Lessons from recording an audiobook

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Behind the Scenes of Recording My Audiobooks

Lessons in focus, trust and doing things properly

Hello and welcome, today I’m taking you behind the mic.

This is a bit of a different one. I want to share what it’s really like to record an audiobook, because I’ve now had the experience of recording two, and let me tell you, it’s not what you think.

This isn’t just about books.

This is about energy, timing, trust, and learning how to fully show up for something that matters.

From Podcast to Audiobook (They Are NOT the Same)

People often assume that because I host a podcast, recording an audiobook would be easy.

I talk for a living. I don’t script. I don’t plan. I just… speak.

But reading?

Completely different.

With an audiobook, you have to read exactly what’s written.
You need the right tone, pacing, expression, and if you stumble, you stop, go back, and do it again.

Sometimes you don’t even get through a full sentence before resetting.

It’s precise. It’s focused. It’s intense.

And honestly? It was one of the most mentally exhausting things I’ve ever done.

A Different Kind of Tired

I remember finishing my first few days in the studio and thinking:

“What is this level of exhaustion?”

It wasn’t like being busy.
It wasn’t like being overwhelmed.

It was this deep, focused fatigue from being completely present, word by word, line by line.

And yet… there was something magical about it.

For the first time in a long time, I was doing one thing.
Not ten things. Not multitasking.

Just one.

Timing, Energy & Real Life

One of the biggest lessons came before I even recorded.

After my first book, The Art of Bleisure, I wanted to jump straight into the audiobook.

But I couldn’t.

I was navigating grief.
I had just lost my nephew.
I had a book launch, business, life, motherhood…

And someone gently said to me:
“You just don’t have the energy for it right now.”

They were right.

And that was a powerful reminder that:

  • Just because you want to do something, doesn’t mean it’s the right time
  • Energy matters just as much as strategy

When I finally recorded it, I could give it my full presence and it made all the difference.

The Investment (And the Reality)

Let’s talk numbers, because I always keep it real.

Each audiobook cost me around $6,000 to produce.

That includes:

  • Studio time
  • Producer
  • Audio engineer
  • Editing
  • Distribution

It’s a big upfront investment.

But unlike printed books (where you keep paying to print more), audiobooks are a one-time cost.

After that, it lives out in the world.

And yes… my first royalties?

$11.84

And I was THRILLED.

Because it meant:

  • Someone listened
  • It worked
  • It’s out there

And over time? That builds.

Why I Chose Professionals (And Why It Matters)

Could I have recorded it myself?

Technically, yes.

But I’ve seen people:

  • Record at home
  • Upload everything themselves
  • Get rejected by platforms like Audible
  • Have to redo the entire process

That wasn’t the path for me.

Working with professionals meant:

  • Better quality
  • Less stress
  • A smoother process
  • A final product I’m proud of

And most importantly?

I got to trust the process.

Trusting the Team

This was one of the biggest lessons.

Walking into the studio, everything was ready:

  • Water set up
  • Sound perfect
  • Guidance from the director
  • Support every step of the way

All I had to do was show up… and read.

And that feeling?

Incredible.

It reminded me that I don’t have to do everything alone.

There are people who are brilliant at what they do—and letting them do their job elevates everything.

 Bringing A Life of Magic to Life

a life of magic

My second audiobook was even more special.

A Life of Magic is my cousin Bill’s story—16 years in the making.

This time:

  • I narrated about 20%
  • A professional narrator (the incredible Tyler Coppin) voiced Bill
  • We blended storytelling, voice, and emotion

Hearing it come together?

It honestly made me emotional.

Because it wasn’t just a book anymore.

It was an experience.

The Biggest Lessons I’m Taking With Me

This process gave me so much more than an audiobook.

It gave me clarity.

Here’s what I’m carrying forward:

1. Do one thing well
 Stop splitting your energy. Focus fully.

2. Honour your capacity
 Timing matters. Energy matters.

3. Invest in quality
 Do it properly once, instead of fixing it later.

4. Trust the right people
 You don’t have to do everything alone.

5. Create for the long term
 This work will live on far beyond today.

Recording these audiobooks stretched me, challenged me, and reminded me what it feels like to truly show up.

Not half-in.
Not distracted.
Not rushed.

But fully present.

And in a world where we’re constantly juggling everything…

That might be the most powerful lesson of all.

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