7 Best Tips for Audiobook Newbies & Virgins

When I found out that our book club co-founder, Mia, started her first audiobook, I compiled my best advice for her. Just before hitting send on my message, I realized that others could benefit. So for Mia & all the other audiobook newbies & virgins out there, here are my 7 best audiobook tips.

1. Great Narration is Critical

The narrator can make or break an audiobook. While I adore audiobooks, I hated them at first because I tried two books with bad narrators. One was a narrator with poor reviews & the other had great reviews, but just put me off. It’s critical that you look at the narrator reviews, but also listen to a sample to see if you personally like the narrator’s voice.

2. Some Novels are Better in Audio Form & Some Not

Though I prefer my novels in book form, a great audiobook can be even better than the book. Some of this has to do with the narration, but some of it has to do with personal preference. I’ve found that lots of action in an audiobook will hold my attention whereas a story with descriptive prose suits me more in book form. However, an extremely complex book whether it includes action or not doesn’t work well for me in audio format. Figure out what works best for you & also pay attention to reviews which note that the narrator or audio form makes the book better.

3. Mind Wandering often?

Early on, I thought it was normal for my mind to often wander while listening to an audiobook. Now, I know this is a sign that the audio form of that particular book doesn’t suit me even if I like the story or the author. That’s when it’s time to move onto a different audiobook such as one that’s action-packed.

In addition, I find that audiobooks don’t work for me unless I’m also doing something else like chores, commuting, or exercising. I can’t just sit there doing nothing & listen without my mind going elsewhere. But if I’m listening to a good audiobook combined with doing something else, together this works well for me.

4. Audiobooks Can Supplement, Replace, or Enrich books

People listen to audiobooks for different reasons & one method doesn’t fit all.

Supplement

Audiobooks are fantastic for when you can’t read books (e.g., doing chores, working out, etc.). They can enhance daily car rides with your kids & road trips with your friends. They can help you nod off listening to your favorite book using the app’s sleep timer. If you add narration to your Kindle books via WhisperSync, you can even switch seamlessly between reading & listening.

If you turn on an audiobook when you have a spare few minutes (e.g., waiting in line, brushing your teeth, etc.), it can make boring things fun & vastly increase the number of books you consume.

Replace

Some people find that audiobooks are easier & soon replace all of their regular reading. Others use them to get out of a book slump as you don’t have to do anything but listen.

Enrich

People often find that listening to the audio while reading helps them with comprehension & retention especially for self development & career advancement reads. Slow readers find that it speeds up their reading. Use Amazon Matchmaker to see which of the Kindle books that you already own can be upgraded with audio. 

5. Where to Find Audiobooks & Reviews

Your library is the best place to find free audiobooks that are fantastic. However, Audible is the ultimate place to find reviews even if you end up getting the audiobook from your library. Another option is to secure the free audiobook version from the available Kindle Unlimited books.

Note: You can snag free audiobooks from other sites, but oftentimes, the narration isn’t great or the audiobook has been pirated which means you’re stealing from the author.

6. Is Audible Worth It?

It depends. Borrowing audiobooks from your library is your best bet. (If your library doesn’t have a great audio selection or you don’t have a local library, check out our list of Libraries with Nonresident Borrowing Privileges.) However, even with access to two of the biggest libraries in the US, I still have signed up for Audible & here’s why:

  • Audible has the best selection of audiobooks.

  • If you don’t like the audiobook, you can exchange it for free.

  • Lots of promos such as regular 2 for 1 credit sales as well as à la carte sales.

  • Even with the basic package, you’ll get unlimited listening from the Audible Plus Catalog of select audiobooks & podcasts.

So go for it! Start by snagging a FREE Audible 30-day trial with two free audiobooks.

7. Audiobook Recommendations

To get you started on your audio journey, here’s what we recommend:

Happy listening!