I must confess that I was also ignorant about certain aspects of audiobooks myself.
During my early days of audiobooks, I had to ask certain questions and today I hear a lot of people asking the same such questions.
Who knows, you might also have such questions and you really want to find the answers to them.
If yes, then below are some of these questions and their answers:
What is an audiobook? An audiobook is simply a book in audio format. Instead of receiving a physical hardcover or paperback book that you have to read, you will be able to have someone reading the book to you when you download the audiobooks online in MP3 format.
What is an MP3 audio book? MP3 is simply a compression technique that makes it possible for reduction to be made to audio books so that they use less space (sometimes as little as 80%) compared to that of cassettes or CDs.
How can MP3 audio books be played? MP3 audio books can be played on any new version of CD players that support the MP3 technology - mostly those that can accept a 4.75 diameter disk. They can also be played on any PC that has Microsoft's Windows Media Player or other related music software such as Real Media Player. Lastly, they can also be played on any mp3 player such as Creative Zen or Apply iPod.
What is an unabridged audio book? An unabridged audio book is one that was narrated word for word. In such an audio book, nothing was removed from the printed book. It has the exact content with that of the printed book, albeit in audio format.
What is an abridged audio book? An abridged audio book is one that is shortened and doesn't contain the exact word for word narration as the printed book. Instead, it contain the main and most important points of the original book. In short, it is more concise and straight to the point.
What is a dramatized audio book? A dramatized audio book, as the name implies, is a dramatized "play-life" version of the printed book, with usual full cast, music and sound effects.
How can I find the audio book I would like online? You can visit audio book store and search for the particular title you need.
What are the more popular online book store available? There are a few online book stores with huge collections, please do a search using keywords "Audio Book store" from your favorite search engine
Are these audio book expensive? On the contrary, they are cheaper as there is no physical product or delivery. Most online book store allow user to download it directly.
Question: How can audio downloads be free?
Answer: The fact that publishers make a very small amount of money on each book is lost on most people. On a book that sells for $16, $10 may well go to transport and printing costs. The bookseller needs to make money of course. Then the author, illustrator, editors and staff need to get paid. When the publisher does eventually gets paid,only a small amount of the money is left.
With a spoken title, they actually make a lot more money by selling the tape/CD version, by selling advertising or by selling membership programs that give people access to thousands of audio publications all at once.
Question: How can I listen to my favorite audio in my Car?
Answer: You can either buy a CD or a tape, or you can download the MP3 version and plug your player straight into your car's MP3 socket, or burn the CD yourself. The former may be easier if you don't have a lot of technical expertise, but in most cases people who are capable of downloading content from the internet will not have a problem with burning to CD or straight to their player.
Question: What are the best sites for free audiobooks online?
Answer: It really depends on what you're looking for. The best way is to look for a recommendation from someone you trust and who can point you in the right direction.
Question: I want to find X book online. Where can I find it?
Answer: If you have access to a good audio book library, try doing a search there. If that does not work,try searching Google for your favorite audio title + audio book. For example, "Cooking Audio Book" or "Harry Potter Audio Book".
Question: What is a "Public Domain" audio book?
Answer: A public domain audio book is an one that has no copyright attached to it. This means you can distribute these books any way you see fit. Usually, these audio books are available for free online.
These are some of the common questions that come up when it comes to downloading cheap audio books online. In reality, finding free audio books online is easier than you may think. After your first few downloads, it will then become second nature. Happy listening and enjoy!
Both Albert Tay & David Sharp are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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