How is listening to an audiobook different from reading a print book?
Audiobooks vs Reading: Understanding
Perusing a print book and tuning in to audiobooks are two distinct journeys that head towards a common end.
Both conjure distinct sensations and impressions, but the overall experience is roughly equivalent and neither is superior.
There is a substantial collection of studies conducted on topics surrounding the degree of understanding in audiobooks vs reading.
The best researched and constructive academic study available is that of Doctor Art Markman and Doctor Bob Duke, of the University of Texas, Austin and Austin NPR’s Two Guys on Your Head.
Describing reading: “When you read something, you are looking at symbols on a page, and your brain is busy filling in all the blanks. Like the sounds of the voices, the scene, the inflection, the deeper meaning, the plot, etc.”
Describing audiobooks: “Because you can’t go back and reread something, you’re much more likely to do a better job of trying to extract the gist of what someone meant when you’re hearing them than when you’re reading.”
Audiobooks are suitable for children as well.
To be honest, most of us begin listening to stories read aloud to us by teachers, parents, librarians, and surprisingly, even, Teddy Ruxpin, the talking nursery rhyme reciting Teddy Bear.
Nonetheless, Scholastic has stated the reasons why audio is an ideal reading option for juniors, which includes how “following along visually can enhance word-recognition ability, while listening alone can expand vocabulary.”
Audiobooks vs Reading: Empathetic Provocations
Audiobooks
Doctors Markman and Duke utilize the instance of humor and joy to demonstrate how audiobooks may occasionally prompt a more empathetic reaction to the vocalized content.
“It’s a more interactive experience” to listen to vocalized inflections, irony, sarcasm, angst etc. that comes from hearing a human reading aloud.
Audiobooks vs Reading, Book Bonanza:
If you have not embarked on the audio books journey yet, memoirs are the path to start on savoring the nuances of audiobooks.
Research your favorite celebrity, actor, or musician and check for the availability of an audiobook memoir.
Often, they do narrate their own audiobook memoirs. If any comedy episode is music to your ears, any book by an SNL alumni is magic to relive on audio.
Additionally, if you cannot afford Springsteen on Broadway tickets like most, Bruce’s audiobook, Born to Run, would be highly desired as a simulated experience.
Audiobook Retailer |
Storytel |
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Specialty |
Storytel is one of the world’s largest subscribed audiobook and e-book streaming services and offers listening and reading of more than 500 000 titles on a global scale. Their vision is to make the world more empathetic and creative with great stories to be shared and enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. |
| Pricing |
$9.90 per month |
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Website |
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| Address |
22 Cross St, #02-01, Singapore 048421 |
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Email contact |
support.sg@storytel.com |
| Operating Hours |
9 am to 5 pm |
Audiobook Retailer |
Audiobooks |
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Specialty |
They believe that reading great books makes a person happier, helps them learn and makes them grow. A wise man, Stephen King, said “books are a uniquely portable magic”. They couldn’t agree more. That’s why they created an audio book service that lets book lovers, take their favorite books anywhere. Services: Romance audiobooks, Mystery audiobooks, Science fiction audiobooks, Health audiobooks, Business audiobooks |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: customerservice@audiobooks.com |
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Website |
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| Address |
96PQ+VX Burlington, Ontario, Canada |
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Email contact |
customerservice@audiobooks.com |
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Operating Hours |
8 am to 8 pm |
Audiobooks Retailer |
Kinokuniya Singapore |
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Specialty |
Books Kinokuniya opened its mega-sized flagship store in Singapore on 8th August 1999. Located at level 3 of Takashimaya S.C., their Main Store quickly became a favorite destination for many booklovers. Their Main Store’s current premises are on the fourth floor of Takashimaya S.C. with over 500,000 quality titles available. Services: Kids audiobooks, Classics audiobooks, Fantasy audiobooks, Non-Fiction audiobooks, Fiction audiobooks |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: customer_support@kinokuniya.com.sg |
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Website |
https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/ |
| Address |
391 Orchard Road #04-20/20A/20B/20C/21 Takashimaya S.C., Ngee Ann City, 238872 |
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Telephone |
+65-67375021 |
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Operating Hours |
11 am to 9 pm |
Audiobook Retailer |
Google Audiobooks |
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Specialty |
Listening to Google’s audiobooks involves a straightforward transaction; you buy the book and listen to it. You listen to the books through the Assistant or a Google Play Books app. Reading progress is synced across devices with the exception of Android Auto in the US which will be added “soon”. Services: Science Fiction audiobooks, Horror audiobooks, Biography audiobooks, Fiction audiobooks, Fantasy audiobooks |
| Pricing |
$0.66 to $130.65 per title |
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Website |
https://play.google.com/store/books |
| Address |
1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States |
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Telephone |
