Day two of Audiobook Week – Are we having fun yet? I know I am! Yesterday’s response to my comments about audiobooks generated quite a bit of response. I never knew how many people listen to audiobooks while cleaning. I really need to jump on the bandwagon there! Goodness knows my house needs it.
Without further ado, here is today’s question:
How to write an audiobook review
Ideas: What do you include? How do you rate an audio if the narrator is good but the story isn’t (or the other way around). Do you let people know the book was an audio off the bat, or do you surprise them with it at the end, ‘trick’ them into reading the review?
My approach to audiobook reviews is essentially the same as regular reviews. Rather than page numbers, I include the length of the audiobook. I also mention the narrator. Since this information heads the review, my readers should not be surprised that it is an audiobook. To ensure that there is no confusion, I will review the narrator in addition to the plot. I do this because in my opinion, a narrator can absolutely make or break a story. What may be a fantastic story on paper may be just awful in the hands of an inadequate narrator, and another story that is awful in print takes on new life with a fantastic narrator.
Honestly, I am not certain what else to include other than that information. What else am I missing? What do you include in audiobook reviews?
Wallace – For audiobooks, should you truly separate the narrator from the actual review? I'm not certain if you can or should. An audiobook is so much more than words on a page, and the element of being able to use your imagination is hindered by the tone and inflections of the narrator. Just like a movie is an enhanced version of a story, I think an audiobook also is an enhanced book.
Nise' – Works for me!
Beth F. – Thanks for the verification!
Jen – Thanks!!
Jennifer – The narrator on my current audiobook is not enjoyable. She emotes every sentence, starting out in a normal tone and ending each and every sentence in a trailing whisper. It is driving me nuts! Considering how famous this particular narrator is, it is making me nervous about reviewing the book once I finish.
I'm the same way as you; I review it like I would a regular book. Of course, if the reader does a particularly great or horrible job I mention that too. But I make sure it is separate than my review of the actual story.
I heartily agree.
YOu got the important points!
I think you've pretty much got the basics down!
I have yet to do an audiobook review, but I agree that the narrator does make a difference. I talked a little yesterday about Jim Dale-the narrator for the Harry Potter books-and how he makes those audiobooks. I think you have to include the speaker in the review…good strategies!