Brave New Bookshelf Episode 24: AI Narration in Publishing

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite chat with Louise Meyer-Schoenherr from ElevenLabs, a company redefining the landscape of AI-driven audiobook production.

With nearly a year of experience at ElevenLabs, Louise has played a key role in the company’s innovations, particularly with their mobile app designed to make audiobook creation accessible for everyone. Here’s a closer look at how ElevenLabs is transforming the world of audio content.

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Meet Louise Meyer-Schoenherr and ElevenLabs

Louise Meyer-Schoenherr has been a part of the ElevenLabs team, known for its pioneering work in AI-generated audio, for almost a year. ElevenLabs is making waves in the publishing industry by offering accessible, high-quality audiobook solutions. At the heart of her current role is their mobile app, which enables users to effortlessly narrate any text using a wide range of high-quality AI voices.

Transforming Text Into Speech

The magic of ElevenLabs lies in its ability to generate contextually aware and emotionally engaging speech. With a staggering library of over 3,000 voices, they provide an unparalleled selection for authors looking to transform their written content into audiobooks. Their intuitive web-based platform accepts various formats like EPUB and Word, allowing authors to upload manuscripts, choose voices, and even clone their own voice for a personalized narration.

Bringing Audio Accessibility via Mobile

The ElevenLabs mobile app isn't just for content creators—it’s also a treasure trove for audiobook listeners. Users can upload any text they wish to hear and choose from an extensive collection of voices. The app broadens the accessibility of written content by making it available in an engaging audio format.

Empowering Authors With Direct Publishing

Louise also shared some exciting developments on the horizon: ElevenLabs plans to introduce a direct publishing feature within their mobile app. This initiative will allow authors to self-publish their audiobooks, providing a streamlined path to reach audiences directly. Whether you’re a self-published author or a traditional publisher, this platform offers a new way to connect with listeners and expand your reach.

The Evolution of Audio Narration

ElevenLabs has made advancements in ensuring their AI-generated speech doesn’t sound robotic or flat. By focusing on contextual awareness, they’ve succeeded in capturing the emotional nuances needed for compelling long-form audio content. This evolution in technology enriches the storytelling experience, making it more immersive and enjoyable for listeners.

Practical Tips for Authors Venturing Into Audiobooks

Louise provided valuable insights into what authors should consider when producing audiobooks:

• Variety of Voices: Access to a wide range of accents and voice types allows for more personalized storytelling.
• Ease of Use: Streamlined processes help authors without technical expertise create high-quality audiobooks effortlessly.
• Multicast Options: Using different voices for characters can add depth and texture to the narrative.
• Professional Quality Output: Tools designed to ensure professional-grade audio production, even for those new to the medium.

If you’re interested in exploring ElevenLabs' direct publishing initiative or learning more about their services, be sure to visit their website.

For more insights from this episode, visit the podcast website.