+1650-2530000 |
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Operating Hours |
24/7 |
Audiobook Retailer |
Amazon’s Audible |
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Specialty |
Books can be purchased outright through Amazon’s Audible at a 30% discount, but the program is designed to function primarily as a subscription service. Subscribers pay a monthly fee and get credits in return. One credit is good for one book, regardless of cost. Gold and Platinum subscriptions are available. |
| Pricing |
$16.40 to $30.30 per subscription |
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Website |
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| Address |
5B Toh Guan Road East, Singapore 608829 |
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Telephone |
+1 206-922-0880 |
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Operating Hours |
24/7 |
Audiobook Retailer |
Open Trolley |
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Specialty |
About: OpenTrolley Bookstore, established in 2008, is a leading online bookstore in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia offering more than 15 million imported US and UK titles at great prices. More than 15 million brand new books at discounted prices. Quick delivery of 4-7 working days. Search and purchase books from home. Services: Biography audiobooks, Self-help audiobooks, Non-fiction audiobooks, Fiction audiobooks, Business audiobooks |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: customers@opentrolley.com.sg |
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Website |
https://opentrolley.com.sg/ |
| Address |
8 Burn Rd #07-13 Trivex Singapore 369977 |
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Email contact |
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Operating Hours |
10 am to 5 pm |
Audiobook Retailer |
AE Books |
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Specialty |
AE Books was founded by parents of two lovely children, and they have bonded with them through the beauty of books from birth. It is important to keep learning fun, enjoyable, interactive and away from the new age technology – so it’s back to books with a twist, entertaining kids. |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: aebookswithlove@gmail.com |
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Website |
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| Address |
Blk 863 Tampines Street 83 (S)520863 |
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Email contact |
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Operating Hours |
24/7 |
Audiobook Retailer |
Ratuken Kobo |
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Specialty |
Your favorite local bookshop, perfected. At Kobo, they embody everything you love about your favorite local bookshop, perfected for your modern life. Their mission is to bring the power of reading to your world — because we’re booklovers, just like you. They believe stories shape identities, and words can transform, improve. Services: Romance audiobooks, Fiction audiobooks, Fantasy audiobooks, Children’s audiobooks, Non-fiction audiobooks |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: help@kobo.com |
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Website |
https://www.kobo.com/sg/en/ |
| Address |
138 Market St, #32-01 Capita Green, Singapore 048946 |
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Telephone |
+65-67351987 |
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Operating Hours |
24/7 |
Audiobook Retailer |
Friendly Giant Books |
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Specialty |
Friendly Giant Books is by the same team who brought you Josh & Cherie Books, a monthly children book subscription. They also understand that as children mature, they have their own preferences of books. So here they are once again to grow your child’s library with you, offering many great titles. |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: contact@friendlygiantbooks.com |
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Website |
http://www.friendlygiantbooks.com.sg/ |
| Address |
1092 Lower Delta Road, #02-01, Singapore 169203 |
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Email contact |
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Operating Hours |
24/7 |
Audiobook Retailer |
Flip for Joy |
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Specialty |
Flip For Joy was founded in October 2011 by two good friends who enjoy reading to their children. They started buying interesting titles for ourselves and over time, their friends started asking them to purchase books. They then decided to take a leap of faith and start Flip For Joy. |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: flipforjoy@gmail.com |
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Website |
http://www.flipforjoy.com.sg/ |
| Address |
29A Hillview Avenue #07-10 Hillview Heights Singapore (669562) |
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Email contact |
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Operating Hours |
24/7 |
Audiobook Retailer |
Owl Readers Club |
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Specialty |
Owl Readers Club is a club specially designed to encourage families to cultivate good reading habits. They curate quality children’s titles at reasonable prices, organizing interesting reading-related events, providing opportunities to meet with fellow book-loving families and rewarding active club members. They hope members enjoy both tangible, intangible reading rewards. |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: writetous@owlreadersclub.sg |
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Website |
https://www.owlreadersclub.sg/ |
| Address |
10 Anson Road, International Plaza, #09-03 |
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Telephone |
+65 9725 6862 |
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Operating Hours |
24/7 |
Audiobook Retailer |
Big Tree |
