The hottest Audiobooks Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Education Topics

Books are made out of books

Austin Kleon • 5335 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading Writing Audiobooks
  1. Books are often inspired by other books and authors, creating a blend of ideas. For example, Cormac McCarthy's work is a mix of classic literary influences.
  2. Good editors are essential for great writing, as they guide authors and improve stories. A famous editor once advised a writer to make readers 'turn the page' to keep them engaged.
  3. Listening to audiobooks can be fun and brings stories to life in new ways. For instance, an audiobook version of 'Don Quixote' can be really enjoyable, especially with a great narrator.

A big number

Austin Kleon • 4196 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Translations Audiobooks Reading
  1. The book 'Steal Like an Artist' has sold over a million copies, showing how much people love its message. It's amazing to see such a huge number.
  2. Reading short books after finishing a big one can feel refreshing. They can be powerful and enjoyable, even if they're under 200 pages.
  3. Sometimes, it's fun to explore different topics in books or articles that interest you. Whether it's science or art, there's always something new to learn about.

Recommendation: The Odyssey (Read by Ian McKellen)

Counter Craft • 663 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
📚 Literature Classic literature Book recommendations Poetry Audiobooks Cultural Discourse
  1. The Odyssey is an important piece of literature that many people surprisingly haven't read or heard of. It's essential to explore these classics because they still hold relevance today.
  2. Listening to The Odyssey as an audiobook can enhance the experience, especially with a talented narrator like Ian McKellen. The oral tradition of the poem makes it well-suited for this format.
  3. The structure of The Odyssey, which includes stories within stories, is different from modern storytelling norms. This unique format offers a refreshing take that can inspire new ways to write.

Listening to audiobooks

Austin Kleon • 1738 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
📚 Literature Books Audiobooks Reading Authors Narration
  1. Audiobooks are easy to access through apps like Libby and Hoopla, making it simple to enjoy books while doing other activities like walking or cleaning.
  2. Finding the right audiobook can be tricky because you need to enjoy both the story and the narrator's voice, which can really affect your experience.
  3. Recording audiobooks can help you connect more deeply with the text, just like reading out loud can give you a different perspective on a story.

Book publishing's sonic boom

SHuSH, by Kenneth Whyte • 235 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Audiobooks Publishing Authors Industry Sales
  1. Audiobooks continue to experience significant growth, representing a considerable portion of book sales.
  2. Audible, owned by Amazon, remains dominant in the audiobook market, with a large lead over competitors like Spotify and Apple.
  3. The audiobook industry is crowded, with various retail platforms and production houses vying for content and market share.
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This Is What It's Like to Record an Audiobook

The Analog Family • 99 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
📚 Literature Audiobooks Publishing Writing Editing Narration
  1. Recording an audiobook requires a lot of focus and patience. You have to read the book line by line and sometimes redo parts if you make mistakes.
  2. Unexpected distractions like stomach noises can be a real problem in the studio. It's important to stay hydrated, and applesauce can actually help soothe your throat!
  3. After finishing the reading, the feedback can be really positive, which is great motivation. It's exciting to think about how your voice can bring your book to a wider audience.