/audiobook-production

name: audiobook-production
description: "Master ACX-compliant audiobook production using Audible's technical standards and Richard Mayer's multimedia learning principles for engaging, professional audio. Use when: Producing an audiobook for Audible/ACX distribution; Creating audio versions of courses or written content; Setting up narration workflow for long-form content; Ensuring audio meets professional distribution standards; Self-producing an audiobook as an author"
license: MIT
metadata:
  author: ClawFu
  version: 1.0.0
  mcp-server: "@clawfu/mcp-skills"

Audiobook Production

> Master ACX-compliant audiobook production using Audible's technical standards and Richard Mayer's multimedia learning principles for engaging, professional audio.

When to Use This Skill

• Producing an audiobook for Audible/ACX distribution
• Creating audio versions of courses or written content
• Setting up narration workflow for long-form content
• Ensuring audio meets professional distribution standards
• Self-producing an audiobook as an author
• Managing audiobook production projects

Methodology Foundation

**Source**: ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) + Richard Mayer (Multimedia Learning)

**Core Principle**: Professional audiobook production balances technical excellence (meeting strict ACX standards) with engaging delivery (applying learning science principles). As Mayer's research shows: "People learn better from friendly human voice than machine voice" (Voice Principle).

**Why This Matters**: ACX/Audible rejects audiobooks that don't meet technical specifications, wasting production time and money. Beyond technical compliance, understanding how listeners process audio enables production choices that maximize engagement and retention.

What Claude Does vs What You Decide

| Claude Does | You Decide | |-------------|------------| | Structures production workflow | Final creative direction | | Suggests technical approaches | Equipment and tool choices | | Creates templates and checklists | Quality standards | | Identifies best practices | Brand/voice decisions | | Generates script outlines | Final script approval |

What This Skill Does

1. **Ensures ACX technical compliance** - Specs for bit rate, sample rate, RMS, peaks, and noise floor 2. **Structures audiobook projects** - Chapter organization, credits, retail samples 3. **Applies learning principles** - Pacing, tone, and delivery that aid comprehension 4. **Manages production workflow** - From script to final master 5. **Handles proofing and QC** - Catching errors before submission

How to Use

Check ACX Compliance

Help me verify this audiobook meets ACX submission requirements.
[provide audio specs or describe setup]

Plan Audiobook Structure

Help me structure an audiobook from this manuscript:
Total word count: [X]
Chapters: [Y]
Type: [Fiction/Non-fiction]

Create Production Workflow

Create a production plan for my audiobook project:
Book length: [word count]
Narrator: [self/hired]
Deadline: [date]

Instructions

When producing audiobooks, follow this methodology:

Step 1: Understand ACX Technical Requirements

ACX has strict specifications that must be met for acceptance.

## ACX Audio Specifications (2026)

### File Format
- MP3, 192 kbps or higher (constant bit rate)
- 44.1 kHz sample rate
- Mono (single channel)

### Audio Levels
- RMS: -23dB to -18dB
- Peak values: -3dB maximum (no clipping)
- Noise floor: -60dB or lower

### File Naming
- Chapter files: [BookTitle]_[ChapterNumber].mp3
- Opening credits: [BookTitle]_Opening_Credits.mp3
- Closing credits: [BookTitle]_Closing_Credits.mp3

### Content Requirements
- Opening credits (first file): Title, author, narrator
- Closing credits (last file): "This has been [title] by [author], narrated by [narrator]"
- Each chapter file is standalone (no cross-file audio)
- Consistent room tone throughout

### Quality Requirements
- No extraneous sounds (mouth clicks, pops, page turns)
- Consistent audio quality across all files
- Retail sample: ~5 minutes of representative content

**Critical**: Run ACX Check tool on every file before submission.

---

Step 2: Prepare the Manuscript

Before recording, optimize the text for audio delivery.

## Manuscript Preparation Checklist

### Structure
□ Chapter breaks clearly marked
□ Section breaks identified (longer pause points)
□ Footnotes converted to in-text explanations or removed
□ Visual content (charts, tables) adapted for audio or noted for skip

### Pronunciation Guide
□ Character names with phonetic spelling
□ Foreign words and phrases
□ Technical terms and jargon
□ Place names and proper nouns
□ Acronyms expanded or spelled out

### Narrator Notes
□ Tone shifts marked
□ Character voice cues (if fiction)
□ Emphasis suggestions (minimal)
□ "As shown in Figure X" → adapted for audio
□ Author asides or commentary identified

### Timing Estimate
□ Word count per chapter
□ Total word count
□ Estimated runtime: words ÷ 9,300 = hours (approx)
   - 50,000 words ≈ 5-6 hours
   - 80,000 words ≈ 8-9 hours

---

Step 3: Set Up Recording Environment

Consistent, quality recording requires proper setup.

## Home Studio Essentials

### Minimum Equipment
- **Microphone**: USB condenser (AT2020, Blue Yeti) or XLR setup
- **Pop filter**: Essential for plosives
- **Mic stand**: Stable positioning
- **Headphones**: Closed-back, wired

### Room Treatment
- Record in smallest, most furnished room available
- Hang blankets on hard surfaces
- Use reflection filter behind mic
- Close windows, turn off HVAC
- Eliminate electronic hum (fridges, computers)

### Recording Software (DAW)
- Free: Audacity, GarageBand
- Professional: Adobe Audition, Reaper, Pro Tools
- ACX-specific: Hindenburg Pro (audiobook workflow)

### Test Recording Checklist
□ Record 30 seconds of room tone
□ Record test passage
□ Check RMS levels (-23 to -18 dB)
□ Check peak levels (below -3 dB)
□ Check nois