Audiobooks are one of the fastest-growing book formats—and if you're planning to produce one, this interview is your roadmap. Sharissa sits down with Mary Catherine Jones, executive producer of The Audiobook Experience, to unpack exactly what goes into creating a professional audiobook.

Mary Catherine has worked with dozens of authors to bring their books to life through audio. Whether you're narrating your own memoir or hiring a voice actor for your novel, she shares everything you need to know to get your project off the ground—and avoid costly mistakes.

In this episode, we cover:

• [00:01:00] What an author should know before reaching out to an audiobook producer
• [00:02:30] Who should narrate your book—and when to hire a professional voice actor
• [00:03:40] Production timelines, pricing by the "finished hour," and how to calculate cost
• [00:05:00] Planning your launch and why authors should think months ahead
• [00:07:50] What makes scheduling so complex—and why early planning saves you stress
• [00:10:00] Why you should submit your audiobook at least 4 weeks before your launch date
• [00:12:00] Essential author prep: covers, ISBNs, distribution accounts, narrator guidelines
• [00:16:00] Special considerations for memoirs, fantasy fiction, and books with hard-to-pronounce names
• [00:18:30] How to handle charts, graphs, and supplemental material in nonfiction audiobooks
• [00:20:00] Red flags when hiring producers or studios—and how to know they're not audiobook-ready
• [00:23:00] The difference between music studios and audiobook studios (it matters!)
• [00:26:00] Why studio environment impacts your voice—and how to choose a space that supports you
• [00:28:00] Why you must require audition samples using your own book's words
• [00:31:00] Encouragement for first-time audiobook authors and Mary Catherine's love for memoirs

Ways to connect with Mary Catherine Jones:

Website: https://voiceoververmont.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaudiobookexperience/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marycatherinecarletonjones/

You can also find her in the Project Seed Money Directory: https://projectseedmoney.com/directory/

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

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Watch this on youtube: https://youtu.be/jAG97a0r7pc