Virtual Classroom

Getting Started with Audiobooks

This one-day course covers all aspects of producing an audiobook.
DATE

7 & 10 July 2026

TIME

9.00am–12.30pm

FORMAT

Virtual classroom via Zoom

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Completion certificate

PRICE

£375 + VAT

Why should I take this course?

This one-day course covers all aspects of producing an audiobook.
In the last 10 years, the UK audiobook market has tripled in size, growing to become an important format in its own right. Audiobooks were worth £268 million in revenue to UK publishing in 2024, the highest figure ever, and a 31% increase on the previous year. They represent 1 in 10 books bought in the UK, and the market is expanding, with both new and existing customers embracing the format.

This course is designed for the 80% of UK publishers who have yet to publish in audiobook format, and those who may have published one or two audiobooks and want to expand and increase their output, at scale. If you are thinking about producing audiobooks, but don’t know where to start, then this is the course for you.
Benefits

Control how you learn & progress

Who is it for?

Anyone who is considering producing an audiobook and wants to find out how to do it, and what they need to know. Those who have published one or more audiobooks but want to grow their output and want to learn how. This includes: 
  • business development executives
  • commissioning editors
  • editorial assistants, assistant editors, editors
  • freelancers
  • production staff
  • publishers
  • publishing directors.

Learning outcomes

On completing this course you’ll be able to:
  • understand what you need to set up and start an audiobooks list
  • create a plan to guide you step by step in producing an audiobook
  • consider which titles are suitable and how you can exploit audio rights
  • be able to advocate for producing audiobooks within your organisation
  • know the financial aspects and implications of producing audiobooks.

Programme

Day 1

Introduction to audio markets and trends

  • UK and key global market landscape
  • Listening behaviours and demographic insights

Distribution channels and pricing
  • Retail landscape: the major players
  • Trade distribution models: subscription and à la carte
  • Library distribution models


Audio rights and acquisition

  • How to evaluate audio potential at acquisition
  • What are audio rights?
  • What to pay attention to in contracts
  • Sublicensing
  • How to make the most of your audio rights

Day 2

Production and distribution options and economics

  • End-to-end production and distribution services
  • Doing it yourself and what to consider

Cost structures and production planning
  • Cost components
  • Scheduling and timing
  • Mitigating risks
  • AI narration


Casting processes and working with narrators

Audiobook production workflow 
  • Pre-production planning
  • Production process
  • Post-production and quality control, including AI tools

Distribution
  • Content and metadata files best practice
  • Global distribution partners and aggregators
Details

What you need to know

Delivery

The course consists of 2 sessions on 2 different days, each lasting 3½ hours including a 30-minute break.

You will need to bring some information to the course – details will be sent beforehand via email.

Zoom

To join the course, you will need access to a computer, tablet or laptop with a camera and microphone. The course will be delivered via Zoom Pro with attendant security levels. You will need to activate a free Zoom account to join the course. This takes two minutes and does not require any payment. It is purely for administrative purposes.

Certificate

Upon completing the course you will receive a completion certificate from the Institute of Publishing.

Accessibility

Please contact us with any accessibility or special requirements, for example having in-session captions or the learning materials sent to you in advance.

In-company

This course is available for in-company training, either virtually or in person at your office. Course content is tailored to suit your requirements. Group sizes range from 5 to 12 attendees. To find out more, email us or call +44 (0)20 8874 2718.

About the trainer

Laura Makela

Trainer
ABOUT LAURA MAKELA
Laura Makela is Head of Audio at Bonnier Books UK and has worked in audiobook publishing for 10 years. Joining Bonnier Books UK in 2018 to help build a dedicated audio team, Laura has worked on award-winning audiobooks across every genre and oversees the production of over 300 audiobooks a year. Laura was a 2023 Bookseller Rising Star.