How Do I Get My Book to Read Out Loud? – Exploring Text-to-Speech Options

The world of reading is undergoing a fascinating transformation. While physical books remain a cherished format for many, audiobooks are experiencing explosive growth. About 53% of readers in the USA listened to an audiobook in 2023, and the numbers are only growing.

This surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors. Audiobooks offer unparalleled convenience, allowing listeners to enjoy their favorite stories while commuting, exercising, or completing chores. They also provide a gateway to literature for people with visual impairments or those who struggle with traditional reading formats.

So, if you want your book read to your audience, now is the time to embrace the power of eBook readers. Wondering how to turn a book into an audiobook?

This blog will tell you all you need to know about it.

We will explore a technology known as text-to-speech (TTS) that can help you do this and understand how it can be a game changer for your written works.

Table of Contents

I. What is Text-to-Speech?

II. Why Do You Need Text-to-Speech in Your eBook Readers?

• Enhanced Accessibility
• Improve Engagement
• Extremely Convenient
• Cost-Effectiveness
• Global Appeal

III. Using KITABOO Text-to-Speech for Your eBook Reader

IV. The Final Word

Have you ever wondered, “How do I get my book to read out loud?” Well, you do not need a magic spell or high-tech solution.

Text-to-speech (TTS) is the perfect option, as it allows you to transform your written text into a narrated audiobook. It is software or an application capable of understanding the contents of your book and can use machine-generated voice to read it out.

Here is how it works:

• Input: You provide your eBook text as the starting point.
• Processing: The TTS software analyzes the text, identifying individual words, punctuation, and sentence structure.
• Synthesis: Using advanced algorithms and vast databases of recorded speech, the software synthesizes a voice that reads the text aloud. In some text-to-speech solutions, this voice can be customized in terms of pitch, speed, and even gender to make it natural-sounding and more human-like.
• Output: Finally, the software generates an audio file containing the narrated version of your eBook.

This simple process offers a cost-effective and accessible solution for authors seeking to bring their stories to life in audio format.

For authors, a text-to-speech converter is an excellent option to reach a wider audience and expand their reach. The traditional process of creating a professional audiobook can be daunting, particularly for self-published authors. They have to hire a talented narrator, record the book reading in a professional studio, and then distribute the final output after proper testing. This can be a significant effort, both in terms of financial investment and time spent.

With TTS functionality, you can get the same output in a matter of just a few simple steps. This helps you unlock a range of benefits of read-aloud books, such as:

Since not all users can read the written word, TTS technology is a great way to make your books accessible to a wider audience, especially those with visual impairments or learning disabilities. Having the book content read out to them helps them to enjoy your work better and even makes it easier to comprehend.

Listening to a book is often more enjoyable and immersive compared to traditional reading methods. Listeners can now experience your story through a different lens, potentially fostering deeper engagement and a more immersive reading experience.

Similar to audiobooks, TTS allows readers to consume your eBooks while multitasking. So they can listen while commuting, exercising, or completing daily tasks, maximizing their reading time and broadening the potential audience for your work.

Compared to the cost of hiring a professional narrator, TTS offers a significantly more affordable approach to creating audiobooks from your eBooks. This makes it a particularly attractive option for self-published authors or those with limited budgets.

Even if your books are in English, not all English speakers can read as fluently as they speak. TTS helps you reach out to these readers and expand your readership to international markets. You can even translate your eBooks and have them read out in other languages, expanding your reach and potential audience.

If you’re an author or a publishing house excited about the potential of TTS for your eBooks, KITABOO provides a powerful platform that seamlessly integrates this technology. KITABOO is an award-winning cloud-based online eBook publishing software that facilitates text-to-speech features in eBook readers.

You can get started with KITABOO and turn a book into an audiobook by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for the KITABOO TTS platform.
2. Launch the enrichment tool page and go to the audio sync option.
3. Upon completion, provide the order number for which you want to create an audio file.
4. Next, click on the “Add” option and click on the “Text-to-speech” option on the platform.
5. This will take you to the audio options and ask you whether you want a male or female voice for your speech. Choose the option that fits into your requirements and select additional options such as speech rate (medium, fast, slow, or extra slow) and language (English, Italian, French, German), and then hit the “Convert” option.
6. Your audio file will now be created. You can play it and tweak the settings to get the output you need.
7. At this point, you are almost done. You can further test the output and make sure it matches your content. While the accuracy rate is 99%, manual adjustments or places where the text is not aligned may be needed.
8. Once your final output is ready, click on “Save” and then click “Done.”

By incorporating KITABOO’s TTS functionality, you can create high-quality audiobooks directly from your eBooks, enriching the reader experience and expanding the potential audience for your work. It’s a cost-effective and efficient way to breathe new life into your stories and make them accessible to a wider range of people.

The world of eBooks is evolving, and text-to-speech technology presents a compelling opportunity for authors to enhance their work and reach new audiences. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting your writing journey, consider exploring the potential of text-to-speech. It might be the key to unlocking new avenues for your work and connecting with readers in a whole new way.

Ready to transform your eBooks and embrace the power of TTS? Contact us today!