AI Audiobook Narration: A Shortcut with Major Drawbacks

Guest post by Senn Annis, Audiobook Narrator and Voice Actor.

The past few years have seen the advent of many AI tools that claim to maximize author productivity and minimize cost. When it comes to the decision to produce your audiobook, AI generated audiobooks are one option that authors are now considering. There’s significant pressure on authors to get their book into as many formats as possible, as quickly as possible. On top of that, audiobook production can be costly, often creating a considerable barrier. For this reason, free or cheap AI narration options, such as those offered by Apple and KDP, may seem attractive. Before jumping on this bandwagon, it is important to consider the potential negative impact that this shortcut may have on the long-term success of your audiobooks.

Your audience’s initial impression is everything.

Just as cover art can have a huge impact on your book sales, the quality of an audiobook can significantly impact a reader or listener’s first impression of your work—not just for the book in question, but your entire body of work. As a passionate audiobook listener, I spend a lot of time listening to samples on Audible before making a choice to purchase. If I hear a poor-quality audio sample of one book by an author, I will not explore other books they have written. Quality narration by professional voice actors can help your audiobook live up to listener expectations. Audience reception is an important deciding factor in the success of your book, and the strength of your brand as an author. Audiobook listeners expect high quality, dynamic performances, and AI generated audiobooks still fall short. The backlash from frustrated listeners has caused many authors to be disappointed with negative reviews.

AI technology is just not ‘there’ yet.

At this point in its development, AI narration struggles to convey emotion or subtext, to differentiate between characters, and to characterize dialogue in more than one accent or gender. In an article for Input Online Magazine, Author Chris Stokel-Walker explained that his AI generated audiobook failed to convey his intent, because it was unable to interpret his use of punctuation:

“I have a predilection for em-dashes in my writing, which I aim to deploy as a conversational U-turn, taking us in one direction — or supporting a point I’ve already made. Google’s AI reader steamrolls right through them, ignoring the dash altogether. It also just keeps reading at a steady tempo, when good audiobook narrators play with pace, lingering on some scenes and racing through others.”

AI narration cannot match human performance

According to Steven Jay Cohen, the creative director of audiobook production company Spoken Realms, AI narration is essentially Text-to-speech on steroids—but it will never be a performance. “What’s going on (in the development of AI technology) is not teaching a computer how to narrate,” Cohen says, referring to the tech giants’ efforts. “It’s listening to different kinds of things, figuring out how often certain kinds of intonation changes happen in a human voice, then trying to turn that into an equation so that a computer can likely make an appropriate choice.” AI generated audiobooks lack depth of expression, and this can hinder audience enjoyment—and comprehension—of your book.

Playing the long game

Remember, in the world of storytelling, quality should never be compromised. Your success and credibility as an author could be affected in the long run. In a blog post about the downfalls of AI audiobooks, author and narrator Steve Bremner says, “Developing a loyal fanbase requires connecting with listeners on an emotional level. Human narrators can make your characters come alive, delivering performances that resonate and remain with listeners long after the story ends. Investing in human talent not only preserves the integrity of your narrative but also enhances your chances of success in the competitive literary market.”

Samples of Human vs. AI Narration

I have created a short audio clip for comparison. The first clip is me, and the second clip is AI generated

AI Narrator

Despite rapid technological advancements, AI generated audiobooks still lack the nuance, passion, and expressiveness of human narrators. Avoid the temptation to cut costs on audiobook production. Hiring an experienced, professional narrator will ensure your audiobook resonates with your audience, enhancing their experience and enjoyment of your book.

Senn Annis is a professional Audiobook Narrator, Voice Actor, and Ambassador for the Audio Publishers Association (APA). Learn more on her website.

Now that you know the drawbacks of AI generated audiobooks, check out our blog post to learn how authors can properly leverage AI without compromising quality.

Are you seeking help with adapting your book into audio format? The Aaxel Author Group offers audiobook production packages. Contact us to learn more!