In this episode of the BookFunnel podcast, hosts Jack Shilkaitis and Emma Alisyn welcome audiobook narrator Ruthie Bowles. They discuss the importance of engaging thumbnails, the journey of indie authors, and the nuances of audiobook narration. Ruthie shares her experiences and insights on working with authors, the significance of marketing audiobooks, and the potential of platforms like YouTube for reaching new audiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for authors to leverage their readers for marketing and to maintain clarity in character accents for narrators. In this engaging conversation, Ruthie Bowles discusses the evolving landscape of audiobooks, the importance of discoverability on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and her experiences using BookFunnel for audiobook distribution. She shares insights on navigating reader events, the emotional depth of narration, and the significance of building authentic connections with readers. Ruthie emphasizes the collaborative nature of audiobook production and the importance of trust between authors and narrators.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:43 Meet Ruthie Bowles: Audiobook Narrator
02:01 Checking In: Author Updates
07:02 Tips from the Trenches: Marketing Strategies
10:20 Character Accents in Writing
16:42 Delivering Subscription Models with BookFunnel
20:25 Ruthie's Journey to Audiobook Narration
23:27 The Art of Narration: Skills and Techniques
25:35 Collaboration Between Authors and Narrators
28:02 Writing for Audiobooks: Tips for Authors
32:14 When to Create Your First Audiobook
37:03 Marketing Your Audiobook Effectively
42:06 Leveraging YouTube for Audiobook Promotion
43:44 The Evolving Landscape of Audiobook Distribution
47:46 Leveraging BookFunnel for Audiobook Success
51:45 Navigating Reader Expectations and File Sharing
57:09 Engaging Readers at Events: The Power of Personal Connection
01:05:42 Building Connections in the Industry
01:05:58 The Evolution of Publishing and Reader Engagement
01:07:49 The Emotional Experience of Audiobook Narration
01:08:17 The Impact of Performance on Narration
01:09:56 Navigating Spicy Scenes in Narration
01:13:23 Setting Boundaries in Narration
01:14:56 Diversity and Sensitivity in Narration
01:17:14 The Importance of Trust in Collaboration
01:20:44 Final Thoughts and Future Endeavors
01:22:33 Outro