Do you produce audiobooks for international customers?

yes we record for major publishers and self funded authors

Can you distribute audiobooks

yes we have international distribution setup though Ingram Core Source

do you provide narrators

yes we have a range of narrators on hand

How do I find the right narrator for my audiobook?

we will provide a range of narrators

Audiobook Production

Scotland's leading audiobook production studio

Tilda Swinton. Nicola Sturgeon. Alexander McCall Smith. Scotland's National Makars. This is where great audiobooks are made.

We bring the same care to every project,
whether you're a debut author or a household name

Our Royal Mile based recording studio is BBC-approved
and trusted by the world's leading publishers.

    Olivia Laing
    Irvine Welsh
    Ian Rankin
    Val McDermid
    Stuart MacBride
    Davina McCall
    Nicola Sturgeon
    Jackie Kay
    Liz Lochhead
    Alasdair Gray
    Ewan Morrison
    Kirsty Logan
    Caro Ramsay
    Alan Parks
    Sandra Brown OBE
    Olivia Laing
    Irvine Welsh
    Alan Bissett
    Ian Rankin
    Val McDermid
    Stuart MacBride
    Davina McCall
    Nicola Sturgeon
    Jackie Kay
    Liz Lochhead
    Alasdair Gray
    Ewan Morrison
    Kirsty Logan
    Caro Ramsay
    Alan Parks
    Sandra Brown OBE
  

Watching Iain & Tilda working on The Lonely City by Olivia Laing was a Masterclass in audiobook production

Jamie Byng

CEO CANONGATE BOOKS

Full Production Service

    Recording
    Editing
    Proofing
    Pickups
    Final Audio Mastering
    ACX Testing
    Chapter Metadata Embedding
    RX Processing
    File Delivery
    Recording
    Editing
    Proofing
    Pickups
    Final Audio Mastering
    ACX Testing
    Chapter Metadata Embedding
    RX Processing
    File Delivery
  

Getting Started

First, in order to estimate a cost for the project please send us the word count of your book.

If you would like us to do this for you just send us the PDF of your title. We can then advise of the cost based on the estimated finished length of the audiobook.

Although we are not voice actor providers, we can sometimes provide narrators for an audiobook if we think we can suggest the ideal person, and we also are in touch with agents who have access to rosters of narrators.

New Narrators

If you are the author and this is your first audiobook narration, we can offer lots useful advice on how to prepare for your recordings. We include this service for both publishers and self-published authors.

You can't busk an audiobook narration and it's important to be match fit for your sessions. We firmly believe if the recording process is enjoyable for you, your experience will transmit to the listener too.

READ THIS ARTICLE we specially created for introducing new narrators to the world of audiobooks.

We also offer a VO & Audiobook Showreel Service

Arrange Your Recording Sessions.

Our target for a day's narration in the studio is in the range of 30,000 words.

Our Producer/Director will be reading along with you every step of the way, making sure you are comfortable, and gently guiding the sessions along so that you have the best possible experience.

We provide a range of hot drinks including herbal teas we have specially concocted to keep your throat in good shape.

Editing, Mastering & File Delivery

Once the recording process is complete we will proof the narration before mastering the audio to broadcast standard. Then we will embed the Metadata in each chapter and test to ACX standard so that your files upload seamlessly to the platform of your choice.

If any pickups are required a further session is included.

We can normally deliver your files within 7 days of the recording stage of the production being completed.

BBC Approved:

At Offbeat Audio Ltd, situated bang in the centre of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, we specialise in delivering top-tier audiobook production services. Our BBC-approved Edinburgh recording studio ensures your work stands out, providing listeners with a rich and vibrant audio experience. We pride ourselves on working within your schedule and budget.

Creative Atmosphere:

Our studio has been established for 30 years and we have created a comfortable and creative space which is utilised by a huge range of Publishers and Broadcasters nationally and Worldwide.

