Recorded Book Inc. Article
Online And Offline Audio Book Stores
If you would prefer listening to a book rather than reading it, audio books are available at public libraries, retail stores and on line. The actual book is recorded and then read out loud. Some people prefer to listen to books rather than reading them.
If you enjoy listening to and are constantly searching for new books, there are some options for you. There are book stores that specialize in audio books as well as on line options. Some dealers and publishers sell their books directly.
The major book stores such as Borders, Barnes and Noble and Walden Books have specific sections for audio books. The stores are very well organized and will have a listing of the current books and some information about each one.
Some websites that sell audio books are Powells, Barnes and Noble, Amazon and Borders. The websites are very informative and will have detailed information about the books, price, rating and other helpful information.
There are specific websites for audio books such as audiobookone.net. The books can be bought and downloaded or a disc can be purchased. There are no additional fees and a subscription is not necessary.
Some of the publishing houses such as Random House sell directly to consumers. This is generally preferred because the tapes are cheaper because there is no middleman.
Many book stores feature free downloads of books and have no copyright stipulations such as Librivox. This site has volunteers who work as narrators and the books can be downloaded into audio books.
The books are sold on CDS, tapes or digitally for MP3 Players.The sales of audio books has risen to over $800,000,000 a year.
There is a difference between abridged and unabridged books. The unabridged versions are literal and read word for word. The abridged versions have been edited. In some instances, the book is acted out with music and other effects. There are some radio stations that read books on the radio which may feature the actual author or an actor. Some libraries feature free audio book services for the blind.
Audio books have become more easily available and popular with Ipod users. College students often use audio book services to avoid reading books and to get the information verbally read to them through their Ipod.
There has been an increase in popularity of self help books and motivational speakers that are on audio tape. Particularly for sales people who travel long distances and are interested in a diversion from the long drive. There are a multitude of audio books on almost any subject such as meditation, travel, yoga, fiction books, non fiction books, children’s books, history , psychology, finance, diet, exercise, art and sports.
