Summary

Amazon KDP has introduced a new "Audible audiobook with virtual voice" beta program, allowing publishers to create AI-narrated audiobooks for Amazon and Audible platforms, with features for customizing the AI voiceover and setting pricing.

Abstract

Amazon's KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) service has launched a beta program enabling authors and publishers to produce AI-generated audiobooks through Audible. This initiative, a departure from the previous requirement for human voiceovers, provides a streamlined process from an author's KDP bookshelf. Publishers can select from eight AI voices, utilize tools to edit narration, and set pricing between $3.99 and$ 14.99 for standalone audiobooks, with an option for a fixed $1.99 eBook add-on price. The service also generates audiobook covers based on existing ebook covers, and audiobooks can be enrolled in Audible Plus through KDP Select.

Opinions

The author views the AI audiobook creation process as "ridiculously easy" and acknowledges the advancements in AI voice technology, noting that virtual voices are becoming increasingly realistic and human-like.
The move by Amazon to embrace AI audiobooks is seen as a response to Spotify's acceptance of Google Play's AI voiceover feature for audiobooks, indicating a competitive market response.
The author plans to experiment with the new tool in their publishing business to assess its impact on royalties, suggesting a positive outlook on the potential financial benefits for publishers and authors.
There is an open invitation for readers to engage in a discussion about the opportunities and drawbacks of Amazon's foray into AI voiceovers for audiobooks, implying a recognition of differing perspectives on this technological advancement.
The author expresses personal willingness to listen to audiobooks with AI-generated voices, indicating a level of trust and satisfaction in the current quality of AI narration.

AI Audiobooks Have Come to Amazon and Audible

A first look at the new KDP “AI audiobook” studio.

Historically, Amazon KDP’s sister companies ACX and Audible have refused to allow publishers to use AI voiceovers to create audiobooks.

Human voices have always been a submission requirement.

That has changed.

I recently got an email from Amazon KDP inviting me to test their new “Audible audiobook with virtual voice” beta program.

Basically, if you have an ebook published through Amazon KDP, you can create an audiobook version with Audible’s “virtual voice” feature right from your bookshelf.

I’m assuming this move is at least in part due to Spotify’s recent announcement that they will now accept audiobooks created with Google Play’s AI voiceover feature.

I recently wrote about that here.

How to Create AI Audiobooks (for Free) and Make Money on Google Play, Spotify & YouTube

Another easy income stream for publishers.

medium.com

First Look At KDP’s New “Virtual Audiobook Studio”

When I click to “add audiobook with virtual voice,” from my KDP bookshelf, I’m taken into the new audiobook creation studio, where I can pick an AI voice for my book.

Voices

Currently, there are eight options to choose from.

Cover

Right now there’s no option to upload a custom cover for the audiobook. Rather, KDP will generate a cover based on your current ebook cover.

KDP Select/Audible Plus

Since my ebook is enrolled in KDP Select, the audiobook will automatically be enrolled in Audible Plus.

Pricing

Interestingly, I am allowed to set the “standalone” purchase price for the audiobook on Amazon and Audible from $3.99 to $14.99. This is different from traditional ACX/Audible pricing, which is based on the length of the book.

However, the “eBook add-on” price is fixed at $1.99 for me with an $.80 royalty.

Virtual Voice Studio

Next, let’s peek inside the “Virtual Voice Studio.”

Here, you can listen to the virtual voice narration of each individual section and make edits.

There are tools for adding pauses, correcting pronunciation, and controlling voice speed.

To be honest, this looks almost identical to the Google Play audiobook creation studio.

Book title/text redacted by the author for IP protection.

Your changes are auto-saved.

Once you are satisfied with the virtual narration, return to the audiobook setup page and publish your virtual voice audiobook.

And that’s the entire process.

Ridiculously easy.

But Don’t AI Voices Sound Fake?

To be honest, virtual voiceovers have come a long way, and they’re getting better by the day.

PlayHT, another voiceover software I’ve tested, even includes human-sounding breaths between sentences.

Personally, I would listen to audiobooks created with these virtual voices, and I plan to experiment with this new tool in my publishing business in the coming weeks to see what impact it has on my royalties.

What do you think?

Do you see this as an opportunity for publishers and authors to reach a wider audience and earn more royalties?

Or do you disagree with Amazon’s move to enter the AI space?

Let’s chat in the comments.