Discovering audiobooks can be expensive and tricky sometimes. In this article, I want to share cost-effective steps one can take to discover and enjoy new audiobooks.
How people catch up with their favorite books has changed somewhat in the last quarter-century. The popularity of audiobooks has increased since the format of the talking book transferred from cumbersome vinyl LPs and clunky tape cassettes to the much more accessible compact disc and MP3 formats and now to smartphones and digital streaming.
The vast array of audiobooks released each month leaves potential new listeners with a varied selection of new titles to choose from. Where to start in selecting new titles can prove difficult as a lot of financial outlay can exist when purchasing new titles to listen to.
So a good place to start when getting into audiobooks is to look around at the resources available. It is surprising what can be purchased at very little cost and sometimes even free of charge. The results, of course, will always be varied but that is part of the joy of discovering audiobooks.
The old way of doing things: Borrow An Audiobook From Your Local Library
Public libraries are a good place to start when seeking inspiration as to what to listen to. Depending on the libraries rules, an audiobook can be borrowed with a minimal charge or in some cases free. Now you can check the availability of books and audiobooks at the library online.
This can generally prove useful for more expensive and extensive titles where an unabridged reading of a book can run into several discs. Borrowing such a title can allow you to evaluate if you enjoy the presentation, and enable you to draw conclusions to whether you wish to purchase the title or indeed ones in a similar vein at a later date.
Claim A Free Audiobook From Promotion and Trials
Most audiobook services providers frequently run promotional campaigns enabling readers to claim free audiobook titles. Some services like Scribd offer 2 months of free trial with unlimited audiobooks. You can find a full review of Scribd and their latest features. The selections on offer can vary but most of the time it is simply redeeming a coupon from the pages of the website. Many services also frequently offer readers chances of purchasing audiobooks at reduced prices; prospective purchasers would do well to examine offers more closely.
When downloading a free audiobook from magazine promotion via the internet, this usually involves visiting a prospective audiobook distributors website, registering for free and then downloading your chosen (or given) title. Always be aware of the terms and conditions when visiting such sites as some companies may attempt to tie prospective customers into purchasing a title after a trial period.
Download Free Audiobooks On The Internet
This method of acquiring free titles to download straight to your iPod and MP3 player or stream through the app is usually relatively easy and convenient and prevents you from acquiring additional clutter on your hard drive.
Many classic titles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Jane Austen, and The Bronte Sisters have been transcribed by audio societies around the world and can be downloaded free of charge from the internet. This is usually because the books themselves are now largely out of copyright, though some listeners may struggle to listen to some versions depending on the readers and regional accents, a scenario which is usually down to personal choice. Librivox is a great service for that.
Search Charity Shops For Cheap Audiobooks
If you really just fancy sampling audiobooks at little expense for yourself, a relative or a friend, another alternative is to check out charity shops where you can usually find unwanted promotional newspaper CDs at little cost.
This method can usually throw up interesting results in which you can find anything from popular children’s titles to readings of popular books. Either way, the result can be as unpredictable as it can be fun and sometimes you may come away with a real bargain as well as supporting a local charity.
Following any of the above ideas will set you on a wonderful path of discovery and enjoyment in the world of audiobooks.
