RYA audiobooks... available now!
Our first two key audiobooks are available now:
RYA Yachtmaster Handbook (A-G70)
Plus many other stores...
RYA VHF Handbook (A-G31)
Plus many other stores...
We'll then start looking at producing other audiobooks:
- RYA National Sailing Scheme Instructor Handbook (A-G14)
- Start Sailing (A-G3)
- Advanced Sailing (A-G12)
We'd love to hear your feedback, suggestions, requests or recommendations for RYA audiobooks. Please email publications@rya.org.uk with any comments.
Why are we looking at audiobooks?
Putting aside the obvious benefits of accessibility, audiobooks are growing in popularity due to an increasing number of mobile devices with improved functionality and burgeoning popularity of digital formats. Audiobooks are also able to interact with the increasingly popular smart speakers, voice recognition devices (i.e. Google Home Assistant, Amazon Echo and Apple HomePod) and other streaming devices.
It's becoming more common for both train and car commuters
to listen to audiobooks rather than music or the radio as a way to
optimise their time to learn new information in our fast-paced world.
Audiobooks appear to fit into our modern lifestyles, where instantaneous results are
the norm, because you can listen at a higher speed rate than reading.
How are we approaching audiobooks?
We know
that people love engaging content and learn more effectively with a compelling
sensory experience. For example, audiobook narrators can use vocal range and add more
exclamation or dramatic intent to their voices, compared with a person reading a book and hearing the words in their head. This creates a powerful and memorable experience.
A lot of our content is highly illustrated and some of it won't be suitable for audio. However, our approach is to start with a handful of our most appropriate titles and create abridged or adapted versions. Perhaps an
‘audio-notes’ or ‘companion’ version is the best description. The aim of our audiobooks is to be a useful and easily accessible reminder,
refresher, companion, or supporting tool, rather than a complete replacement for
the print or eBook format.
Where are they available?
Our audiobooks are available through the channels shown below, and we'll look at publishing to additional stores in due course.
Both VHF Handbook (A-G31) and Yachtmaster Handbook (A-G70) are also available to purchase directly through our new Authors Direct store (price in USD).
Note: Audible is currently experiencing delays, so A-G31 VHF Handbook is not yet available on this platform.
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