Stephen King and audiobooks

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Rrty

Well-Known Member
Jun 4, 2007
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Happened to read King's piece about audiobooks not long ago, the one that was in EW (I think). Just a couple comments.

I know he's recorded some of his own stories. I have to ask: anyone out there who has written novels, does that not sound like the worst thing in the world to do? I literally cannot imagine myself reading a book-length piece into a recording device. Would drive me nuts. And considering he has more story ideas in him than he has time to write them, is that a great use of his time? (Of course, perhaps he no longer does that, in which case this is just a theoretical question.)

I have to disagree with him although I will have to think about why I believe this later: listening to a book is not the same as reading it. I'll have to come up with a way to say why at a future date, because it is hard to put into words. I have a feeling that since he does make money from audiobooks, he is a bit biased on this. However, there is nothing wrong with accessing a story through audiobooks, nothing. Great way to make use of travel time in an auto if the music isn't right.

Maybe he could try an experiment in the future: release a novel exclusively to audiobook formats but release an abridged version in book format. Reverse the thing he complained about, the issue of doing abridged audio versions. That's another thing I disagree with: I don't think I would care if I were an author if my works were presented in abridged formats on audio. I assume that would increase the profit margin and perhaps the top-line sales. Really sort of doesn't matter (and maybe a few people who listened to the audio would want to read the unabridged version).