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Specialty |
Big Tree Edu Aids Consultancy Pte Ltd is an education resource supplier that provides carefully selected products for parents, teachers and children. They have been in this business since they started in 2001 and are still continuing to grow. They supply resources to departments in government, international or private schools. Services: Educational audiobooks, Kids audiobooks, Game audiobooks, Teen audiobooks, Mandarin audiobooks |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: enquiry@big-tree.com.sg |
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Website |
https://www.big-tree.com.sg/ |
| Address | 14 New Industrial Road Hudson Industrial Building #06-03 Singapore 53620 |
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Telephone |
+65-6258 2583 |
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Operating Hours |
9 am to 6 pm |
Audiobook Retailer |
Wordsmith Learning Hub |
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Specialty |
They are renowned book publisher for assessment books related to MOE Syllabus, Singapore. They have published so far 60 Products under Tamil Assessment books and Audio/Video category for the school students based on the MOE syllabus. They seek to expand their books to English, Math and Science from Dec 2020. Services: Primary audiobooks, Tamil audiobooks, Educational audiobooks, Assessment audiobooks, PSLE audiobooks |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: dir@wordsmith-edu.com |
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Website |
https://www.wordsmith-edu.com/ |
| Address |
19 Mackenzie Rd, Singapore 228678 |
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Telephone |
+65-9060 7625 |
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Operating Hours |
2 pm to 8 pm |
Audiobook Retailer |
EMOTI |
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Specialty |
EMOTI Pte Ltd incorporated in year 2009, is a company providing various innovative educational instruments, with a focus on Chinese learning. Their aim is to help parents in children’s early education and to help children to learn in a fun, effective way. Their main product is EMOTI Talking-Pen & related books. Services: Baby audiobooks, Chinese audiobooks, Kids audiobooks, Educational audiobooks, Activity audiobooks |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: sales@emoti.com.sg |
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Website |
http://www.emoti.com.sg/ |
| Address | 55 Serangoon North Ave 4 #04-01, S9, Singapore 555859 |
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Telephone |
+65 6746 9180 |
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Operating Hours |
24/7 |
Audiobook Retailer |
Hodder Education |
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Specialty |
Hodder Education Singapore is part of the Hodder Education Group of publishers, one of the largest and most experienced educational publishers with over 100 years of publishing history. They specialize in high-quality, market-focused resources for education. Their world-renowned brands include Dynamic Learning, an innovative online subscription service with interactive resources. Services: Educational audiobooks, Learning audiobooks, Teaching audiobooks, Assessment audiobooks, Activity audiobooks |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: hoddercs@apdsing.com |
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Website |
https://www.hoddereducation.sg/ |
| Address |
52 Genting Lane #06-05 Ruby Land Complex Block 1 Singapore 349560 |
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Telephone |
+65 67493551 |
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Operating Hours |
8.30 am to 5.30 pm |
Audiobook Retailer |
Experal |
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Specialty |
Experal is not only your trusted online bookstore, but it is also a platform to connect readers around the world. Experal is also a place where users review, rate, recommend their favorite book as well as keep track of their readings. Experal is a cross-border online bookstore, delivering by post. Services: Fiction audiobooks, Fantasy audiobooks, Non-fiction audiobooks, Kids audiobooks, Biography audiobooks |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: support@experal.com |
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Website |
https://www.experal.com/ |
| Address |
#06-04, 38 Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2, Singapore, 569511 |
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Email contact |
support@experal.com |
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Operating Hours |
24/7 |
Audiobook Retailer |
Fishpond |
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Specialty |
At Fishpond, they are a friendly bunch of hard working people who love selling stuff online. They have been selling great products via their Fishpond websites that extend all over the world for the last 14 years, so you could say they know what they are doing, delivering books expediently. Services: Non-fiction audiobooks, Fiction audiobooks, Kids audiobooks, Biography audiobooks, Business audiobooks |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: https://www.fishpond.com.sg/contact_us.php |
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Website |
https://www.fishpond.com.sg/ |
| Address |
PO Box 97736 SAMC New Zealand |
| Contact page |
https://www.fishpond.com.sg/contact_us.php |
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Operating Hours |
24/7 |
Audiobook Retailer |
Book Depository |
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Specialty |
Book Depository is a leading international book retailer with a unique offer — over 20 million books and free delivery worldwide (with no minimum spend).They ship thousands of books every day from their fulfilment canters in Gloucester, United Kingdom, and Melbourne, Australia, to more than 130 countries across the world. Services: Self-help audiobooks, Finance audiobooks, Fiction audiobooks, Kids audiobooks, Biography audiobooks |
