Holton House Audio

FAQ

What does Holton House Audio do best? We record and produce audiobooks for all types of publishers and independent authors.

Are Holton House productions affordable? Yes. We deliver superb, national-quality productions at Midwest prices. We pride ourselves on delivering both quality and value to our customers.

Is Holton House a publisher? No. We are an independent audiobook production company.

Can you produce and distribute Podcasts? Yes. And we can help with the writing and planning.

Who owns the rights to audiobooks produced by Holton House? The client owns all rights.

Does Holton House or its talent have a claim on royalties from audiobooks they record? No. The client owns the completed work.

Can you help us get an ISBN, EAN or UPC Bar code for audio books? Yes.

Can you help us with digital distribution? Yes. We have several ways to help get your product into digital distribution.

Can you help us sell our CDs online? Yes. We can offer a variety of suggestions and options for online sales of cassettes, CDs, E-books, downloads...and printed books as well!

Can you help with the editing, adapting or abridgment of a work to improve it's suitability as an audiobook? Yes. We can recommend professional editors who specialize in adaptations and abridgments for audio books.

Is it expensive to add music or special effects to a production? No. Clients can choose from our excellent library of royalty-free instrumentals and special effects, or we can have effects and music created and performed to fit any need.

Can you create special sound effects? Yes. We work with engineers and sound designers experienced in creating magical sound effects for stage productions, video games, movies and concerts.

Does Holton House offer a "menu" of choices? Yes. Select only the audiobook services you want. Of course, we offer complete turnkey packages to help you save time and money. From pre-production planning through to a completed master audio file, then on to cassettes, CDs, MP3CDs, downloads and digital distribution, whatever you need, we can help. Please see our Services section or contact us.

Does Holton House have a preferred talent base? Yes. We have a wonderful group of skilled audiobook readers that are accustomed to working with our producers and engineers. This reduces production time and saves money for the client. Some of our readers work exclusively for Holton House, others are represented by top agencies. Listen to samples on our Exceptional Voice Talent page.

Can we use outside talent? Yes. We welcome the use of outside talent, and, if needed, can draw on a large pool of talent from all over the country. We will help you find the talent you want.

Can the author do the reading? Yes. Some authors are magnificent readers, some require a little help, and some should leave the work to professional readers. Although our producers can help an author improve a reading performance, it should be no surprise that this is an area where there are often differences of opinion. Issues like these are resolved in the pre-production and planning stage. If it's an author's first time to record, we recommend they read the introduction or an abridgment, and use a professional reader for the full length version of the book.

Can the Publisher or Author participate in directing the production of the audio book? Yes. We want our productions to reflect the vision of the author. During the planning stage, we harmonize the goals of the publisher, author and producer with the best overall interests of the completed audio production.

Is Holton House a manufacturer? No. But if a client wants cassette or CDs, we can really help! We have a discount pricing arrangement with a major manufacturer for all aspects of duplication from artwork through pressing, packaging, bar coding and shipping.

Do we have to use the manufacturer you recommend? Of course not. There are many good duplicators, but it can be time consuming to find one that's right for your project. It's also easy to lose control of cost and quality if you aren't familiar with that part of the business. We provide access at a discount to an excellent and reputable manufacturer, and will show you the pricing so you can compare.

Do you do full cast productions? Yes. Everyone looks forward to them.

Do you do Children's books? Yes. We love this fantastic art form. Our voice artists and producers enjoy doing work for children, and have an array of interesting, delightful...and sometimes scary...voices and special effects just for the kids. We work and play well with animators, illustrators and DVD producers.

Can you clean up and re-format an existing recording? In most cases, yes.

Is Holton House a talent agency? No. We work with the best possible choice of voice talent available for each project. We work with independent artists as well as those represented by union and non-union agencies.

Does the Holton House Audio name have to be listed on every production? No. As an independent contract producer, we work for a variety of clients. It is not necessary to list Holton House Audio as the audiobook producer.

Do you offer special deals? Well...it depends. Our standard pricing offers an exceptional value, but if you are working on a series, an unusual project, or if you are a non-profit organization, we will find a way to work with you. Contact us.

Can you recommend an affordable Web site to promote and sell the book, the CD and a download? Yes, all that and more. The company that powers our site is Noteway Media. We are not affiliated with Noteway Media, but believe that they have an extraordinary product at a great price, and highly recommend them. We have developed a special Web site package for authors that uses Noteway as its foundation, and we can help you with several related ideas and options for sales and marketing. Contact us for more information.

What services do you offer for audiobooks and podcasts?

  • Pre-production planning
  • Script preparation
  • Abridgment and audio adaptation editing
  • Wide selection of skilled voice talent
  • Experienced producers
  • State-of-the-art studios
  • Award-winning engineers
  • Royalty-free music and special effects
  • Editing
  • Mixing
  • Review and proofing
  • Mastering
  • Downloads and digital distribution
  • Discounts on duplication and replication
  • Contact us for custom services and special projects