Audiobook Production in Santa Fe
If you’re an author who wants to narrate your own book, Desert Heart Studio offers a straightforward audiobook production workflow in Santa Fe:
- You record your book in the studio
- I edit pickups and master each chapter
- I deliver clean files ready for ACX, and can optionally upload them for you.
This service is designed for self-publishing authors, memoirists, nonfiction writers, and local publishers who want a professional result without turning the process into a giant production. Before we upload anything, you’ll be able to listen to the finished files and request any needed corrections.
A practical workflow for author-narrated audiobooks
We’ll keep the recording process easy and streamlined for you. If you make a mistake, don’t worry — we’ll keep rolling, and you’ll just go back a sentence. I’ll mark the pickup and fix it in post.
After the session, I’ll edit the pickups, assemble the chapters, and smooth out the audio levels to get everything ready for ACX delivery.
What’s included
- In-studio audiobook recording in Santa Fe
- Engineering and light production support during the session
- Editing of marked pickups
- Chapter-by-chapter audio polishing and mastering
- ACX-ready file delivery
- Optional remote-directed sessions when an outside director or publisher needs to listen in
The goal is simple: Make the recording session comfortable, make post-production efficient, and give you files that are ready for your final review and upload.
Final review before ACX upload
I’ll do my best to catch problems as we record and edit, but you remain the final content approver before the audiobook is uploaded. Before we upload, you’ll want to do a careful final listen to catch any missed words, pickup mistakes, or chapter issues.
My role is to deliver technically solid, ACX-ready files. Your role is to give the final listen and sign off on the performance and wording.
Rates and estimating
Audiobook projects are estimated from two variables: the length of the manuscript and how smoothly the recording session goes. A common budgeting rule is that roughly 9,000 to 9,500 words equals about one finished hour of audiobook, which makes word count a useful starting point for estimating the likely final length.
For local author projects, I typically break pricing into:
- Studio recording time, billed hourly
- Post-production, billed per finished hour of final audiobook
That model is often easier and fairer than pretending every author reads at the same speed or makes the same number of mistakes.
Get a ballpark estimate
If you send your manuscript word count, I can usually give you a rough estimate for:
- Expected finished audiobook length
- Likely studio time range
- Post-production cost
- Total project range
That makes it easier to budget before booking studio time.
FAQ
How long does a typical project take?
Most author‑narrated projects take several recording sessions plus time for editing and mastering. Once we know your word count and schedule, I can give you a more specific timeline.
Can I bring my own director or coach?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring someone to help you. We can also set up remote‑directed sessions so your director or publisher can listen in and give notes as you record.
Do you only work with local authors?
Most of my audiobook clients are in Santa Fe or New Mexico, but if you’re able to travel here, we can absolutely talk.
Produce Your Audiobook at Desert Heart in Santa Fe
We’d like you to do your audiobook production right here, at Desert Heart. That would be a good idea, if you want the best quality, and would prefer a comfortable, friendly, and easy place to work. We’ll even offer you a warm beverage!