Audiobook Apps

12 October 2010 | 40 Comments » | opp_id

heinz ketchup old bottle1 97x300 Audiobook AppsI read recently about how the new squeezable ketchup bottles outline an important truth in business – just because an idea is successful doesn’t mean it can’t be better. The glass ketchup bottle carried the product that made the Heinz name synonymous with the tomato condiment, but somebody had the insight and boldness to suggest something new.

Audiobooks have enjoyed great success through various media formats, from cassette in the early days on to CD. But digital downloads and portable media players have opened up the floodgates of possibilities for this growing industry, and the group of visionaries who formed Modern Book Factory (www.modernbookfactory.com) are working to see that potential realized.

The company are developing apps for the iPhone, iPad and other devices that will take the audiobook experience to a new level. Not unlike the extras found on DVD movies, the apps will allow for additional media content relating to the book to be included with the audiobook – perhaps such as author interviews, backstories, and e-versions of the book.

Also exciting is the fact that the apps will allow independent authors and publishing houses to effectively self-publish, with their publications retailing alongside major publisher content, growing the ‘long tail’ as described by Chris Anderson.

I’m very fortunate to be involved in this new initiative through my affiliation with audiobook production house, Bee Audio (www.beeaudio.com), who is partnering with Modern Book Factory on the initiative.

www.modernbookfactory.com
www.beeaudio.com