'Lincoln in the Bardo,' the new novel by George Saunders, is upending traditional ideas about audiobooks. The novel's audiobook counterpart, which was produced by Penguin Random House Audio, is more of a piece of radio theater than a reading of a novel, featuring 166 different voice actors reading throughout the seven hour missive.
Typically, authors spend their time writing and publishing their novels, leaving the audiobook aspect as an afterthought. Sometimes the authors themselves do the audiobook readings, or occasionally publishers will splurge for a big name actor to do the reading. However, as podcasts grow in popularity, publishers are seeing an incentive to create higher quality productions for audiobook releases. Such is the thinking behind Lincoln in the Bardo.
The audiobook not only has 166 different voices, but it has some big names too, including Nick Offerman, Bill Hader, Megan Mullaly, Keegan-Michael Key, Don Cheadle, Julianne Moore, and David Sedaris.
Large-Scale Theatrical Audiobooks
The 'Lincoln in the Bardo' Audiobook Features 166 Voice Actors
Trend Themes
1. Interactive Audiobooks - Creating audiobooks that go beyond a simple reading and incorporate multiple voice actors for a more immersive experience.
2. Podcast-inspired Audiobooks - Developing audiobooks that take inspiration from the rising popularity of podcasts and focus on high-quality production value and engaging storytelling.
3. Celebrity Narrated Audiobooks - Utilizing well-known actors and personalities to narrate audiobooks, attracting a larger audience and enhancing the overall listening experience.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - Incorporating interactive elements and high-quality production in audiobooks to attract and retain readers in the digital age.
2. Entertainment - Exploring the potential of audiobooks as a new form of immersive storytelling, similar to radio theater, and partnering with renowned voice actors and celebrities.
3. Audio Production - Offering services and expertise in creating dynamic and engaging audiobook productions that go beyond traditional narrations.