THE INVERTER CYCLE
Audiobook Production Plan
Production Readiness Assessment & Next Steps
Date: March 13, 2026
Target Production Start: Q2 2026 (pending manuscript consolidation)
Estimated Completion: Q4 2026 (all three books)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Inverter Cycle trilogy is content-complete but production-ready files need assembly. Audiobook production can begin once:
- ✅ Complete manuscripts are consolidated (single files per book)
- ✅ Narrator guidance is prepared (character voices, pronunciation)
- ✅ Audio specifications are finalized (77 Hz integration)
- ✅ Platform selection is determined (Audible, Spotify, etc.)
Current Status: Ready for pre-production planning
Blocking Issues: Manuscript consolidation
Timeline: 4-6 months to complete all three audiobooks
PRODUCTION SEQUENCE
Phase 1: Pre-Production (2-3 weeks)
Deliverables:
- Consolidate WILDFLOWER complete manuscript (single file)
- Consolidate TALLY complete manuscript (single file)
- Consolidate COGITO complete manuscript (single file)
- Create NARRATOR_GUIDE.md (character voices, pronunciation)
- Create AUDIO_SPECIFICATIONS.md (technical requirements)
- Select narrator/voice actor
Decision Points:
- Single narrator vs. full cast?
- 77 Hz frequency: Include as subliminal? Mention in liner notes?
- Multi-perspective structure: Different voices for each perspective?
Phase 2: Book 1 - WILDFLOWER (6-8 weeks)
Why WILDFLOWER first:
- Complete screenplay (most production-ready)
- Self-contained story
- Establishes universe for subsequent books
- Can release standalone while completing others
Recording Specifications:
- Runtime estimate: ~3.5 hours (33,000 words @ 150 wpm)
- Chapters: 9 multi-perspective chapters
- Perspectives: 5 per chapter (The Play, Helena, Institutional, Frame, Network)
Narration Approach:
Option A: Single Narrator (Recommended for budget)
- One professional voice actor
- Subtle character differentiation
- Consistent tone throughout
Option B: Multi-Voice (Premium production)
- Primary narrator + voice actors for key characters
- Helena: Female voice
- Nick (frame): Male voice, older, reflective
- Military/Institutional: Different authority voice
- Higher cost, more immersive
Special Audio Considerations:
- 77 Hz hum: Mention in liner notes, perhaps include very subtly
- Frame narrative (Nick in 2027): Slightly different audio treatment
- Scientific terminology: Clear pronunciation guide needed
Phase 3: Book 2 - TALLY (6-8 weeks)
Recording Specifications:
- Runtime estimate: ~2.7 hours (24,000 words)
- Chapters: 8 multi-perspective chapters
- Perspectives: 5 per chapter (The Play, Ana, Keisha, Institutional, Network 2028)
Narration Challenges:
- Ana: Academic, precise, passionate
- Keisha: Working-class Chicago accent, warm, grounded
- Multiple Black characters: Authentic representation essential
- Economic terminology: Clear pronunciation
Cultural Considerations:
- Chicago South Side authenticity
- Working-class voices (not caricature)
- Ana’s Indian-American background (subtle, not stereotype)
Phase 4: Book 3 - COGITO (6-8 weeks)
Recording Specifications:
- Runtime estimate: ~2.6 hours (23,500 words)
- Chapters: 8 multi-perspective chapters
- Perspectives: 5 per chapter (The Play, Maya, Kenji, Yawuru, Network)
Narration Challenges:
- Maya: British accent (Oxford), scientific precision
- Kenji: Japanese-Australian accent
- Aunty Ngaire: Indigenous Australian elder (AUTHENTIC casting critical)
- Yawuru language: Pronunciation guide mandatory
Cultural Protocols:
- Aunty Ngaire’s voice: MUST be Indigenous Australian actor
- Yawuru language consultation required
- Broome setting: Authentic Australian feel
- Respectful representation of Indigenous knowledge
Phase 5: Post-Production & Mastering (2-3 weeks)
Deliverables:
- Audio editing (clean up breaths, pauses)
- Mastering (consistent levels across trilogy)
- 77 Hz integration (if using)
- Chapter markers for navigation
- Cover art (audiobook format)
- Metadata and descriptions
NARRATOR REQUIREMENTS
Core Skills Needed:
Voice Acting:
- Range: Multiple characters, ages, backgrounds
- Consistency: Maintain character voices across chapters
- Emotional depth: Handle dramatic scenes (Helena’s death, The Convergence)
Technical:
- Clean recording environment (home studio minimum)
- Professional equipment (condenser mic, interface)
- Audio editing capability (or access to editor)
Cultural Competency:
- Comfort with scientific terminology
- Ability to voice diverse characters authentically
- Yawuru language consultation (Book 3)
Ideal Narrator Profile:
Single Narrator Approach:
- Gender: Female (majority of protagonists are women)
- Accent: Neutral/American (for flexibility)
- Range: Can perform British (Maya), Chicago (Keisha), Australian (Aunty Ngaire)
- Experience: Science fiction, multi-character narratives
Multi-Voice Cast Approach:
- Primary narrator (Nick/frame perspective)
- Helena voice actor (WILDFLOWER)
- Ana voice actor (TALLY)
- Keisha voice actor (TALLY)
- Maya voice actor (COGITO)
- Aunty Ngaire: Indigenous Australian actor (COGITO)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Audio Format:
Recording:
- Sample rate: 48 kHz (broadcast standard)
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- Format: WAV (uncompressed)
Delivery:
- Sample rate: 44.1 kHz
- Bit rate: 192 kbps minimum (Audible requirement)
- Format: MP3 (final), WAV (archival)
- Channels: Stereo or Mono (narrator preference)
Platform Requirements:
Audible (ACX):
- Bit rate: 192 kbps or higher
- Sample rate: 44.1 kHz
- Format: MP3
- RMS: -20dB to -23dB
- Peak: -3dB maximum
- Noise floor: -60dB or lower
Spotify/Findaway:
- Similar specifications
- Additional metadata requirements
Library (OverDrive, hoopla):
- Higher quality often preferred
- Consider 256 kbps or 320 kbps
THE 77 Hz AUDIO CONCEPT
Creative Question:
Should the audiobook incorporate the 77 Hz frequency that unifies the trilogy?
