Frequently Asked Questions
Just about any question you can think of is answered here. Well, every question related to Red Planet Audiobooks and what we do, anyway. We can't tell you the secret of the Universe or anything.
Don't feel like reading? Call us at 888-WE-READ-IT, and we'll be happy to speak to you!
What the heck does Red Planet do again?
P.O.D.? What's that?
How much is this going to cost?
So is this "vanity" audiobook publishing?
How can I make money doing this?
Who owns the rights to the audiobook Red Planet creates?
How long will my audiobook be?
How many CDs is that?
Will Red Planet abridge my manuscript for me?
What about cover art?
What will my finished audiobook sound like?
What will my finished audiobook look like?
Is there a standard length for abridged audiobooks?
How much will my audiobook sell for?
Does your fee include an ISBN?
I'm interested in a more traditional publishing model. Do you offer one?
What about adding sound effects or full-cast audiobook productions?
Can I be the reader on my own audiobook?
I still have more questions!
If I call or e-mail you, are you going to hound me for weeks, send me a bunch of junk mail, or pressure me to work with you?
What the heck does Red Planet do again?
We produce professional audiobooks for independent authors and small publishing houses using a P.O.D. model.
That's Print On Demand. In the olden days, when dinosaurs walked the earth, self-published authors and small presses were required to print hundreds or thousands of their books at once. That's no longer the case. With P.O.D., books can now be printed affordably one at a time, as they're ordered by your readers. Red Planet has brought this production model to audiobooks.
How much is this going to cost?
It depends on the length of your manuscript. You’ll be responsible for a production fee, the details of which you can find HERE. Once your audiobook is produced, you don’t owe us another cent. Except for you, Jeffrey Smythers. We haven’t forgotten about that $3 you borrowed in 5th grade.
So is this "vanity" audiobook publishing?
No! We carefully consider every manuscript that's sent to us. We're interested in partnering with independent authors and small publishers who are doing revolutionary things, writing great books, and who've come to recognize the traditional publishing industry as the living dinosaur we believe it is.
How can I make money doing this?
We believe it's time to rethink the audiobook publishing industry. We pay generous royalties on the sale of your audiobook. Your audiobook will be sold at all major online bookstores and audio download sites, our own online storefront, and available for order or sale at brick-and-mortar bookstores nationwide. We pay royalties quarterly, and our royalty rates can be found HERE.
Who owns the rights to the audiobook Red Planet creates?
Red Planet retains only the rights to the audiobook recording we make. You keep all other rights to your work. This means that if, say, TransNationalGlobal Publishing, Inc., buys the rights to your manuscript, they’ll be able to produce another audiobook under their label. Our work is stellar, though, so we don’t know why they’d want to go and do that!
How long will my audiobook be?
In general, 9,000 - 10,000 words will comprise one hour of audio.
One CD equals around one hour of audio.
Will Red Planet abridge my manuscript for me?
Not at this time, sorry. We do plan on offering an abridgement service at some point, but right now we’re concentrating on making your audiobook sound as good as we possibly can.
That we can do! For $250, one of our graphics professionals can design a stunning cover for your audiobook. Want to see some examples of the kind of work you can expect? Take a look at our SAMPLES.
What will my finished audiobook sound like?
Visit our SAMPLES page for audio clips and a free downloadable short story.
What will my finished audiobook look like?
Our SAMPLES page has the details about our audiobook packaging. Rest assured, it's a fully professional product.
Is there a standard length for abridged audiobooks?
Yes. Six hours, or about 60,000 words, is considered the “standard” abridged audiobook length. Of course, Red Planet Audiobooks can record a manuscript of any length, abridged or not.
How much will my audiobook sell for?
It depends on the length of your manuscript. We’ll work with you to set a retail price for your audiobook. Our minimum retail rates can be found HERE, but higher retail rates are possible for some audiobooks, and you’ll keep a large percentage of the difference between the minimum retail rate and the actual retail rate.
Does your fee include an ISBN?
Yes. Your finished audiobook is a completely professional product that will include an ISBN and conform to professional “red book” standards.
I’m interested in a more traditional publishing model. Do you offer one?
Absolutely. Red Planet offers a program geared toward high-volume titles. Once your audiobook is produced, you'll be asked to place an initial order of at least 1,000 copies. If you are interested in learning more, please call us toll-free at 888-WE-READ-IT, and ask to speak to a Volume Sales representative, or email us from our CONTACTS page.
What about adding sound effects or full-cast audiobook productions?
Red Planet's standard package includes incidental music and a single narrator. However, we do have a lot of experience with full-cast audio production. If you are interested in giving your manuscript a full-cast treatment, call us and we can design a custom package for you.
Can I be the reader on my own audiobook?
If you are a voice acting professional and located in the Austin, Texas, area, we’ll consider it. Otherwise, you should let one of our professional readers provide the narration for your audiobook. Voice acting is time-consuming, difficult work, and you’ll be much happier with the finished product if you let a professional do his or her thing for you!
We’ll be happy to answer them. You can call us toll free, e-mail us, reach us via snail mail, or send us a carrier pigeon. Details on how to contact us using the first three methods can be found on our CONTACTS page. (You’re on your own with the pigeon).
If I call or e-mail you, are you going to hound me for weeks, send me a bunch of junk mail, or pressure me to work with you?
Absolutely not! We produce a great product at a fair price. We don’t need to give it the hard sell. We’ll answer your questions and leave you alone. Unless you’re Jeffrey Smythers. We’re never going to forget that $3 you owe us from 5th grade, Jeffrey. Ever.
