How to Create Professional Audio Books from Scratch

My name is Alan Twigg and I'm writing auto accident attorneys Ohio article Massachusetts Lemon Laws offer advice to anyone thinking of creating their own professional audio books.

In the New Year I came up with the idea of creating professional childrens stories and offering them for download on the internet. The thing was, however, while I had someone to write the stories - my mother - and someone to market the stories me, I knew nobody who knew about how to record the stories professionally. I knew it must be reasonably easy, since I only wanted to create an audio book containing speech.

I started doing research on Google - but all the articles I found contained so much technical gobbledygook I was soon put off. So I went to my local music store for advice on what to buy. I decided to use my computer to create the audio books and this is what I bought:

1 microphone stand

1 pop-screen (that's a piece of material that is placed just in front of the microphone to stop your Ps from popping)

1 studio microphone

1 software program (Wavelab)

1 USB Audio/MIDI interface (TASCAM US 122 with phantom power)

1 pair of heaphones

It all came to 650 euros (800) dollars.

I connected my Audio/MIDI interface (this is basically a really good sound card in an external case) to my computer using the USB cable provided. I then set up my microphone and attached the microphone cable to the MIDI interface. After installing the software, I was ready to go.

The results have been great and I find Wavelab software powerful and incredibly easy to use.

Some Audio Book recording tips

I first get my entire copy ready before starting the recording. I pin the sheets of paper with the text that I am going to read in front of me onto the wall. Then, at about 8 inches away from the microphone, I start to talk. The more natural you can be the more interesting you will sound to your listeners. I found that the best thing to do is to stand in front of the microphone and make gestures in the same way as you would when talking to a close friend. If you stand there stiff like a statue, you'll come across in the same way in your recording.

Another thing that I like to do before starting the recording is to get myself into a really good mood. Again, this will add to the impact of your recording. I always listen to a few uplifting songs and get enthusiastic before starting. You should also try to make sure that you keep the same distance from the microphone.

And thats it I hope that this article will save you a little bit of time setting up your own home recording studio and I wish lots of success with your audio books.

The author of this article is Alan Twigg. My business is Playtime books, which offers new and contemporary audio books for the 3 to 10-year-old age group. You will find this site at http://www.playtime-books.com.

Exchanging Business Cards - Etiquette Tips

Some people think you should give your auto accident attorneys Indiana card to anyone that will take it. Others say to only give it to people who personal injury lawyers Phoenix for it. Otherwise, you're just wasting your business card printing budget on people who are just going to throw your card away anyway.

The key to getting people to want your business card is to ask them for theirs first. Most likely, that person will ask for your business card in return. Then your card can get to work for you and you can work on making a new business contact.

Once you get a business card, there are some etiquette rules you should follow. Read on to learn how to take and give a business card with style and grace.

After engaging in small talk with someone new, ask them for their business card. Most people are pleased when asked for their business card and they'll be happy to give it to you. This opens up the opportunity for them to ask you for yours in return. If they don't ask you for yours though, don't be pushy. After all, you still have their contact information now so you have an open door of communication.

Thank the other person for giving you her card. When you get a business card, say thanks and take time to read it - front and back. It's nice to comment on the card; you can comment about the card design, beautiful colors used or the logo. If the business card is less than stellar, and you can't make a comment, ask a question instead. No, not "Why did you pick this hideous green?" But ask them how long they've been in their position or with their particular company. If something is missing from the card, like an email address or Web site, ask for it then and there and add it to the card.

Ask if you can contact that person. Even though you assume it's okay to contact the other person since they just gave you their card, it's professional etiquette to ask to contact them. You don't need to ask that directly though; one good way of asking for permission is to ask for the best way to contact that person - phone, email - or what time is best to contact. This way you're showing respect and you'll be remembered for that respect.

Don't launch into your sales pitch when they ask for your card. Asking for your card is not asking about your latest and greatest product. Never try to sell something while exchanging business cards unless you've been specifically asked for more information about your product.

Send a note within two days. You can either mail them a card or send them an email to say you enjoyed meeting them. Jot down something you talked about to jog their memory. If the person didn't ask for your business card, you can send it to them in the note. Sending an actual card or note through snail mail is more personal than email, and the person is more likely to remember you because of it.

Keep all business cards you collect in a Rolodex or file. You can even buy a business card album that has business-card-sized pockets. You never know when you're going to need their business! You can file them in alphabetical order by name, or you can file by occupation or industry. This makes it easier to contact someone in the future.

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Karen Grahams has keen interest in Internet Marketing, which began roughly four years ago. Writing has always been her passion. She is continually striving to enhance her interest by developing internet strategies.