We can also provide an acoustically designed space for those of you want to DIY for your own audiobook production

Trusted by Leading Publishers:

We work with publishers both locally and Internationally as Scotland's premiere Audiobook production house. We bring our expertise working with Radio, Film and TV to enhance your project.

We also offer full support to self-published authors, many of whom narrate their own work.

Get in Touch Today to Elevate Your Audiobook Project

Call Today!

Record 'only' service

If you don't need the full audiobook production service we can simply record the project at the studio for you to edit and produce the recording yourself.

Some publishers prefer to work this way and our recording engineer can mark up the script for your editor in the conventional way.

We can either record using the punch and roll method, or fluff and repeat. Contact Us to find out about our hourly rate for the recording only service

You can also hire a soundproof booth and record yourself here at Offbeat. We can provide from a range of professional microphones to suit your voice.

If you're not local to Edinburgh, you can come and stay right next door to the studio for the duration of the recording.

We have a self contained apartment right next door to the studio in the Royal Mile with its own acoustically designed day-lit booth with amazing rooftop views over the old town and Calton Hill.

FAQ

If you have any questions at all that are not answered here please don't hesitate to...

>Contact Us

How much does it cost to produce an audiobook?

Costs for full production are based on the finished length of the audiobook, usually estimated from your manuscript word count. Send us your word count or a PDF and we’ll give you a clear, no-obligation quote.
To record only, we charge per studio hour

Can I narrate my own audiobook?

Yes. Many authors narrate their own titles at Offbeat. We provide coaching and guidance to make sure you’re prepared and comfortable before stepping into the booth.

I’ve never narrated before — will you help me?

We offer advice on preparation, pacing, and vocal care. Our producer/director works with you throughout recording to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Do you supply professional narrators if I don’t want to read my own book?

Yes. We work with a range of experienced narrators and can help you find the right voice to match the tone of your book.

How long will it take to record and deliver my audiobook?

On average, we record around 30,000 words per day in the studio. Post-production (editing, mastering, proofing, ACX testing, and metadata) is usually completed within 7 days after recording.

Can you handle ACX/Audible technical requirements?

Yes. We master all files to ACX standard, embed metadata, and deliver files ready for upload to Audible, Amazon, or your chosen platform.

Do you offer recording-only services?

Yes and we can mark up the script to pro standards for your editor following the session(s)

What if I’m not based in Edinburgh?

Subject to availability, you can stay in our self-contained apartment next door to the studio, complete with its own acoustically designed booth and stunning rooftop views of the old town. Remote recording options are also available.

Testimonials

What our creative clients say

"I never want to record anywhere else but Offbeat when I'm in Edinburgh."
Tilda Swinton
"The Lonely City" for Canongate Books
"Whether you need to record an audiobook or anything else, I highly recommend Offbeat. They're brilliant."
Nicola Sturgeon — Former First Minister of Scotland, "Frankly" for Pan MacMillan
Poet Len Pennie, waxes lyrical about her experience of working with Offbeat recordist and director Olivia Caw following the recording of her second book of poems for Canongate Books at the studio

Chitra Ramaswami
AUTHOR AND NARRATOR
"What an intense, emotionally wringing, and utterly wonderful experience. Thank you".
Canongate Books
JAMIE BYNG
Watching Iain & Tilda working on The Lonely City was a masterclass in audiobook production
Penguin Random House
OLLIE GRANT
"Excellent job! This wasn’t a straightforward record. Hopefully we can work on another title soon! "
Fiona Scott-Barratt
AUTHOR
"Many thanks again for your sterling input to this project, I am utterly delighted with the audiobook recording of The Exit Facility".
Canongate Books
GAIA POGGIOGALLI
" Iain is excellent at introducing our authors to the basics of 'narrating audiobooks."
Alice Lee

"Thanks for providing the excellent audio for Sawbones. No issues at all for the edit, which is unusual and very much appreciated."