🎉 Post-Production Checklist

Your Audiobook is Complete—Now Let's Launch It Right!

Congratulations! Your audiobook narration is complete. This checklist will guide you through the final steps to ensure a smooth delivery, successful launch, and ongoing promotion.

What's Next:

Final file review and approval
Distribution and platform upload
Marketing and promotion preparation
Launch day coordination
Post-launch engagement

1. Final Review & Approval

Listen & Verify:

Download all final audio files

Listen to opening credits and closing credits

Spot-check random sections throughout the audiobook

Verify all character names and pronunciations are correct

Check audio quality (no background noise, consistent volume)

Confirm total runtime matches expectations

Send final approval or revision requests (if needed)

💡 Review Tips

Listen at 1.25x or 1.5x speed to catch issues faster. Pay special attention to chapter transitions and any sections you flagged during production.

2. File Management & Backup

Organize & Protect:

Create a dedicated folder for this audiobook project

Save all final audio files in multiple locations (cloud + external drive)

Keep a copy of the original manuscript with notes

Save character voice brief and pronunciation guide

Archive all project correspondence and contracts

3. Distribution Setup

Platform Preparation:

Verify ACX/Findaway/other platform account is active

Prepare audiobook cover image (2400x2400px minimum)

Write compelling audiobook description

Select appropriate categories and keywords

Set pricing (if applicable)

Upload audio files to distribution platform

Complete all required metadata fields

Submit for platform review/approval

⏰ Timeline Note

ACX typically takes 10-14 business days for review. Findaway Voices is usually 3-5 business days. Plan your launch date accordingly!

4. Marketing Materials

Create Promotional Assets:

Request audio samples/clips for social media (30-60 seconds)

Create announcement graphics with audiobook cover

Write launch announcement posts for all platforms

Design social media countdown graphics

Create email announcement for your newsletter

Prepare website/blog post about the audiobook

Update book pages on your website with audiobook links

Create narrator spotlight post (tag Kelly Jean Taylor!)

🎤 Marketing Support Available

Need help with promotional materials? Check out the Marketing Support Package for ready-to-use graphics, sample posts, and audio clips!

5. Pre-Launch Coordination

Final Preparations:

Set official launch date

Schedule social media posts in advance

Notify your ARC team and beta readers

Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers

Plan launch day giveaway or promotion (if applicable)

Coordinate with narrator for cross-promotion

Update Amazon/Goodreads author pages

6. Launch Day!

Go Live:

Verify audiobook is live on all platforms

Test purchase/download links

Post launch announcement on all social media

Send newsletter announcement

Share audio samples/clips

Engage with comments and shares throughout the day

Thank your narrator publicly (tag on social media)

🎊 Celebrate Your Achievement! 🎊

You've brought your story to life in audio format. Take a moment to celebrate this milestone—you've earned it!

7. Post-Launch Activities (First Week)

Maintain Momentum:

Monitor sales and downloads daily

Respond to all reviews and comments

Share listener reactions and reviews

Post additional audio clips and behind-the-scenes content

Continue engaging with your narrator's promotional posts

Run targeted ads (Facebook, Amazon, BookBub, etc.)

8. Long-Term Promotion (First Month)

Keep the Buzz Going:

Schedule regular promotional posts (2-3 times per week)

Reach out to audiobook-specific reviewers and podcasts

Consider audiobook-specific promotions (Chirp, Audiobooks Unleashed)

Update book descriptions to include audiobook availability

Add "Now available in audio!" to email signature

Create listener discussion prompts in reader groups

9. Gather Feedback & Reviews

Build Social Proof:

Request reviews from ARC listeners

Encourage readers to leave Audible/iTunes reviews

Share positive reviews on social media

Collect listener testimonials for future marketing

Provide testimonial for narrator - Submit Testimonial

⭐ Review Strategy

The first 10-20 reviews are crucial for audiobook visibility. Make requesting reviews a priority in your first month!

10. Series Planning (If Applicable)

Looking Ahead:

Evaluate audiobook performance and listener feedback

Plan timeline for next book in series

Contact narrator about series continuation

Update series continuity tracker with notes for next book

Consider pre-orders or announcements for Book 2

11. Financial & Administrative

Wrap Up Business Details:

Complete final payment to narrator (if not already done)

Save all invoices and receipts for tax purposes

Track audiobook income and expenses

Update project budget and ROI calculations

Archive all contracts and agreements

12. Reflection & Lessons Learned

Document Your Experience:

Write down what went well in the production process

Note any challenges and how they were resolved

Identify improvements for next audiobook project

Evaluate narrator performance and collaboration

Save notes for future reference

📝 Keep Learning

Each audiobook project teaches you something new. Document your insights so your next launch is even more successful!

💬 Questions? Contact Me