How to buy audible books: A comprehensive guide

What are audible books?

Audible books, often called audiobooks, are recorded readings of books or other written content. These recordings can be listened to on various devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, and dedicated e-readers. Audible books are a fantastic way to enjoy literature while multitasking, such as driving, working out, or simply relaxing. The format is especially helpful for people with visual impairments or those who find it difficult to read traditional print.

Audible is a popular service for audiobooks, offering a vast library of titles across multiple genres. Have you ever tried listening to an audiobook before?

Multitasking

Multitasking while listening to audiobooks can indeed be a challenge, and it often depends on the task at hand and the listener’s individual preferences and abilities. Here are a few ways people manage it:

1. Repetitive Tasks: Activities like walking, jogging, or housework don’t require much mental effort, making it easier to focus on the audiobook.
2. Driving: Many people find that listening to audiobooks during their daily commute is a great way to make use of their time without needing to concentrate too hard on the road.
3. Background Noise: For some, having an audiobook playing in the background can be more engaging than silence, especially if the book is narrated in an interesting way.
4. Practice: Like any skill, the ability to concentrate on an audiobook while multitasking can improve with practice. Starting with simpler, more engaging books can help.

However, if the task requires full attention, it’s best to pause the audiobook to ensure nothing important is missed.

Have you tried listening to audiobooks while doing other activities? How did it go?

Audiobooks have an interesting history!

The concept dates back to the late 19th century with Thomas Edison’s invention of the phonograph in 1877. Edison envisioned “phonographic books” that could “speak to blind people without effort on their part”. The first recorded words were actually Edison’s recital of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”.

However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that audiobooks began to take shape as we know them today. The American Foundation for the Blind established a recording studio to create books on vinyl records for visually impaired readers. This initiative led to the Library of Congress producing audiobooks for broader distribution.

The audiobook industry continued to evolve with technological advancements, such as cassette tapes in the 1960s and compact discs in the 1980s. The term “audiobook” became an industry standard in 1994, and the rise of digital downloads in the early 2000s further popularized the format.

It’s fascinating to see how audiobooks have transformed storytelling and made literature more accessible to everyone. Do you think audiobooks will ever fully replace traditional books, or is there something special about holding a physical book?

Cost of Audiobooks

The cost of audiobooks can vary depending on where you get them. Here are some common options:

1. Paid Services: Platforms like Audible offer a subscription model. For a monthly fee, you get one or more credits to exchange for audiobooks. Audible also sells audiobooks individually, sometimes with discounts for members. Prices for individual audiobooks can range widely, often comparable to or slightly more than physical books.
2. Library Services: Many public libraries offer free access to audiobooks through services like OverDrive or Libby. You just need a library card, and you can borrow audiobooks like you would physical books.
3. Free Resources: There are websites like Librivox that provide free audiobooks of public domain works. These are usually older books whose copyrights have expired.

While some audiobooks might be cheaper than their print counterparts, others might be more expensive, especially if they feature high-profile narrators or are newly released.

Do you have a particular book in mind you’re interested in listening to?

Sentimental Connection

There’s something uniquely special about holding a physical book, especially when it’s signed by someone meaningful, like an author or a teacher. These tangible connections and sentimental values create lasting memories.

However, audiobooks can offer their own unique satisfactions. For instance:

1. Narrator’s Performance: A skilled narrator can bring a book to life, adding depth and emotion to the story. Sometimes, books are even narrated by the authors themselves, adding a personal touch.
2. Exclusive Content: Some audiobooks include exclusive content, like interviews with the author or additional commentary.
3. Accessibility and Convenience: Audiobooks make it easier to enjoy books during times when reading a physical book isn’t practical, enhancing the overall reading experience.
4. Collectible Editions: Some services and authors are starting to offer limited editions or special releases of audiobooks, which can include unique recordings or bonus materials.

While the tactile feel and personal touch of a signed book can’t be replicated, audiobooks provide their own unique form of engagement and enjoyment.

It’s wonderful that you have such a meaningful book from your teacher. Do you have any favorite moments or passages from it?

How to buy audible books

You can buy audiobooks from Audible.com, which is one of the most popular platforms for audiobooks. They offer a 30-day free trial with one free audiobook to start. After the trial, it’s $14.95 per month.

Payment Methods

Audible accepts various payment methods, including:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• American Express
• Discover
• Prepaid debit cards
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Private Label Credit Card (PLCC)

Reliable Stores

Besides Audible, there are other reliable stores where you can buy audiobooks:

• Libby: Free service through your local library.
• Hoopla: Another library-based service with a wide range of content.
• Libro: Partners with independent bookstores.
• Chirp: Offers daily deals on audiobooks.
• Barnes & Noble: Offers a good selection of audiobooks.

Reliability of Sellers on Amazon and eBay

When buying from Amazon or eBay, it’s important to check seller reviews and ratings to ensure reliability. While many sellers are trustworthy, it’s always good to be cautious and read feedback from previous buyers.

Sales Statistics

• Global Revenue: The global audiobook market revenue was projected to be over $5.38 billion in 2022.
• U.S. Revenue: In the United States, audiobook revenue reached $1.81 billion in 2022, a 3.43% increase compared to 2021.
• Market Share: Audiobooks accounted for 9% of all book sales in the U.S. in 2022.

Production Statistics

• Number of Audiobooks Published: Over 74,000 audiobooks were published in the U.S. in 2022, a 4.23% increase over 2021.
• Growth Rate: The number of audiobooks produced has increased significantly over the last decade, with a notable rise since 2011.

Pricing Statistics

• Average Revenue Per User (ARPU): The ARPU for audiobooks is projected to be around $5.46 in 2024.
• Subscription Services: Many listeners subscribe to services like Audible, contributing to the revenue growth.

Total Downloads Statistics

• User Penetration: The user penetration rate for audiobooks is expected to reach 21.7% by 2029.
• Global Users: The number of audiobook users is anticipated to amount to 1.8 billion by 2029.