Options:
Option 1: Liner Notes Only (Recommended)
- Explain 77 Hz significance in description/intro
- No actual low-frequency insertion
- Cleanest audio experience
Option 2: Sub-Bass Bed (Experimental)
- Include 77 Hz sine wave at -50dB or lower
- Barely perceptible, “felt” more than heard
- Creates subliminal unity across trilogy
- Risk: Listener fatigue, speaker distortion
Option 3: Chapter Transitions
- 77 Hz tone at chapter breaks only
- Short (2-3 seconds), fading in/out
- Creates sonic signature
Option 4: Mention Only
- Nick (frame narrator) mentions “the hum” in text
- No additional audio processing
- Let listeners imagine
Recommendation:
Option 1 or 4 - Keep audiobook focused on narration quality. The 77 Hz is a visual/screenplay device that doesn’t translate cleanly to audio without risks.
BUDGET ESTIMATES
DIY Production (Author narrates):
- Equipment: 1,500 (mic, interface, headphones, software)
- Editing software: 300 (Audacity free, Pro Tools subscription)
- Time investment: 200+ hours
- Total: 2,000
Professional Narrator (PFH - Per Finished Hour):
- Narrator rate: 400 PFH
- WILDFLOWER: ~3.5 hours × 875
- TALLY: ~2.7 hours × 675
- COGITO: ~2.6 hours × 650
- Editing/mastering: 100 PFH (or included)
- Total: 3,500
Premium Multi-Voice Production:
- Cast: 1,000 PFH
- Director: 200 PFH
- Post-production: 200 PFH
- Total: 10,000+
Additional Costs:
- Cover art (audiobook format): 300
- Audio engineer (if needed): 1,000
- Yawuru consultation (Book 3): 5,000
- Mastering service: 500
TIMELINE
Conservative Schedule:
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| March 2026 | Pre-production, manuscript consolidation |
| April 2026 | Narrator casting, contract negotiation |
| May-June 2026 | WILDFLOWER recording |
| July-August 2026 | TALLY recording |
| September-October 2026 | COGITO recording |
| November 2026 | Post-production, mastering |
| December 2026 | Upload, distribution setup |
| January 2027 | Release (all three books) |
Aggressive Schedule:
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| March 2026 | Pre-production |
| April 2026 | WILDFLOWER recording + TALLY recording |
| May 2026 | COGITO recording + post-production |
| June 2026 | Mastering, release |
QUALITY CHECKLIST
Before releasing each audiobook:
Technical:
- Consistent volume levels
- No audible edits/clicks
- Proper chapter markers
- Metadata complete
- Cover art correct dimensions
Performance:
- Character voices consistent
- Pronunciations correct (scientific terms, names)
- Emotional beats land
- Pacing appropriate
- No misreads (check against manuscript)
Cultural (especially Book 3):
- Yawuru language pronounced correctly
- Aunty Ngaire’s voice respectful
- Indigenous content approved
- Broome setting authentic
DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY
Primary Platforms:
- Audible/Amazon (largest market share)
- Spotify (growing audiobook section)
- Apple Books (Apple ecosystem)
- Google Play (Android market)
Library Distribution:
- OverDrive (major library platform)
- hoopla (library streaming)
- Bibliotheca (library apps)
Geographic:
- Primary: US, UK, Canada, Australia
- Secondary: Global English-speaking markets
Pricing Strategy:
- WILDFLOWER: $14.95 (or credit on Audible)
- TALLY: $12.95
- COGITO: $12.95
- Bundle (all three): $29.95
NEXT IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
This Week:
- Consolidate WILDFLOWER complete manuscript
- Consolidate TALLY complete manuscript
- Consolidate COGITO complete manuscript
Next Week:
- Create NARRATOR_GUIDE.md
- Research narrators (Audible marketplace, etc.)
- Get production budget quotes
Following Weeks:
- Finalize narrator contract
- Begin WILDFLOWER recording
- Set up distribution accounts
CONCLUSION
We are ready to BEGIN audiobook production planning.
The content is complete. The vision is clear. The market exists.
The only blocker is manuscript consolidation - assembling the chapter files into production-ready single documents.
Once that’s done (1-2 weeks of work), we can cast the narrator and begin recording.
The pattern continues. Let’s make it audible.
Document prepared for The Inverter Cycle audiobook production