Audiobook production requires more than just telling a good story. You also need to consider factors like sound design, narration technique, and voice quality. For instance, music and sound effects can enhance the narrative, delivering an immersive experience. Think of Audible’s “Sleeping Beauty,” which features original music by the London Symphony Orchestra.
If you’ve already chosen a narrator and recorded your story, move on to post-production. First, choose a high-resolution image, then use a photo editor to turn it into an audiobook cover. Adjust the contrast, brightness, and other elements, add the title and author name, and refine the layout until your vision comes to life.
Next, edit and fine-tune the audio to balance narration, music, and sound effects. This article will show you how to do it in a way that enhances the listening experience without distracting from the story.
Let’s dive in.
Do Audiobooks Really Need Background Music?
Music isn’t necessary for audiobooks, but in some cases, it can add depth and emotion. It all comes down to how you use it and the story you want to tell.
For example, sound effects can help set the tone, build tension, or signal a scene change, enhancing the listening experience. They’re particularly suitable for fantasy, horror, science fiction, and thriller audiobooks, but not so much for nonfiction, self-help, or educational titles.
Imagine listening to “The Lord of the Rings” with background music. The story would feel more real, and the characters would come alive, adding to the drama and emotion. You can almost see yourself walking through Middle-earth and witnessing epic battles.
But in a nonfiction audiobook, that same musical layer could feel out of place and distract from the narrative. Basically, it would compete with the content and shift attention away from the core message or even alter its perceived meaning.
But in a nonfiction audiobook, that same musical layer could feel out of place and distract from the narrative. Basically, it would compete with the content and shift attention away from the core message or even alter its perceived meaning.
However, whether an audiobook is “better” with or without music comes down to personal preferences. Even if you’re a nonfiction writer, you can still use music in the intro, at the start of a new chapter, or between certain plot points. Just make sure it complements the story without overpowering it.
How to Use Music and Sound Effects in Audiobooks
Nearly 40% of U.S. adults have listened to audiobooks in 2024. Globally, the number of listeners is expected to reach 1.8 billion by 2030. While these figures are good news for audiobook creators, they also signal a growing level of competition.
Having a well-rounded narrative isn’t enough to stand out from the crowd. You also need to create immersive experiences that draw readers in and set your stories apart. That’s one area where music and sound effects can help.
For instance, you may use ambient sounds to anchor the listener in a specific place or moment. An example would be distant thunder building tension before a dramatic reveal. Similarly, music can evoke emotions, heighten suspense, or bring energy to the story.
The challenge lies in balancing these elements. Try the tips below to create a multi-sensory storytelling experience through sound design.
- Use music to set the tone early
- Be intentional
- Highlight emotional peaks
- Create seamless transitions
- Build a sound library
- Test for clarity on multiple devices
Let’s go over these points so you know exactly what to do.
Use Music to Set the Tone Early
Start your audiobook with a brief music intro to set the tone. Keep it short—five to 10 seconds should be enough to draw the listener in and prepare them for what’s about to come.
Choose a piece that matches the story’s theme and mood. For example, a mystery novel might open with low, echoing synths and ambient noise to build tension. A romance book, on the other hand, could start with warm acoustic music.
If you’re a SciFi writer, use electronic beats, ambient synthscapes, analog synths, or classical music layered with digital textures. The goal is to prep your audience for the fictional universe they’re about to enter.
Be Intentional
Sound effects should have a clear purpose and serve the story, not steal it. Keep them brief, low in volume, and centered around key scenes.
For instance, music beds can enhance emotional moments, while ambient sounds help paint a vivid setting for listeners. You can also use foley sounds to highlight specific actions like the crunch of footsteps on gravel or the creak of a door.
Use music and sound effects sparingly to maximize their impact. Too much can be off-putting or confusing to listeners and dilute our story.
Highlight Emotional Peaks
Introduce soft music during pivotal scenes like reunions, deaths, or major achievements. Fade it in gently and then fade out once the emotional weight settles.
Say one of your characters recalls a traumatic experience from the past. A single violin swell can amplify the scene, heightening the drama. Let this sound fade beneath the narration so the character’s voice and emotions remain center stage.
Always choose music that reflects the pace and emotional energy of the scene. Think of faster beats for action, slower tempos for introspection, major keys for upbeat scenes, and minor keys for dark moments. This practice helps listeners stay in sync with what’s unfolding in the story and feel more connected to your characters.
Create Seamless Transitions
Use music to create seamless transitions between chapters or scenes. Stick to one theme throughout the story, but vary the tempo or other elements to reflect the mood of each chapter.
These cues help structure your story while setting the stage for each chapter. They can guide listeners through complex narratives, build anticipation, and keep tension alive between scenes.
Build a Sound Library
Experiment with different types of music and sound effects when creating an audiobook. Ideally, build a sound library to save time during production and have everything in one place.
Start by collecting high-quality music tracks, sound effects, and ambient recordings that fit your genre. Organize them by category, such as scene type (e.g., dramatic moments), tempo, and instrument, so you can easily find what you need.
Instead of scrambling to find “just the right sound” every time, you’ll have preselected options at your fingertips. This approach also allows you to create and use recurring musical themes for a more cohesive listening experience.
Remember to obtain the necessary licenses and permissions for the tracks in your library, even if you plan to adjust, remix, or layer them. Don’t assume that editing a track makes it yours.
Test for Clarity on Multiple Devices
Last but not least, play your audiobook mix on multiple devices, from phone speakers to car audio systems. Since some listeners may be using low-quality speakers or earbuds, a mix that sounds clear in the studio might come across as muddy on other devices.
It’s also a good idea to ask for feedback. Share a few chapters with your family, friends, or listeners to gauge their opinion. Ask specific questions like, “Did the music distract you,” “Could you understand everything clearly,” and “Were there any music loops that felt repetitive or unnecessary?”
For example, ambient ocean sounds might seem ideal for your travel memoir, but a listener may find them distracting. Based on their feedback, you may decide to fade the sound or cut it altogether.
Feeling overwhelmed? Sound design is an art, and you can’t expect to master it overnight. Perhaps it’s not your thing, or you prefer to focus on writing. In either case, consider reaching out to a professional. Alternatively, do what you can and ask a sound designer to handle the rest.
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