Thinkingdog Publishing

You ever listen to Audiobooks? I sure have - while walking the dog, folding laundry..... We are all super busy - and audiobooks are quickly becoming a cornerstone of the literary market. For authors—fiction writers included—embracing this medium is no longer optional; it’s essential. Here’s why audiobooks matter and why you, as the author, should consider narrating your own work. Why Audiobooks Are Vital 1. Expanded Audience Reach Audiobooks attract readers who may not have time to sit down with a physical book. Commuters, gym-goers, and multitaskers love the convenience of listening while on the go. By offering your book in audio format, you tap into an entirely new demographic. 2. Enhanced Reader Engagement Hearing a story creates an intimate connection with the audience. For fiction authors, this means readers can experience your characters’ emotions, voices, and nuances in a way that’s truly immersive. 3. Market Growth Potential The audiobook market is booming, with global sales...

As an indie author, you’ve likely been through the rollercoaster of writing your manuscript. There are moments of inspiration and creativity, followed by hours spent on editing, rewriting, and perfecting each sentence. But before you dive headfirst into the next stage of the process—editing—there’s one crucial question you need to ask yourself: Is your book truly finished? It’s an essential question that every writer, whether they’re indie or traditionally published, needs to answer honestly. But what if you’re not sure? What if your manuscript still feels incomplete or rough around the edges? Don’t panic—you’re not alone, and this feeling is part of the process. The truth is, many authors face this uncertainty. Even after months (or years) of work, the question of whether the book is truly “finished” can feel daunting. The good news is, if you’re not sure, there’s a solution: this is the perfect time to reach out for support from a book coach or a writing group. How to Tell if...

I want to create an Audiobook - should I?  Ever since the release of book one in the "Cannabis Preacher" series of thrillers, that question has been on my mind.  The "Cannabis Preacher" books were quite long. To produce an audiobook from each of the four, including voice actors and audio production with a turn key service, I was looking at around $15,000 per book. Financially, that was a non-starter for me at the time. That amount represented a LOT of books and audiobooks to sell to recover the investment, and I shelved my plan again.  With the popularity of the "Magical Papillon" cozy mystery series, I found myself coming back to the growing popularity of audiobooks. I knew that audiobooks could reach a wider audience and catered to busy readers who prefer listening while multitasking. The idea of bringing my characters to life through narration excited me, as it offered a new dimension to my storytelling.  The cozy mysteries were only 60-65,000...