Interview Preparation Guide for Authors
1776 Publishing
Get Ready for Your Conversation with Eric
Eric is dedicated to gathering all the details we need to produce your dramatized audiobook efficiently. The session is focused and typically takes 10–20 minutes. Preparing in advance ensures a smooth process and helps us create the best possible audio for your story.
Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare.
Print it or save as PDF for easy reference.
Print or Save as PDFStep 1: Gather Book Basics
Be ready to provide:
- Book title
- Genre and sub-genre (e.g., fantasy, romance, thriller, self-help)
- Approximate word count or length:
- ☐ Short story (<15k words)
- ☐ Novella (15k–50k words)
- ☐ Standard novel (50k–100k words)
- ☐ Epic/long novel (100k+ words)
- Is this part of a series or trilogy? If yes, number of books and status.
**Tip:** Jot these down—word count helps estimate audio hours and pricing.
Step 2: Decide on Production Style
Think about your preferred level:
- ☐ Basic Tier: Single-voice narration (reliable but straightforward; no extras).
- ☐ Essentials Tier: Multi-voice narration with basic pacing.
- ☐ Dramatized Pro Tier: Full cinematic with sound effects and music.
- Any special scenes (e.g., action, emotional moments) needing emphasis?
**Tip:** If unsure, Eric can suggest based on genre. Note any must-haves.
Step 3: Prepare Character Details
List your main speaking characters (4–10 for most books). For each:
- Name
- Age
- Personality and role (e.g., "clever, sarcastic thief with a soft side")
- Desired voice attributes (use these or your own): articulate, strong, deep, husky, gravelly, bubbly, gentle, warm, kind, friendly, sassy, humorous, witty, sarcastic, sophisticated, mature, commanding, mysterious, youthful, energetic, distinctive
- Accent (e.g., American, British)
- Emotional range (e.g., "intense in dramatic scenes")
- Real-world reference (e.g., actor voice)
**Tip:** Use the Character Voice Template below to organize.
Step 4: Create Pronunciation Dictionary
List any words, names, or terms needing specific pronunciation (e.g., fantasy names, foreign terms). For each:
- Word/name
- How it should sound (phonetic spelling, e.g., "CORA as Kor-ah")
**Tip:** We'll create samples using selected voices for your approval before production.
Step 5: Review and Test
- Read our service tiers for fit (Basic: $50–$100 PFH; Essentials: $250–$350 PFH; Dramatized Pro: $350–$550 PFH; series discounts available). - Have notes ready during the interview.
Ready to Start? Click "Start the Interview" — Eric will guide you step by step.
Character Voice Template (Printable/Fillable)
Book Title: _______________________________
| Character Name | Age | Personality & Role | Desired Voice Attributes | Accent/Special Notes | Real-World Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pronunciation Dictionary Template
| Word/Name | How It Should Sound (Phonetic) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Print this guide and fill in the templates. If you need help, use CORA-General for questions. We're excited to bring your book to life! 🚀