How to turn a book into an audiobook
4 min read · Updated October 24, 2026
AI narration can turn a book into an audiobook in a fraction of the time and cost of recording one — for your own writing, public-domain classics or anything you have the rights to. Here's how.
Make an audiobook →Check you have the rights
You need the right to make an audio version: your own book, a public-domain title, or permission from the rights holder. Audiobook rights are often separate from print rights.
Prepare the file
- EPUB keeps chapter structure, so chapters carry over to the audiobook.
- A plain .txt file works too; keep chapter headings clear.
- Remove front matter you don't want read aloud (long copyright pages, indexes).
Make it with Zlayo
- 1
Upload the book
An .epub or a plain .txt file.
- 2
Pick the narrator
Choose one of the built-in AI voices — or your own voice from Voice Studio.
- 3
Download the audiobook
A chaptered .m4b audiobook that audiobook players understand, chapter by chapter.
Questions
Not with Zlayo: its audiobook maker is on the paid plans, from $19 a month, and doesn't use your monthly minutes.
Yes, Zlayo makes a chaptered .m4b, so players show and skip chapters.
Yes, clone your voice in Voice Studio and choose it as the narrator.