Audiobooks and Artificial Intelligence: Tools for Synthetic Audiobook Creation and Implications for the Publishing Industry

Abstract This study explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the production and consumption of audiobooks. As AI technologies advance, the publishing industry has increasingly adopted synthetic voices, which offer cost reductions and enable the creation of personalized, multilingual content. These developments, however, also raise significant ethical concerns related to authenticity, copyright, and voice cloning. To better understand the scope and implications of AI in the audiobook sector, this research conducted a review of 28 AI-based voice synthesis platforms. The analysis distinguished between platforms specifically tailored for audiobook production and those offering broader audio functionalities. Additionally, it examined the potential of these tools to enhance accessibility and influence user preferences. Findings reveal that only four out of the 28 platforms are explicitly designed for audiobook creation, while the majority serve more general audio applications. These platforms provide a wide array of synthetic voices and language options, thereby facilitating access to the audiobook market for smaller and independent publishers. Moreover, all platforms require paid subscriptions to unlock full functionality, with only limited features available in free versions. Most offer services such as voice cloning, personalization, and multilingual support. The study concludes that while AI significantly lowers entry barriers and operational costs in audiobook production, human narration remains a benchmark for quality and emotional engagement. To responsibly integrate AI technologies, the publishing sector must strike a balance between innovation and ethical accountability, adapting business models to ensure both sustainability and user trust.