| Pricing |
Request a quotation: bdhelp@support.bookdepository.com |
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Website |
https://www.bookdepository.com/ |
| Address |
6 Davy Way, Quedgeley, Hardwicke, Gloucester GL2 2AQ, United Kingdom |
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Email contact |
bdhelp@support.bookdepository.com |
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Operating Hours |
24/7 |
Audiobook Provider |
Hoopla Digital |
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Specialty |
Hoopla is the digital service of Midwest Tape, which is a leading provider of entertainment and media to public libraries across North America. You’ll find free audiobooks, e-books, movies, TV shows etc. , available from more than 1,500 libraries. You can visit the website or download the app to get started. Services: Classics audiobooks, Fiction audiobooks, Kids audiobooks, History audiobooks, Biography audiobooks |
| Pricing | Free downloads, Free streaming |
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Website |
https://www.hoopladigital.com/ |
| Address |
100 Victoria St, Singapore 188064 |
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Telephone |
+65-63323255 |
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Operating Hours |
24/7 |
Audiobook Provider |
Librivox |
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Specialty |
LibriVox brings together volunteers worldwide to read, record public domain texts in order to create audiobooks. You can download the files to your computer, listen to them that way, or you can download the app for your iOS or Android device. At Librivox, browse the catalogue to listen to audiobooks. Services: Fiction audiobooks, Non-fiction audiobooks, history audiobooks, poetry audiobooks, literature audiobooks |
| Pricing | Free |
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Website |
https://librivox.org/ |
| Address | 1 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908, United States |
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Email contact |
info@librivox.org |
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Operating Hours |
24/7 |
Reading
To further cite the solid research on reading by the above academics, physically reading a book can be a more intimate experience because your imagination and mind conjures its own theatre, cinema of everything merely described by words on the page.
Upon reading the paperback edition of Moby Dick by Herman Melville, one may understand the importance of conjuring the theatre in your own mind, narrating the story with your own imagination.
It is highly subjective for all and as you become more familiar with both reading mediums, you will understand which medium suits you better.
You may debate rigorously, heatedly on the personal vs the social reading experience, but most know that when Richard Armitage’s beautiful voice is reading one a story in your ears and your ears only, there is much more intimacy.
Also, imagine him reading aloud versions of North and South, The Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings. A vast difference.
Privacy
Unless you are stubbornly clinging to secondary school habits of paper bag covers plastered over your books, reading a physical book in public requires you to display in public the book that you are reading.
The public and flashy book display could be a means to connect with another fellow book worm or perhaps you will simply receive the piercing, icy stares of non-approval flashing through your mind.
If you are thick skinned, just ignore disapproving glares. With e-books, you can just avoid the icy cold glares altogether.
Audiobooks vs Reading: Enunciation
You know when you read a book and completely adore the main character?
You search the internet for more information and locate an interview with the author.
She starts to reveal insights about your favorite character and that is when you finally realize that you have been saying the character’s name wrongly in your mind all the while.
A similar experience occurs with audiobooks, only in the reverse direction.
You discover the perfect book with the perfect narrator.
Peas and carrots, these two.
You know and adore this character’s beautiful sounding name and exactly how to enunciate those luscious R’s.
Off to social media to see who else is gushing.
But when you read it in print for the first time, you just go, “who’s that?”
There are advantages and disadvantages to both mediums of reading.
In other words, both of these scenarios will just end in awkward pauses at book club gatherings or at dinner party discussions.
Audiobooks in Singapore
Swedish audiobook platform Storytel launched in Singapore, April 2019, and is working with three home-grown publishers – Epigram Books, Marshall Cavendish and Armour Publishing – to turn their titles into audiobooks.
Seventy such audiobooks have been produced or are in the pipeline so far, ranging from Singapore Literature Prize-winning novel State Of Emergency by Jeremy Tiang (2017) to Ruth Wan-Lau’s Timmy & Tammy series for children.
Storytel aims to produce more than 100 by the end of the year.
More than 90,000 titles and counting are available on the Storytel app in Singapore.
A subscription costs $9.90 a month for unlimited book downloads.
Storytel has more than 800,000 subscribers globally. Singapore is the first stop in its South-east Asia expansion and its 16th market in the world.
Storytel Singapore country manager Shalu Wasu, 42, says: “I think Singapore is on the cusp of experiencing growth in this area. We want to become a local ecosystem for audiobooks.”
“An audiobook is accessible on the train, taxis, buses.”
In Singapore, the National Library Board’s collection of audiobooks can be borrowed on the Overdrive app. Amazon’s Audible platform, a giant in the global audiobook industry, is also available here.
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