Toronto romance writer Lily Chu practices an “audio edit” routine by having her computer read her completed books aloud while engaging in daily activities. Chu prioritizes creating an immersive experience for her audience, considering that 81% of respondents in a recent BookNet Canada report listen to audiobooks while multitasking.
Chu’s debut novel, “The Stand-In,” was initially released as an audiobook before its print version, marking the beginning of her partnership with Audible. Presently, she has published six books following the “audio-first” approach, aligning with the growing trend of transitioning romance novels from print to audio formats.
Diana Dapito, Audible’s head of global consumer content, revealed that romance stands out as one of the fastest-growing genres on the platform in Canada, emphasizing the genre’s increasing popularity. Additionally, data from BookNet Canada indicates a significant rise in audiobook preference among readers over the years.
Amanda Cupido, an executive podcast adviser, notes that the pandemic acted as a catalyst for the surge in audiobook consumption, emphasizing the intimate connection listeners establish with hosts, stories, and characters through audio content.
Chu describes romance as a genre of hope with strict rules of focusing on the main couple’s relationship and guaranteeing a happy ending. Angelina Rocca, a Canadian romance audiobook narrator, emphasizes the role of skilled narrators in creating a cinematic experience for listeners through sound effects and vocal choices that highlight women’s perspectives and pleasures.
Despite historical stigmas surrounding romance novels, Sarah Wendell, co-founder of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, advocates for the genre’s value and the privacy that immersive audio experiences offer readers. Lizz Kidd from Hopeless Romantic Books in Toronto recommends audio subscription apps as a gateway for exploring various styles and levels of sensuality in romance audiobooks.