.

Benefits of the Course for Audiobook Narrators

Earn extra income: Record audiobooks for other authors!

Once you've got your own recording studio in order, you can offer your services to others.

If any questions arise while navigating through the course, Derek is more than happy to offer help and guidance.

Overall, this comprehensive course offers aspiring audiobook narrators a cost-effective way to get their foot in the door and start pursuing their passions.

What's the Difference Between Audible and ACX?

If you're looking to self-publish an audiobook, understanding the difference between Audible and ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is essential.

Both platforms are tied together (by Amazon) and offer professional audio recording services that allow authors to create high-quality audiobooks for a global audience.

You cannot set the price of your audiobook through ACX (Audible); they have a 'suggested retail price' based on the length of your final output file that you use to compute the sales price.

ACX is best for authors interested in making their audiobooks available on Audible, iTunes, and other major audiobook sellers. It's essentially a two-step process where authors submit their work to ACX for review.

ACX also provides an easy-to-use dashboard that simplifies the entire audiobook creation process, including royalty tracking and payments.

An Important TIP from Me:

My tip: Use the ACX function on their website that allows you to upload a chapter so you can see if it passes their 'audio test.'

There is no point in uploading a full audiobook of thirty or more chapters, only to have your entire audiobook be rejected for a few audio issues that occurred in one chapter, for instance.

After each and every narrated chapter, I ran my audio file through ACX to make sure it passed the test and then uploaded it to the audiobook 'compiler' area inside ACX. They will let you know what you need to adjust. For instance, at times I was 'too loud' so I adjusted the output per Derek's suggested tweaks.

Bringing your Audiobook to Market

With Derek's course, you'll gain an understanding of what it takes to bring your own audiobook to market. Many authors fail to take advantage of turning their eBook or print book into an audiobook. They tend to think you would need expensive studio equipment. The most interesting point of resistance is they don't think their own voice is good enough. Well, think again!

This is an overall two-thumbs-up positive review of Derek's course. I learned an awful lot from it. It gave me the courage to start a podcast too! With the tips and techniques learned in this course, I was able to output audio files without background noise and hiss.

It's also a good idea to invest in a headset with nice soft cushiony earpads. They are vital for hearing your audio track as every little background noise will be heard when wearing headphones. (Plus they make you look tech-savvy!)

The Audiobooks Made Easy by Derek Doepker course provides tips, strategies, and resources for creating and launching an audiobook.

Get Derek's course here.

Yes, it's my affiliate link, and I thank you very much for your support.

Susan Gast created ePubTechReviews.com to provide insight and inspiration (and product reviews!) to indie publishers and video creators. Having been in this industry since 1980 in one form or another, Susan has lots of wisdom to impart from her own trials and tribulations over the decades.

She is featured in the Mother Earth News blog, and on Solo Build It! (SBI!) who hosts this site. Read her first SBI! interview and her second SBI! interview. Susan runs an additional SBI! website: Easy Food Dehydrating. She also runs her namesake site SusanGast.com on Solo Build It! which showcases the books she has written since 2012.

Want to send Susan a quick message? Visit her contact page here. She'd love to hear from you!

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Derek's course saved the day...

Saves hours and hours of retakes...