The hottest Audiobooks Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics

Thoughts on Publishing a Novel in 2025

Counter Craft • 735 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
📚 Literature Audiobooks
  1. Traditional book coverage in newspapers and glossy magazines is shrinking, making it much harder for many books to get reviews in legacy media. At the same time, those old reviews are less central to selling books than they used to be.
  2. Newsletters, podcasts, and platforms like Substack are increasingly filling the gap left by legacy outlets and can drive attention in ways that matter for authors, though platforms can change unpredictably.
  3. Publishing is more fragmented across formats and platforms—audio, subscription boxes, BookTok, self-publishing, and more—so authors can succeed in different ways and should be nimble about charting their own paths.

Books are made out of books

Austin Kleon • 5335 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📚 Literature 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 Audiobooks
  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.

The Audiobook Is Out!

Injecting Freedom • 33 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
📚 Literature Audiobooks
  1. The audiobook Vaccines, Amen! is now available on Audible/Amazon.
  2. There are 25 free US and 25 free UK promo codes up for grabs — comment with your preferred marketplace to request one, and eligible readers will receive a private Substack message; codes are first come, first served.
  3. Readers are asked to leave quick, honest reviews and to share or post about the book, and a few trolls have already posted negative reviews.

About That Exercise

Story Club with George Saunders • 62 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
📚 Literature Audiobooks
  1. A book tour starts in a week with lots of interviews and in-person events that will include book signings, and there’s real excitement about meeting readers.
  2. The U.S. edition of the novel Vigil has arrived, and a special Los Angeles event will feature a conversation plus performances by actors who also read for the audiobook.
  3. Someone compiled a big list of readers’ favorite books from the year and was thanked for the effort, and the post’s content is presented for paid subscribers.
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Listening to audiobooks

Austin Kleon • 1738 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
📚 Literature Audiobooks
  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.

I'm giving away 100 notebooks + all my digital versions with the hardcover

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 63 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
📚 Literature Audiobooks
  1. Free physical notebooks are being given away for Black Friday — you just pay US shipping and a discount is applied at checkout.
  2. Buying the premium hardcover bundle includes all digital editions (PDF, EPUB, Kindle), audiobook codes or links, and other freebies if purchased before Christmas; email your receipt to get the files.
  3. This approach mixes price-tiered bundles and gift-giving as experiments in generosity and audience-building, and it comes with a curated list of recommended reads.

Recommendation: The Odyssey (Read by Ian McKellen)

Counter Craft • 663 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
📚 Literature Audiobooks
  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.

Book publishing's sonic boom

SHuSH, by Kenneth Whyte • 235 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Audiobooks
  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.

A 2025 Reading List For Unfocused Esoterics

Marginally Compelling • 13 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
📚 Literature Audiobooks
  1. Reading widely provided comfort and focus during a hard year, serving as both enjoyment and a way to explore new ideas and projects.
  2. A strong theme is human dignity and care — several books argue for recognizing dependence, treating animals and caregivers with respect, and designing homes and communities that support real human life.
  3. Many picks probe the social effects of technology and automation, from AI and game theory to universal basic income and software practices, and call for practical, humane responses to those changes.

Audio version of Reality is Breaking

Charles Eisenstein • 2 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
📚 Literature Audiobooks
  1. An audio version is provided to make the piece accessible to blind readers and to serve people who prefer listening.
  2. Reading is recommended because some paragraphs need time to digest and reading lets you pause and follow your own pace, while audio forces the narrator's timing.
  3. Subscribers are thanked and invited to consider switching to a paid subscription, and there's a brief personal note about having a bad cold.

This Is What It's Like to Record an Audiobook

The Analog Family • 99 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
📚 Literature Audiobooks
  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.

Free Audiobook and Analog September Announcement

From the Desk • 18 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
📚 Literature Audiobooks
  1. You can now get my self-published audiobook 'Under the Long White Cloud' for free on Apple and Google Books. It uses AI narrators, so there's no charge.
  2. Next month, I'm trying an 'Analog Month' where I will use less technology and more traditional methods, like reading physical books and using a paper calendar.
  3. If you want to join me in going analog for September, feel free to share your experiences. I'll include them in my October newsletter.

*Self-Help Is Like a Vaccine*: Audiobook and Podcasts

Bet On It • 30 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎙 Podcasts Audiobooks
  1. The audiobook version of 'Self-Help Is Like a Vaccine' is now available, which could be a great gift for others.
  2. A podcast discussing topics from the book includes tips on parenting and living without stress.
  3. There are interesting discussions comparing Stoic and Epicurean views included in the material related to the book.

Mirlo Music STORE

Mirlo Studio • 0 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Audiobooks
  1. Mirlo Music Editions offers exclusive products in their store, combining literature, illustrations, and music.
  2. Unique titles with music can only be found in the Mirlo Music STORE.
  3. Mirlo Studio is exploring Digital Collectibles (NFTs) and inviting readers to engage with their creations.