The Workflow

Export the audio from the original video, process the recording, locate the marked credits, remove unwanted material, and save the introduction and outro as separate files. Then prepare the audio for the book’s website presentation.

1. Export an Audio-Only Copy

1. Open the original recording in QuickTime Player.
2. Export the audio separately from the video.
3. Name the exported file so you can identify the book and recording.
4. Keep the original recording while editing the audio copy.

Jonathan begins with a recording containing the introduction and outro for The Madison Ripper. The audio-only export takes less time than exporting the full video.

2. Test ChatGPT for Extracting the Credits

Jonathan supplies the audio with this instruction:

I’m going to give you an audio file. There is a section in the file where there are five consecutive beeps. In between the beeps is the intro and outro. I want you to extract the intro and the outro as two separate files formatted for ACX Audible.

1. Provide the audio file.
2. Describe the audible markers.
3. Identify the sections you want extracted.
4. Specify that the introduction and outro should be separate files.
5. Listen to and inspect any finished files before using them.

In this demonstration, Jonathan moves to Adobe before receiving a usable result from the automated workflow.

3. Import the Recording into Adobe Audition

1. Open Adobe Audition.
2. Import the exported audio.
3. Open the waveform for editing.
4. Listen to the recording and locate the sections you intend to keep.

4. Apply DeNoise

1. Open the Effects controls.
2. Select DeNoise.
3. Apply the settings appropriate to the source recording.
4. Listen to the processed voice and the pauses between phrases.

Jonathan uses an existing setup. The transcript does not provide the exact DeNoise settings; he offers to explain those in a separate members-only lesson.

5. Review RMS and Peak Amplitude

1. Follow the total RMS processing stage shown in the video.
2. Review the peak amplitude stage.
3. Use Scan Selection to inspect the audio statistics.
4. Check the measurements again after completing the remaining edits.

The approximately −32 dB average RMS mentioned during the inspection is a reading in the demonstration, not an instruction to use that value as the final audiobook target.

6. Inspect Background Noise and Apply Dynamics

1. Zoom into a quiet passage.
2. Look at the low-level signal between spoken words.
3. Open the Dynamics controls in the amplitude effects section.
4. Apply the intended processing.
5. Listen for changes in the voice, pauses, and transitions.

Jonathan demonstrates the visible reduction of low-level background signal. Use listening checks alongside the waveform display when judging the result.

7. Export the Processed Audio

1. Open the file export dialog.
2. Select your audiobook export settings.
3. Check the output format and encoding options.
4. Remove unsupported characters from the filename if the export dialog rejects them.
5. Save the processed file.

Export settings: The lesson refers to a saved audiobook preset without stating all of its parameters. Check the finished files against your publishing destination’s current technical requirements before submitting them.

8. Find the Five-Beep Markers

1. Locate the distinctive marker sequence in the recording.
2. Listen to confirm the beginning and ending of the credits.
3. Remove the surrounding commentary from the working copy.
4. Remove the beeps from the final audio.

The markers make the intended narration easier to identify inside the longer recording.

9. Trim the Introduction and Preserve the Required Spacing

1. Isolate the opening credits.
2. Remove unwanted speech before and after the introduction.
3. Leave an appropriate quiet lead-in and ending.
4. Check the required spacing for the platform receiving the file.
5. Listen from the beginning to confirm that the opening is not cut off.

Jonathan discusses his preferred quiet lead-in while editing. His spoken recollection of the platform’s required duration is uncertain, so it should not be treated as a complete submission specification.

10. Remove Unwanted Clicks and Small Sounds

1. Listen with headphones to locate distracting sounds.
2. Zoom into each area that needs attention.
3. Select the unwanted sound carefully.
4. Remove or repair it without cutting into the spoken word.
5. Replay the edited passage to check timing and clarity.

Jonathan demonstrates listening closely to individual words in the credits. He discusses balancing detailed cleanup with the amount of time spent on sounds that may be barely noticeable to a listener.

11. Save the Introduction Separately

1. Export the edited introduction using the intended settings.
2. Name it 0.0 Intro — The Madison Ripper, following the demonstrated naming convention.
3. Confirm that the exported file contains only the intended introduction and its surrounding quiet spacing.

12. Return to the Outro and Edit It

1. Return to the source containing the closing credits.
2. Isolate the outro.
3. Remove unrelated material and distracting sounds.
4. Listen to the complete closing passage.
5. Export it as a separate file.

Jonathan uses Undo to recover the outro in his working session. Keeping the original source also allows you to reopen it when needed.

The outro identifies Capitol Murders — The Madison Ripper as written and narrated by Author Jonathan David, followed by the False Reality Publishing production credit.

13. Use Consistent File Names

Jonathan organizes the files by name and kind so the audio and website materials remain easy to find.

14. Prepare the Website Audiobook Page

1. Create or update the The Madison Ripper eBook and Audiobook page.
2. Place it in the appropriate fiction category.
3. Prepare the accordion layout for individual chapters.
4. Use the horizontal book-thumbnail arrangement discussed in the recording.
5. Upload the introduction audio and add it to the opening entry.
6. Save the revised accordion HTML whenever you make an alteration.

The video ends while Jonathan is adding the introduction and waiting for the video upload to finish.

Continue the Audiobook Production Course

Become a member to access the full library and follow the recording, editing, narration, and publishing process.

Join live Zoom sessions for Q&A and guidance while Jonathan creates the books, audiobooks, and website content.

Become a Member Live Zoom Access