In today’s discussion post I want to talk about how I decide to get an Audiobook and especially how I decide whether to get a certain book in audio or ecopy.
Why I get the audio instead of ecopy
There are multiple factors that can influence whether I get the audio instead of an ecopy of a book I want to read. I discuss them below.
- Narrator/ Sample. One of the most important things for me when deciding whether to get an audiobook is the narrator or sample. If I already know the narrator and enjoyed books narrated by that narrator in the past there’s a much higher chance of me going for the audio copy. If it’s a narrator I don’t know I always listen to the sample of the book to see if I like the sample and narrator. Or in case of audio books that aren’t released yet I will listen to a sample of another book that narrator narrated. Whether I like the narrator and sample is a huge part of whether I decide to get the audio or not. If I don’t like the narrator I won’t get the audio even if all the other factors are in favor of getting the audio. So most of the other factors only play a role if I at least like the sample and narrator of an audiobook.
- Audio Review copy. If I get offered an audio review copy I am more likely to got for the audio option. Audiobooks are pricey and while I have lots of ebooks still to read, that pile is a lot lower for audiobooks.
- Other books in the same series/ by the same author. I like to stick with the same format when it comes to books in a series. So if I listened to previous books in a series I will get the audio for later books as well. I even went ahead and bought an audio for a later book in a series despite already getting an ecopy as that’s how much I prefer to continue the series in the same format. This also works with books by the same author, although that effect is less strong. If I listened to other books by the author I am more likely to stick with audio for the authors next books as well.
- Genre. When it comes to audiobooks I mostly listen to a few genres, mostly cozy mystery and fantasy books. If a book is in one of those genres I am more likely to get it in audiobook. There are other genres I listen to as well, but those genres are my favorites for audiobooks.
- Steamy content. If a book has steamy content I am less likely to get it in audiobook. I don’t mind if an audiobook has one or two steamy scenes or fade to black, but I don’t like listening to a lot of steamy content. I often listen while doing chores and I just find I find it a bit uncomfortable to listen to steamy content in such situations.
- Length. If a book is long I am more likely to get it in audio. For some reason I find listening to long audiobooks less daunting than long ebooks, so for longer books that might be a good reason to get it in audio. Same goes the other way around where with short books I am more likely to get in ebook as those are easier to read and I don’t feel the price is always worth it for short audios as often the shorter audiobooks can still be just pricey as longer books. Sometimes short audiobooks are priced cheaper too which is nice.
- Price. If the audiobook is relatively cheap or the ebook relatively pricey I am more likely to get the audiobook. Audiobooks are pricey and I always get excited when I feel like I can get a good deal on them. It isn’t the most important factor, but it can definitely play a role.
- Ebook isn’t wide. If the ebook isn’t available wide that means I won’t be able to get the ebook as I don’t/ cant buy books from Amazon. If that’s the case and the book has an audiobook I am more likely to get it in audio format.
Yes, those are all factors I consider, too. My biggest reasons for choosing audio are if I like the narrator, if I was offered it as a review, and if it was on sale as audio less expensive than other edition. Now, I also get the option of whether it is available through the library system too when some don’t have that option. Samples are a big deal when I’m unfamiliar with the narrator, but often when I am choosing a review copy, I use that to try new to me narrators as well as authors.
I’ve been listening to more and more audios as I find ways that audios are easier to fit into my day than print versions many times- definitely during my puzzle hobby. 🙂
I think price as well as the narrator are very important considerations when it comes to audios. And that makes sense you have the library system as an option too. I can also see your reasoning for trying a new to you narrator with a review copy.
I can hardly imagine that a few years ago I didn’t listen to audiobooks as nowadays I listen to them daily and have found multiple ways to fit them in my daily schedules. I should give that a try to listen to my audio while doing my puzzle game.
Those are good reasons. I don’t listen to audiobooks only because I read really fast and don’t have the patience to listen and do something else at the same time.
That is handy you read so fast. You can speed up audiobooks sometimes, I although I don’t that. I mostly like audiobooks for those type tasks that have to be done anyway like the laundry and I can’t read a book while doing those, so audiobooks are perfect for those times.
Narrators are a big one for me. It also depends on if I’ve listened to the rest in audio. Also if I have a bunch of review books scheduled for reading the ebook or ARC, then I can listen to something else. I don’t mind the steamy stuff, but these days I find myself often skimming when I read, and sometimes fast forwarding when I’m listening.
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2025/03/18/tell-me-something-tuesday-march-18th-2025-have-you-met-any-bookish-blogging-friends-in-person/
Narrators are probably the most important factor for me. And I like to continue a series in audio if I listened to the earlier books. It’s nice to be able to listen to something else than what you’re reading. I often listen while doing other things, so I usually stick with non-steamy stuff for audio. I don’t mind steamy ebooks, although it sure depends on the book and I sometimes skim those scenes if I don’t find them interesting.