Becoming an Early Listener: What Happens Before an Audiobook Is Released

I'm about to send a note to my newsletter asking for early listeners for the audiobook of Wherever You Will Go, which releases on 26th March.

It's a small, practical step — but it’s actually one of my favourite parts of the publishing process.

Before an audiobook goes live on retailers, there’s a short window where a small group of readers (or in this case, listeners) get to hear it first. They listen honestly. They share feedback. Some leave early reviews. All of them help the book settle into the world with a bit more confidence.

It’s not glamorous. But it matters.

What Early Audiobook Listeners Actually Do (And Why It Matters)

Early listeners aren’t there to flatter the author or generate hype.

They:

• Listen in full, properly and thoughtfully

• Spot anything that might need attention

• Leave fair, honest reviews if they’re able

• Help build those all‑important first responses on release

For audiobooks especially, those early reviews make a real difference. Audio listeners rely heavily on ratings and comments when choosing what to spend hours with.

Why Audiobooks Work So Well for Character-Driven Stories

Over the past few posts, I’ve been writing about slow‑build, character‑driven stories and why they still matter.

Audiobooks add another layer to that conversation.

When a story is voiced, pacing changes slightly. Emotion lands differently. Silence carries weight in a new way. Listening is immersive in a way that reading on a busy day sometimes isn’t.

That’s why I’m especially interested in how early listeners respond. Does the rhythm work? Do the emotional moments land? Does the story hold your attention across chapters when heard rather than read?

Those are useful, practical questions — not abstract ones.

The Stage Between Audiobook Announcement and Release Day

There’s a stretch of time between announcing a release and the actual release day.

From the outside, it can look like not much is happening.

Behind the scenes, though, there are files being checked, distribution platforms being set up, metadata being uploaded, and — importantly — conversations happening with readers.

This is the stage where community makes a difference.

Not in a dramatic way. In a steady one.

Why Early Audiobook Listeners Matter for the Long Game

I write for the long game. I’m not interested in a single loud week and then silence. I’d much rather build something that lasts.

Early listeners are part of that approach. They help a book start strong and travel further. They help other readers decide whether this is a story they want to spend time with.

And for a character‑driven story like Wherever You Will Go, time is exactly what I’m asking for.

Want to Become an Early Audiobook Listener?

If you’re already on my newsletter, you’ll see the invitation to become an early listener for the Wherever You Will Go audiobook.

If you’re not yet subscribed and this sounds like something you’d enjoy — listening ahead of release, sharing honest feedback, and helping a story build momentum — you’re very welcome to join us.

The audiobook releases on 26th March, and this early listening stage plays an important role in helping it reach more readers and listeners.

If you value thoughtful, character-driven fiction and enjoy audiobooks, this is a practical (and genuinely helpful) way to support the stories you care about — and to hear them first.

And I’m grateful to everyone who chooses to be part of that process.

To sign up to my newsletter and also get a free read just click here!